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Preliminary Study on Acupuncture Combined with Grain-sized Moxibustion for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis with Finger Joint Pain
Published on: May 16, 2025
Pain in rheumatoid arthritis
David A Walsh1, Daniel F McWilliams
1Arthritis Research UK Pain Centre, Academic Rheumatology, University of Nottingham, City Hospital, Nottingham, NG5 1PB, UK. David.walsh@nottingham.ac.uk
Current Pain and Headache Reports
|October 31, 2012
Summary
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pain stems from joint inflammation, central sensitization, and damage. Effective management requires assessing pain origins and addressing both inflammation and symptoms for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Pain Medicine
- Immunology
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory joint disease where pain is a primary and debilitating symptom.
- RA pain significantly impacts patient disability and psychosocial well-being.
- Pain in RA arises from joint inflammation, central sensitization, and structural joint damage, complicating disease activity assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the multifaceted nature of pain in rheumatoid arthritis.
- To emphasize the need for comprehensive pain assessment in RA management.
- To discuss treatment strategies addressing both inflammatory and non-inflammatory pain mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Review of current understanding of RA pain mechanisms.
- Clinical assessment strategies for differentiating pain sources.
- Evaluation of treatment impacts on RA pain.
Main Results:
- RA pain is multifactorial, involving inflammation, central sensitization, and joint damage.
- Non-inflammatory pain can obscure RA disease activity assessment.
- Biologics and surgery significantly impact severe RA pain, but access is limited.
Conclusions:
- A holistic approach to RA pain management is essential.
- Comprehensive assessment of pain mechanisms is crucial for effective treatment stratification.
- Pharmacological analgesia with proven efficacy in RCTs should be considered.
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