Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune condition that affects far more than just the joints. The immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, leading to swelling, pain, stiffness, and eventually structural damage if not properly managed. Because RA is systemic, it can influence tendons, ligaments, muscles, and even organs—making early, comprehensive care essential.
The pain associated with RA can affect every aspect of daily life. Simple activities like gripping a cup, walking across the room, or getting out of bed may become difficult during flares. The ongoing struggle with pain can also impact mood, energy, independence, and confidence. Over time, unmanaged inflammation may lead to joint deformity and long-term functional limitations.
At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, our mission is to support patients with RA through a least invasive, least drug-dependent, highly personalized approach. While rheumatologists focus on controlling the disease process with systemic medications, our team specializes in targeted pain management strategies that help preserve mobility, reduce discomfort, and restore quality of life.
Joint injections provide both diagnostic insight and therapeutic relief for RA-related inflammation.
Corticosteroid injections for inflamed RA joints (e.g., knees, shoulders, wrists):
Goals: reduce inflammation, ease pain, improve function:
Frequency limits and safety considerations:
Using imaging ensures that medications are delivered exactly where they are needed.
Ultrasound or fluoroscopy guidance:
Benefits of accurate placement and reduced risk:
How image guidance improves pain relief outcomes:
Sometimes RA pain becomes nerve-driven, especially when inflammation irritates sensory pathways.
When RA pain has a strong nerve-related component:
Use of nerve blocks to localize pain sources:
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to “turn down” chronic pain signals:
RA may also affect the spine or sacroiliac joints, creating additional sources of discomfort.
Managing RA-related neck, back, or sacroiliac joint pain:
Facet joint injections, epidural steroid injections, or sacroiliac joint injections as appropriate:
A skilled therapist helps patients maintain function even during flares.
Maintaining joint mobility and preventing contractures:
Improving strength and endurance despite chronic disease:
Exercise must be personalized for each patient’s tolerance, symptoms, and disease stage.
Gentle range-of-motion and stretching routines:
Low-impact strengthening for major muscle groups:
Activity pacing strategies to avoid overuse and flare-ups:
RA can affect stability due to joint pain, deformity, or muscle weakness.
Addressing instability from painful joints or deformities:
Assistive devices (canes, walkers, splints) when needed:
Home routines support ongoing progress between visits.
Simple, sustainable routines to practice between visits:
Education on how to adjust exercises during flares:
Massage and soft-tissue techniques can help reduce muscle tension and improve comfort around inflamed joints.
Reducing muscle tension around painful joints:
Addressing compensatory tightness from altered movement patterns:
Supporting fragile or inflamed joints can reduce stress, prevent further irritation, and allow patients to stay active with less pain.
Splinting and bracing for fragile or overused joints:
Using adaptive tools for hands, wrists, knees, and ankles:
Temperature-based therapies are easy, accessible ways to manage symptoms at home.
When to use warm packs vs. cold packs:
Safe application guidelines at home:
Simple changes to daily routines can significantly reduce pain and protect vulnerable joints.
Task modification to reduce strain (cooking, cleaning, typing):
Energy conservation and rest breaks built into the day:
Regenerative therapies are not designed to treat the autoimmune cause of RA, but they may help support tissues affected by chronic inflammation.
Potential role for certain soft-tissue issues associated with RA:
How these options are evaluated on a case-by-case basis:
HBOT may support overall tissue recovery and wellness for some patients.
Potential benefits for tissue health and healing support:
Use as an adjunct, not a standalone treatment:
RA affects more than the joints—it influences energy levels, sleep quality, stress, and mental wellbeing. Integrative strategies can help patients feel more in control.
Mind-body strategies (relaxation breathing, mindfulness, stress reduction):
Sleep hygiene support, given RA’s impact on rest and recovery:
Living with rheumatoid arthritis pain can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to define your everyday life. With the right combination of care, support, and thoughtfully chosen therapies, RA pain can often be managed more effectively than many patients realize. At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, we’re committed to walking alongside you every step of the way—offering compassionate, long-term partnership for those navigating chronic autoimmune pain.
If RA symptoms are beginning to limit your mobility, independence, or joy in daily activities, now is the time to seek professional support. Early, coordinated pain management can make a meaningful difference in preserving joint function and restoring your confidence in movement. We’re here to help you feel more comfortable, more capable, and more in control of your health.
Main Line: +1-844-328-4624
Website: https://www.mediciortho.com/
Clinic Locations:
Ambulatory Surgery Centers:
At Medici, you’re more than your MRI.
We take time to hear your story, understand your pain, and create a plan that actually works for you.
Our team delivers specialist care at convenient locations across Metro Atlanta:
Get expert tips on injury recovery, pain relief, joint health, and movement strategies—straight from our Fellowship-Trained team.
