Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain at Night

The United States National Library of Medicine website reports that pain at night is a significant issue for those with rheumatoid arthritis. It adds to the fatigue associated with the disease by depriving patients of desperately needed sleep. However, there are steps that can be taken to lessen rheumatoid-arthritis pain at night.

Before Going to Bed

• Before retiring, take advantage of one of the methods that will help reduce bedtime pain. The Arthritis Foundation website tells visitors about various methods of pain reduction that may be useful. For example, hot or cold packs might reduce stiffness and pain. Hot packs bring relief for aching joints and muscles. If there is swelling and redness, however, cold packs would be more useful in controlling those symptoms.

  Methods of self-massage, such as massage chairs, pads or hand held massagers, may prove helpful in relieving arthritis suffering. Additionally, self-massage may aid relaxation, which will help you fall asleep faster.

  Hot baths or whirlpools bring warmth and gently knead the sore joints. If you do not own a spa, there are several devices that are designed to fit in a bathtub to produce jets of water that simulate a Jacuzzi.

  Many patients find that over-the-counter medications available at any drug store take the edge off of their pain. Drugs such as ibuprofen, aspirin or acetaminophen may assist in reducing pain and swelling. There are also holistic treatments that can be taken to relieve pain. For example, The Mayo Clinic website contains reports about topical products that are produced from chili-pepper seeds. These products produce heat when applied to the skin. Using these or similar products before bed should continue to reduce pain for several hours.

While in Bed

• Wearing a brace or wrapping the joints with an elastic bandage offers protection to the area and helps reduce inflammation. This may bring relief from nighttime pain.

  The ArthritisToday website recommends using the best possible pillow for your particular needs. A pillow should give support to your neck without tilting your head forward. There are pillows especially designed for every sleep position.

  Besides a proper pillow, a mattress that supports your body is important for minimizing arthritis pain at night. If your mattress is too hard, consider a foam topper to soften it. Another addition to your mattress that could reduce pain at night is a mattress-warming pad. These are designed to fit on top of your mattress and produce the amount of warmth you dictate. This constant flow of gentle warmth can provide pain relief throughout the entire night.

During the Day

• Proper habits during the day can determine how well an arthritis patient may sleep at night. Getting enough exercise, having proper eating habits and learning how to best manage stress are all factors in arthritis pain levels that may affect sleep.