Pain Management in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Clinical Role and Therapeutic Implications of NSAIDs

Year : 2026 | Volume : 04 | Issue : 01 | Page : 21 27
By

Faizur Rahman,

Nalini Kanta Sahoo,

Rajesh Nath,

Alex Martin,

Asad Jamal Ansari,

Ebadurrahman,

Saurabh Kumar Chauhan,

  1. Faculty, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rama University, Uttar Pradesh, India
  2. Faculty, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rama University, Uttar Pradesh, India
  3. Faculty, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rama University, Uttar Pradesh, India
  4. Faculty, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rama University, Uttar Pradesh, India
  5. Faculty, College of Pharmacy, Integral University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
  6. Researcher, College of Pharmacy, Integral University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
  7. Researcher, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (SPER), Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a progressive, chronic autoimmune condition that results in swelling in multiple joints. It is estimated to occur in 0.5–1% of the global population and is more common in women. India has an estimated prevalence of 0.75%. RA causes the destruction of joints and a decrease in disabilities and quality of life. It is accompanied by further manifestations and multiple co-occurring conditions that lead to a greater burden of suffering and higher death rates. There has been a lot of progress in therapies that modify diseases; however, the pain of RA remains. A large number of patients who receive biologic denervation treatments for RA experience chronic pain daily. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) drugs have anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing co-morbidities by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes in the stomach and the resulting synthesis of prostaglandins. NSAIDs are loosely classified and divided based on their structures, COX selectivity, how these drugs are cleared from the body, which COX enzyme they inhibit more effectively, and their end-organ safety profiles. The end-effect safety refers to the potential safety of things such as gastrointestinal and potential cardiovascular effects. While NSAIDs can numb the pain, they are not able to prevent the disease from progressing or damaging to the joints. While the NSAIDs and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are used, the biologic treatments and the Janus kinase inhibitors (synthetic agents) are also used. Analgesics, antidepressants, and topical medications are also used. Non-pharmaceutical methods also play a valuable role in a patient’s overall care. These include exercise and, to a lesser degree, the role of physical therapy, surgical interventions, and psychological therapies. In summary, mastery of RA management depends on multi-domain strategies that manage inflammatory activity alongside residual inflammatory pain. Improvement of patient quality of life and outcomes hinges on an optimized combination of therapeutic toolsets. While NSAIDs provide fundamental pain relief, treatment strategies must be supported by infusion of targeted interventions of both pharmacological and non-pharmacological pairings.

Keywords: Rheumatoid arthritis, NSAIDs, pain management, DMARDs, therapeutic toolsets

[This article belongs to International Journal of Orthopedic Nursing and Practices ]

How to cite this article: Faizur Rahman, Nalini Kanta Sahoo, Rajesh Nath, Alex Martin, Asad Jamal Ansari, Ebadurrahman, Saurabh Kumar Chauhan. Pain Management in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Clinical Role and Therapeutic Implications of NSAIDs. International Journal of Orthopedic Nursing and Practices. 2026; 04(01):21-27.
How to cite this URL: Faizur Rahman, Nalini Kanta Sahoo, Rajesh Nath, Alex Martin, Asad Jamal Ansari, Ebadurrahman, Saurabh Kumar Chauhan. Pain Management in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Clinical Role and Therapeutic Implications of NSAIDs. International Journal of Orthopedic Nursing and Practices. 2026; 04(01):21-27. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/ijornp/article=2026/view=257675

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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 04
Issue 01
Received 01/05/2026
Accepted 07/05/2026
Published 15/05/2026
Publication Time 14 Days

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