What's Really Driving Arthritis Pain?
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By
February 2, 2026
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3 min
Recent findings published in ACR Open Rheumatology suggest that the perception of pain in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) is more complex than previously believed. Research led by Dr. Juan Schmukler at Rush University Medical Center indicates that patients experience neuropathic and nociplastic pain alongside traditional nociceptive pain. Notably, despite significant reductions in swollen joints, median pain scores have remained unchanged since 1979. This signals a potential need for a paradigm shift in pain assessment and treatment within rheumatic diseases, focusing on the comorbidities of anxiety, depression, and fibromyalgia.
1. Pain in RA and OA is now understood to include neuropathic and nociplastic components.2. Patients show persistent pain despite reduced swollen joint counts.3. Pain assessment tools like VAS and VNS report unchanged pain levels.4. High prevalence of anxiety, depression, and fibromyalgia noted.5. Importance of incorporating screening for these comorbidities in routine care.6. Data suggests a potential shift in understanding rheumatic pain mechanisms.7. Study encourages further exploration of nociplastic pain.
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