Review of Current Medication and Side Effects

• Methotrexate helps manage rheumatoid arthritis by reducing inflammation. Folic acid is used to mitigate side effects like mouth ulcers.

Pain Management Strategies

• Consider NSAIDs for pain relief.
• Short-term corticosteroids may help control inflammation.
• Discuss with your doctor the possibility of adding or switching to other DMARDs or biologics if pain persists.

Lifestyle and Supportive Measures

• Engage in physical therapy and gentle exercises to maintain joint function.
• Use heat/cold therapy for pain relief.
• Focus on nutritional support and maintaining a healthy weight.

Monitoring and Follow-up

• Regular follow-up with a rheumatologist is crucial to adjust treatment and monitor side effects.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

• Be alert for signs of infection or severe side effects that require urgent care.

Summary and Next Steps

• Discuss pain severity and treatment options with your healthcare provider to balance medication benefits and side effects for optimal quality of life.