There's no single "best" position for rheumatoid arthritis (RA); the ideal is whatever relieves pressure on your painful joints, often involving side sleeping with pillows between knees and under arms, or back sleeping with pillows under knees and lower back/neck for support, using supportive bedding and avoiding stomach sleeping to keep spine aligned. Experiment with pillows to find what cradles painful joints like shoulders, hips, and knees.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Or your doctor may prescribe a type called a COX-2 inhibitor, such as celecoxib or etoricoxib. These medicines can help relieve pain while also reducing inflammation in the joints, although they will not stop rheumatoid arthritis getting worse over time.
In people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the body releases less of the anti-inflammatory chemical cortisol at night, increasing inflammation-related pain.
Sleep, Rest, and Elevation
It's all about finding the right balance between activity and rest — overexerting myself can make symptoms worse. Elevating my legs during rest periods has been particularly effective for reducing inflammation and promoting better circulation, allowing my body to recover more efficiently.
However, if you're being properly treated and your pain is under control then a little nap can give your body a rest from the daily grind, she adds. “I wouldn't tell an arthritis patient to use daily naps necessarily, but I would tell them to make time to rest their body every day,” Dr. Rubenstein says.
Living in a sunnier climate may reduce the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, according to US researchers. Their study of more than 200,000 women, published in the journal Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases , suggested a link between sunlight and the risk of developing the disease.
Less Pressure on the Lower Back
Those who sleep with their knees bent change the position of their pelvis, which lengthens the lower back and creates more space between the vertebrae. This releases pressure on the lower back and spine, helping to alleviate pain and discomfort.
It's free, low risk and one of the most effective means of reducing the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis. Walking is an excellent exercise option for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It's low impact, great for our joints and has amazing benefits for our health and wellbeing.
Secondly, patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease may feel pain in their feet when their legs are elevated because the arterial blood has to push against gravity to get through the legs. Patients who suffer from either of these conditions should thoroughly discuss leg elevation with their doctor before attempting it.
Common types of arthritis include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout and psoriatic arthritis. “Cold reduces swelling and numbs the area, while heat loosens up muscles, increases flexibility and increases circulation,” outlines Dr. Rosian.
Early signs of rheumatoid arthritis include tenderness or pain in small joints like those in your fingers or toes. Or you might notice pain in a larger joint like your knee or shoulder. These early signs of RA are like an alarm clock set to vibrate.
Pills. NSAIDs are the most effective oral medicines for OA. They include ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) naproxen (Aleve) and diclofenac (Voltaren, others). All work by blocking enzymes that cause pain and swelling.
The joints involved most frequently are the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) and metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints of the hands, the wrists, and small joints of the feet including the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints. The shoulders, elbows, knees, and ankles are also affected in many patients.
Experts don't know the cause of rheumatoid arthritis. But it's a condition in which the immune system attacks healthy joint tissue by mistake, called autoimmune. The cause is likely a mix of genetic changes and factors from outside the body, called environmental. Hormones may play a role.
Methotrexate. Methotrexate is now considered the first-line DMARD agent for most patients with RA. It has a relatively rapid onset of action at therapeutic doses (6-8 weeks), good efficacy, favorable toxicity profile, ease of administration, and relatively low cost.
— July 31, 2025 — SetPoint Medical, a company dedicated to developing therapies for people living with chronic autoimmune diseases, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the company's SetPoint System, a breakthrough innovation for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Sleeping with legs elevated can be beneficial for circulation, swelling, and recovery—but it's not for everyone. If you have heart issues, nerve problems, or chronic pain, check with a doctor first. For most people, moderate elevation (6-12 inches) with proper support can improve comfort and sleep quality.
3 Things That Happen When You Put Your Legs Up Against A Wall Every Day. Putting your legs up against a wall is a simple pose with surprising benefits. It helps improve circulation, reduces swelling, calms the nervous system, and can ease lower back tension.
This natural technique supports faster muscle recovery, reduces inflammation, and helps prevent varicose veins. Whether you're recovering from exercise, standing for long hours, or simply seeking better leg health, just 15-20 minutes a day can boost circulation, enhance comfort, and improve overall wellness.
Flare Types and Triggers
Overexertion, poor sleep, stress or an infection like the flu can all set off RA symptoms.
With Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), you should avoid high-impact activities (running, jumping), repetitive motions, overexertion that triggers flares, excessive couch time, and skipping medications, while also being mindful of potential trigger foods like added sugars, processed items, and potentially gluten/nightshades if they worsen symptoms for you, as well as the damaging habit of smoking, to protect joints and manage inflammation.
People with rheumatoid arthritis often have an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), also called sed rate, or C-reactive protein (CRP) level. This may show a higher level of inflammation in the body. Other blood tests look for rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies.
The unhealthiest sleeping position is generally considered to be sleeping on your stomach (prone position), as it forces your neck to twist and flattens the natural curve of your spine, leading to neck, back, and shoulder pain, numbness, and poor sleep quality. An overly curled fetal position is also harmful, causing joint stiffness and restricted breathing, while sleeping on your back can worsen snoring and sleep apnea for some individuals.
The #1 mistake making bad knees worse is excessive rest and a sedentary lifestyle, leading to weaker supporting muscles, stiffness, and a vicious cycle of more pain; instead, gentle, consistent movement (like walking, swimming) is crucial to strengthen the joint and improve function, though it must be balanced with avoiding activities that cause sharp pain. Other major errors include ignoring pain signals, carrying excess weight, wearing unsupportive shoes, and poor movement patterns, says Parkside Sports Physiotherapy and Coastal Empire Orthopedics.
Yes, the Navy SEAL sleep trick (an 8-minute power nap with elevated legs) is a real technique for quick rest, popularized by former SEAL Jocko Willink, that helps improve alertness and reduce fatigue, though its effectiveness depends on individual relaxation skills and it's not a substitute for full nighttime sleep. The method involves lying down, elevating your feet above your heart (on a chair or couch), relaxing facial muscles, dropping shoulders, and clearing your mind for about 8-10 minutes to promote relaxation and blood flow, preventing grogginess.