Rheumatoid arthritis sufferers 'more sensitive to pain'

A new study has shown that people suffering with rheumatoid arthritis are more sensitive to pain than others.

Research published in Arthritis Research and Therapy has shown that this group have stronger reactions to stimuli of this sort and their immune systems respond to this with a powerfully inflammatory response.

Robert Edwards, clinical psychologist and lead researcher, says that the focus on controlling this reaction means that the pain created in rheumatoid arthritis sufferers is often ignored.

He states: "I'd estimate that in general and on average, rheumatoid arthritis patients are 20 per cent more sensitive to a painful stimuli than the controls."

Mr Edward suggests that there are strong implications for people's day-to-day lives, with the additional sensitivity meaning that acts such as stubbing a toe can have a much stronger effect.

Recent French research published in Physiopraxis has suggested that activity can be useful in reducing chronic pain, such as that caused by arthritis.

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