"i have rheumatoid arthritis, recently diagnosed after 4 yrs of foot and shoulder pain. i was prescribed tramadol and think it is pretty good. it does lessen the pain (not completely in my case) and does not appear to have any adverse effects. i think a lot of what makes the difference for the various afflictions is a proper dosage for the type of pain. 

unlike the harder narcotics, i can definitely work/walk/etc. and be alert while taking tramadol. 

so far so good. "