Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disorder that can affect the joints, especially the ones in the arms and legs. It is also an autoimmune disease, meaning the body’s immune system, which serves as a natural defense, gets confused and attacks the healthy tissues. The condition often affects the same type of joints on both sides of the body. However, RA can occasionally impact other body parts, such as the lungs, eyes, or circulatory system.

Symptoms
Common warning signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include-

• Joint pain
• Joint swelling and inflammation
• Stiffness in joints, especially in the morning or after being inactive for a long time
• Fatigue that is marked by exhaustion and a lack of energy
• Lack of appetite
• Loss of body mass
• A high temperature
• Dry eyes
• Chest pain
• Little bumps under the skin surrounding the joints
• Lung disease and shortness of breath can be brought on by scarring and inflammation.
• Blood vessel inflammation that harms the skin, nerves, and other organs
• Low red blood cell (RBC) count

Causes
The immune system supports the body’s defenses against foreign particles and infection. If a person has rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system targets the healthy joint tissue. It could also lead to problems with one’s nerves, eyes, skin, heart, and lungs. Health experts are yet to determine what causes this condition, despite the likelihood that it has a hereditary component. Even though one’s genes don’t directly cause rheumatoid arthritis, they can increase your susceptibility to environmental conditions, such as infection with specific viruses and bacteria, that may lead to the development of the condition.

Risks associated with rheumatoid arthritis
The risk of having high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure may be higher in RA patients who are more likely to be dealing with unhealthy BMI.

Treatment
Rheumatoid arthritis has no known cure. A patient must work with their doctor to get the proper care, but one can also take steps to control the inflammation and lessen the discomfort and tiredness. Here is a list of a few rheumatoid arthritis remedies that will help-

1. Physical activity- Maintaining an energetic lifestyle can help with pain and other rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Being physically active may be challenging when a patient is experiencing a flare-up. However, they can be dynamic in a way that suits you, provided they find the correct workout and assistance advised by a physical therapist. Lack of exercise can cause weak muscles and stiff joints.
2. Hot & cold treatment- Warm baths or heat pads are heat therapies for reducing aching muscles and stiff joints. Cold compress is preferable for acute soreness and swollen joints. It can effectively numb painful areas, providing some comfort and reducing inflammation.
3. Healthy meals- A nutritional regime high in natural nutrition and low in processed contents and saturated fat is excellent for general health and are great foods to help with rheumatoid arthritis. Some safe foods include fruits, vegetables, seafood, nuts, and beans,
4. Managing stress- Techniques for de-stressing and avoiding pain include meditation, yoga, and positive thoughts. Massage therapy can relieve stress or anxiety and ease tight muscles. To relieve pain, acupuncture is also advised, which involves placing tiny needles along the affected area.

If these home remedies and alternative therapies fail to yield results, a health expert may advise surgery to repair damaged joints and restore one’s ability to use them.