Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of arthritis that affects the joints in the body. It is a chronic inflammatory disorder that causes damage not just to the joints, but body systems such as the eyes, heart, lungs and blood vessels. This is an autoimmune disease, which has no definite cause.

Unlike osteoarthritis, which results from wear and tear of the joints, rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of the joints. Painful swelling at the joints results from the inflammation of the lining. A number of new medications and treatment options are available, but severe rheumatoid arthritis may still cause permanent disabilities. This disorder may also affect the bone marrow, blood vessels, eyes, lungs, kidneys, and nerve tissue.

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
Common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are

• Tender and swollen joints
• Stiffness of joints causing restricted movement
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Weight loss

At the early stages, rheumatoid arthritis affects smaller joints first and as it progresses, it spreads to wrists, ankles, knees, hips, and shoulders. The symptoms of this disorder vary in severity, and may also alternate between flare-ups and remission. Chronic rheumatoid arthritis may even cause deformation and dislocation of joints.

Home remedies for rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis does not have a complete cure. Early diagnosis and treatment methods may help in preventing further damage and offer symptomatic relief. Consultation with a medical expert is needed before deciding on a line of treatment. Prescription medications are given to reduce the inflammation of joints. Physical therapy and chiropractic treatment may be given for improving your mobility. Very severe stages of rheumatoid arthritis may require surgery to replace damaged joints.

Top home remedies for rheumatoid arthritis include

Ginger
Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. Regular consumption of ginger helps in fighting symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Honey
Honey is a rich source of copper, iron, magnesium, vitamins, amino acids, and phosphorus. All these ingredients are effective in reducing the inflammation due to rheumatoid arthritis.

Epsom salt
Epsom salt is a rich source of magnesium, which helps regulate the pH of the body. It can be had along with lemon juice every day. You can also soak the affected joints in a bath of Epsom salts.

Hot and cold compress
Alternating between hot and cold packs is effective for reducing the swelling due to rheumatoid arthritis. A hot pack helps reduce muscle pain, whereas a cold pack helps reduce joint swelling and inflammation.

Garlic
This is another effective home remedy for rheumatoid arthritis. Garlic is rich in sulfur and has anti-fungal properties. It can be consumed raw or roasted. It helps to reduce muscle ache and swelling.

There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, and treatment options focus only on symptom management. As with any autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system starts attacking the body cells. Around 40% of people who are affected by this type of arthritis experience symptoms that are not related to joints. Risk factors associated with the disorder are family history, age, smoking, environmental exposures, and obesity.