1. What is rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of arthritis that causes inflammation and stiffness in the joints on both sides of the body. It is an auto-immune condition where the immune cells start attacking the body's healthy cells by mistake. It usually affects the feet, hands, knees, and wrists. It can sometimes affect other body parts such as the skin, lungs, eyes, heart, blood vessels, or kidneys.
2. What are the causes of rheumatoid arthritis?
The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not known. However, there is an increased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis if you:
Are a woman
Are obese
Smoke
Have a family history of rheumatoid arthritis
Had pollutant exposures such as to asbestos or silica
3. What are the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?
The symptoms observed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis are swelling, pain, tenderness, and stiffness in joints. Other additional symptoms associated with this disease include fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, weight loss, sweating, dryness in eyes, and chest pain.
4. Are there any home remedies to treat rheumatoid arthritis?
Some of the home remedies recommended for rheumatoid arthritis include:
Taking rest as much as possible
Exercises that do not strain your joints, such as swimming, yoga, etc.
Consuming a diet containing fruits and vegetables
Heat or cold application
Relieving stress by techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and muscle relaxation
Turmeric
5. Is rheumatoid arthritis curable?
There is no cure available for rheumatoid arthritis, but the treatments available can help in managing this condition. In addition, proper rest, having a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management can aid in improving the quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.