Rheumatoid Arthritis occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the membrane surrounding the joints, causing pain, inflammation and stiffness in the joints. Other symptoms include fever, fatigue and a general sense of ill feeling. Unlike other forms of arthritis, RA affects joints in a symmetrical manner—meaning that if one wrist is affected by the disease, the other wrist will also be affected. RA commonly causes inflammation in the wrist and finger joints, however, it can also affect the neck, knees, ankles, elbows, feet, shoulders and hips. Rheumatoid arthritis can range in severity from mild to extreme, and is often chronic. Some people with RA experience peaks in the severity of their symptoms (called "flares"), while others' are constant.
Below you will find alternative and natural treatment options including those from a Chinese Medicine perspective for Rheumatoid Arthritis.