Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease which typically affects the joints in the hands and feet. This occurs because the body’s immune system has malfunctioned and mistakenly attacks the body tissue and causes inflammation. The resulting inflammation causes the lubricating fluid (synovial) inside the joint to thicken, producing pain and swelling. While the exact cause of RA is unknown, there are specific factors that can influence flare-ups, such as specific genetic markers, hormonal imbalances, and harsh environments. The initial symptoms of RA are deceptively similar to other joint afflictions. Prolonged joint inflammation is the most pronounced indicator, and this can be determined by a patient’s level of fever and fatigue. Traditional treatments involve the use of several powerful and potentially risky medications. These can include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) to ease symptoms, followed by corticosteroids to bring the ongoing inflammation under control. Each of the many conventional drugs used to treat RA such as prednisone, ketoprofen, and methotrexate carry a host of possible side effects, often times more debilitating than the disease itself. Here are a few of the most common home therapies and treatments that offer a much safer and natural methods to deal with rheumatoid arthritis: 1.