An autoimmune disorder like rheumatoid arthritis, can affect joints of wrists, knees, feet, hands, elbows, ankles, hips, shoulders and jaw. As it is a progressive disease that can easily affect other organs and systems in the body including skin, heart, lungs, digestive tract, kidneys, blood vessels, blood, eyes and nervous system. Since it is an autoimmune disease, it is caused by the activity of immune system which mistakenly attacks the healthy tissues resulting in inflammation of the joints. Some possible causes of rheumatoid arthritis are hormones, genetic factors, environmental factors and bacterial or viral infections.

Certain genes which play a crucial role in the immune system are likely to develop the rheumatoid arthritis. However, it is not true with all people having certain genes. Prolonged exposure to the infectious agents like bacteria or viruses is also one of the significant causes of rheumatoid arthritis.

It is believed that certain hormonal factors are involved in the development of this disease. The deficiencies or changes in these hormones may trigger this disease. That’s why, this disease is most commonly observed in women.

Some dietary factors are among the important causes of rheumatoid arthritis. Lower intake of vegetables and fruits containing vitamin C and higher intake of caffeine and protein may increase the risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Hence, your diet should be rich fresh vegetables, fruits, legumes which contain omega 3 fatty acids that decrease the joint inflammation. Add nutritional supplements like high quality multi-vitamin minerals.

Appropriate exercise and rest is essential to reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Rests is important to reduce the pain and inflammation in the joints. Exercise helps to maintain the strong muscles, joint flexibility and mobility. You should protect your joints by avoiding the activity that causes pain.