The cause has not yet been quite established. Generally it is three times more prevalent in females. The general belief that prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis is influenced by climate has not yet been established. Genetic factor may be present but not quite confirmed. The presence in the serum of abnormal globulins with the characteristics of antibodies in high proportion oof patients together with the histologicalappearances in the synovium have led to the idea that rheumatoid arthritis may be associated with a derangement of the immune response to exogenouss antigens, or antigens derived in part from the patient's own tissue. The presence of these antibodies, which can in certain conditions react with material derived from a human source, suggests that they may play some part in the production of tissue damage, althouugh there is no direct evidence as yet in support of the hypothysis.
The onset is insidious in some cases, in others it starts with fever and rapid invoolvement of many joints. Before the involvement of the joint, the patient may complain of general malaise, fatigue, numbness and tingling in the extremities. Loss of weight and general debility. Muscular and cartilaginous pain. Small joints like fingers and toes are first affected. Swelling and stiffness of joints. During the active stage, the signs of low fever, tachycardia, hypochromiic anaemia, mild leucocytosis, raised ESR, decreased albumin, increased globulin and fibrinogen and altered plasma proteins are commonly found.
Homeopathy and Acupuncture treatment is recommmended to treat this disease.

Homeopathic Remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis

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