Genetic factors. Certain genes have been identified that play a role in the immune system and which are associated with a tendency to develop RA.

Environmental factors. There may be an as-yet-unidentified viral or bacterial agent which triggers the disease process. In autoimmune diseases this often occurs because the antibody which attacks the virus or bacteria "cross-reacts" with a part of the body, in this case the joints. However, rheumatoid arthritis is not contagious.

Other factors. Other factors are known or suspected to play a role in the development of autoimmune disease. These include:

Abnormal bowel permeability. Individuals with RA have increased intestinal permeability to dietary and bacterial antigens. Increased bowel permeability can lead to absorption of antigens (proteins) which contributes to increased levels of circulating endotoxins and immune complexes characteristic of RA. Food allergies may contribute greatly to the increased intestinal permeability. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs may also play a role.

Food allergies. Numerous studies have demonstrated improvement in RA symptoms with identification and removal of allergenic foods.'

Decreased DHEA (an adrenal hormone) levels. Defective androgen synthesis has been proposed as a possible factor in the development of rheumatoid arthritis.

Altered bacterial flora and small bowel overgrowth are common in people with RA and the degree of imbalance is associated with severity of symptoms and disease activity.

Heavy metal toxicity with metals such as mercury, cadmium and lead have been associated with rheumatoid arthritis. These metals may interfere with collagen synthesis.

Low cortisol levels. Cortisol is the body's natural anti-inflammatory hormone. It is produced by the adrenal glands and its production may be decreased by chronic stress or use of steroid medications.

Chronic stress affects the immune system and is linked to disease onset and worsening in people with RA.

For osteoarthritis:

Gently massage around the painful area with a little vegetable oil or massage oil on your fingertips, making small, gentle circles with your fingertips. Avoid massaging directly on the joint. Instead, work right above and below it with your fingertips. Repeat daily for three to five minutes each time.

For rheumatoid arthritis:

Yoga - Yoga has helped arthritic patients with improving confidence, mood, self-awareness, range of motion, relaxation, blood circulation, concentration, stress and pain reduction, health of bones, tendons, muscles and joint ligaments. Classes and instruction are often offered at health and fitness centers; check out public library resources, too (books, videos, audio cassettes, DVDs, etc.)

Physical Therapy - Check with your healthcare provider about finding a physical therapist to help with various exercises based upon your diagnosis.

Arthitis Medication

Dozens of drugs are used to treat arthritis. They perform different roles from simply relieving pain to reducing inflammation or damping down the disease itself. You may be prescribed one, or a combination of drugs from any of the following types:

ainkillers (analgesics)Types include:

* paracetamol
* aspirin
* ibuprofen(Motrin)
* codeine

non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) Types of NSAIDs include:

* naproxen (Naprosyn and others)
* ibuprofen (Brufen, Nurofen and others)
* diclofenac (Voltarol, Diclomax)
* meloxicam (Mobic)

Cox-2 inhibitors include:

* celecoxib (Celebrex)
* etodolac (Lodine SR)
* etoricoxib (Arcoxia)
* meloxicam (Mobic)

steroids include:

* cortisone
* prednisolone (includes Deltacortril Enteric, Predsol)

disease modifying drugs include:

* gold by injection (includes Myocrisin) or tablets (includes Ridaura)
* sulphasalazine (include Salazopyrin EN, Sulazine)
* methotrexate (includes Maxtrex)
* ciclosporin (includes Neoral)
* anti-malarial drugs (includes Plaquenil)
* leflunomide (Arava)

anti-TNFs