Rheumatoid arthritis may begin with mild joint pain and stiffness; but, unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis may be accompanied by fever, malaise, and loss of appetite and weight. That’s because rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. This means the body begins attacking itself. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, the body’s immune system begins attacking the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects joints throughout the body and, whereas osteoarthritis often affects one side of the body more than the other, rheumatoid arthritis usually affects the body symmetrically.Conventional treatment for rheumatoid arthritis consists of two types of treatments: those such as NSAIDs that reduce symptoms, and others that may slow the progression of the disease.Some natural remedies may also provide relief from the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. However, unlike some of the natural treatments for osteoarthritis, none at this time is believed to slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. Natural treatments may, however, add additional benefits when used along with conventional medications.*5/306/5*