Naturopathic Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Treatments in Gilbert, AZ

Naturopathic Rheumatoid Arthritis Approach Overview

(RA) is one of the most common autoimmune conditions, affecting 1% of Caucasians and 5% of Native Americans¹. Women are more likely to develop RA, and peak ages of development are 50-75 years old¹. It is a chronic, systemic disease that can eventually affect all major organ systems as well as the joints.

Risk Factors can include¹:

• Nulliparity
• Genetics
• Family history of other autoimmune conditions
• Cigarette smoking
• Hormonal imbalances
• Environmental exposure
• Certain infections: Porphyromonas gingivalis in periodontitis, Epstein-barr virus (EBV), retroviruses, and others.
• Dysbiosis
• Obesity

Initially, Rheumatoid Arthritis may manifest itself as inflammation of the synovium of the joints however, it may progress to affect many other organ systems. Additionally, RA typically affects joints symmetrically. RA can lead problems in the following organ systems²:

• Musculoskeletal
• Integumentary / Skin
• Respiratory
• Cardiovascular
• Renal
• Nervous
• Lymphatic

What symptoms should you look out for?⁴:

• Muscle stiffness
• Joint pain & swelling especially smaller joints
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• May lead to other symptoms depending on severity & course of disease

Quality of life can be greatly affected by RA, 33% of those diagnosed will be unable to work 5 years later³. Life expectancy can be shortened by 5-10 years due to infections, cardiovascular disease, GI bleeds, or lymphoproliferative disorders⁵. However, a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis doesn’t have to be life-sentence or define you. Our Autoimmune Naturopathic specialist at our Gilbert, AZ office can help you maintain or gain back your quality of life.

How is Rheumatoid Arthritis diagnosed & evaluated by a Naturopathic Doctor?

Our Board-Certified Naturopathic Rheumatoid Arthritis Physician’s in our Gilbert, AZ office has developed a comprehensive and natural approach to effectively manage and treat RA. At your initial visits you can expect:

• Comprehensive case history
• Family medical history review
• Physical Exam
• Detailed lab review
  • Basic Blood work
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis specific lab tests
  • Testing for intestinal permeability
  • Food sensitivity panel
  • Environmental exposure testing
• Imaging in some cases

Naturopathic Rheumatoid Arthritis Options in Gilbert, AZ

Our autoimmune specialist will specifically tailor the treatments to your individual case to get better results. Treatments can include:

• Comprehensive evaluation and diagnostic testing
• Medical Nutrition
• Medical-grade vitamins & mineral supplementation
• Lifestyle recommendations
• Herbal Medicine
• Hydrotherapy
• Lymphatic Therapy
• Collaborative care team approach with Rheumatologist

 

Be free from the constraints of mismanaged RA and live the life you intended. Call our Autoimmune Specialist at our Gilbert, AZ office for a comprehensive approach to your health and learn more about the exciting Naturopathic Medical options available to you.

 

 

Sources:

1 Uptodate. September 2016. Epidemiology of, risk factors for, and possible causes of rheumatoid arthritis

2 Uptodate. October 2016. Overview of the systemic and nonarticular manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis

3 Rheumatology (Oxford). 2000 Dec;39(12):1403-9. The impact of rheumatoid arthritis on employment status in the early years of disease: a UK community-based study

4 Uptodate. October 2017. Clinical manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis

5 Medscape. May 2017. Rheumatoid Arthritis.

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-24663/9-lifestyle-changes-i-always-recommend-to-patients-with-autoimmune-diseases.html

https://drhyman.com/blog/2010/07/30/how-to-stop-attacking-yourself-9-steps-to-heal-autoimmune-disease/