Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) causes severe inflammation of the joints and connective tissues, resulting in:

  • Swelling, pain and destruction of the joints

RA can occur in children (juvenile rheumatoid arthritis) and adults, with the incidence increasing with age (onset is highest in those in their sixties). The condition is also more prevalent in women, appearing 2-3 times more often than in men. RA typically effects smaller joints, like the hands and feet, but can progress to other joints as well. Medical treatment includes: exercises, splinting, medications (NSAIDs, disease-modifying antirheumatics, immunosuppressants) and surgery. The triggers for rheumatoid arthritis can be multifactorial. As such, Naturopathic medicine evaluates all determinants of health before establishing the best course of action. Natural therapies may include:

  • Acupuncture and Asian medicine
  • Botanical medicine
  • Diet counselling
  • Homeopathy
  • Hormone regulation with either botanical medicine or bioidentical hormones
  • Hydrotherapy
  • Lifestyle counselling
  • Low-level laser therapy
  • Nutraceuticals

The objective is to balance the immune system, reduce frequency and intensity of flares, reduce or eliminate symptoms, and minimize reliance on medication. Treatment typically takes 3-6 months.

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