Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition that affects more than one joint in the body; usually several, when advanced. There is usually a family history of autoimmune disease in patients with any auto-immune disease, but not always. In Canada 1 in every 100 people have Rheumatoid Arthritis and it is more common in women than men. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect people of any age.

A person with Rheumatoid Arthritis will experience the following joint symptoms:

• Swelling
• Pain
• Redness
• Stiffness
• Limited range of motion at the joints
• Overall fatigue

When a patient is diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis it is important to rule out other autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and Celiac Disease.

Similar to other chronic, auto-immune conditions, naturopathic treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis at the Nardella Clinic in Calgary must both manage the symptoms and protect future tissue damage. This includes immune regulating treatments such as herbal and nutrient therapies and anti-inflammatory herbs such as Curcumin and Boswelia. Naturopathic treatments may also be recommended to help to manage side-effects of common Rheumatoid Arthritis medications.