Rheumatoid arthritis doctors near me
Prevent, alleviate, or heal disease—naturally.
Meet our practitioners who specialize in natural Rheumatoid arthritis treatment
Recommended health tests for Rheumatoid arthritis
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
How it works
Consult with our health coaches who will learn about your symptoms, habits, and goals.
Take personalized home health tests to discover potential root causes of any symptoms or conditions you may have.
Review your results in just days with our functional medicine doctors, nurses, and dietitians who will help you achieve optimal health.
Learn about Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune condition that primarily affects the joints, leading to inflammation, pain, and eventually, joint damage and disability if left untreated. Unlike osteoarthritis, which results from wear and tear on the joints, rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of the joints, causing painful swelling. RA can also impact other organs in the body, underlining the importance of understanding and managing this condition. The prevalence of RA varies globally, but it is estimated to affect about 1% of the population, showing no discrimination in age or race, though it is more common among women.
Causes
The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis remains unknown. However, it is understood to be an autoimmune disorder, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its tissues. This misplaced attack leads to inflammation in the joint linings. Factors that may increase the risk of developing RA include genetics, environmental exposures such as smoking, and imbalances in intestinal flora. Hormonal changes might also play a role, as RA is more prevalent in women.
Signs and symptoms
- Tender, warm, swollen joints - Morning stiffness that may last for hours - Fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite - Symmetrical pattern of affected joints (if one joint is affected, the same joint on the other side of the body is likely to be affected too) - Firm bumps under the skin on the arms (rheumatoid nodules) - Joint deformity if the condition progresses untreated
Diagnosing Rheumatoid arthritis
Diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis involves a combination of clinical assessment, laboratory testing, and medical imaging. A healthcare provider will look for signs of swelling, redness, and warmth in the joints, and may ask about symptom patterns, including the duration of symptoms and the effect on daily activities. Blood tests can check for inflammation levels and the presence of antibodies typically associated with RA, such as the rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies. Imaging tests like X-rays, ultrasounds, and MRI scans can help visualize the extent of joint damage and inflammation.
Prevention and natural treatment
While there's no known cure for rheumatoid arthritis, combining lifestyle changes with natural treatments can offer relief and manage symptoms effectively. Dietary adjustments, specifically incorporating anti-inflammatory foods like omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and flaxseeds, and antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables, can reduce joint inflammation. Regular physical activity helps maintain joint flexibility and muscle strength. Some beneficial practices include yoga, swimming, and walking. Functional medicine emphasizes the importance of gut health in autoimmune diseases, including RA. Probiotics and prebiotics can restore a healthy balance in gut flora, potentially reducing autoimmune reactions. Avoiding processed foods, sugars, and certain fats that provoke inflammation is also suggested. Herbal supplements, such as turmeric, ginger, and green tea, have shown promise in reducing inflammation due to their natural anti-inflammatory properties. However, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating any supplement into your regimen, especially to avoid interactions with existing medications. Stress management is another critical component of managing rheumatoid arthritis naturally. Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and tai chi can reduce stress and improve mental wellbeing, which in turn can lessen RA symptoms. Ultimately, while natural treatments can provide significant relief and potentially slow disease progression, they're most effective when used in conjunction with conventional medical treatments as prescribed by a healthcare provider. The combined approach offers a holistic path to managing rheumatoid arthritis, focusing on both symptom relief and long-term health.
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