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Arthritis

There are many contributing factors to arthritis including overuse, trauma to the joint, inflammation, or age-related changes in the collagen repair system. 

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis usually afflicts older adults due to “wear and tear” on the joints.  It occurs when the cartilage cushion in a weight-bearing joint loses minerals due to a decline in the level of glucosamine.  This leads to stiffness and the development of bone spurs as the body tries to stabilize the joints.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

       Stiffness (especially in the morning)

       Painful and/or limited motion

       No signs of inflammation

       Occasionally only hands or knees affected

       Rarely are all joints affected at once

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition that may affect the whole body, but typically affects hands, wrists, feet, ankles and knees, and may also include hips and shoulders.  The immune system is generating antibodies that are affecting the joints, causing a constant state of inflammation.  Rheumatoid arthritis is not considered to be a product of aging and is often observed to be hereditary.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:

       Joint may be warm, tender and/or swollen with almost constant pain and stiffness

       Joint deformities may become evident

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis have been shown to have increased gut leakage and food allergies.  Any food can be problematic, and it is best to consult your naturopathic doctor for more information and/or testing.  Medications for rheumatoid arthritis can deplete the following: calcium, magnesium, potassium, selenium, zinc, folic acid, vitamins A, B6, C and D. 

Benefits of Our Naturopathic Approach

• Corrects your body chemistry in order to slow down and reverse the disease process  

• Addresses the underlying root cause of your arthritis

• Will not merely mask your symptoms, but rather bring healing and correction of your body's imbalances

• Assesses and monitors the level of your pain and deterioration

• Your treatment options help reverse the disease process as well as manage pain

• Eliminates toxins and rebuilds your vitality in order to speed healing and repair