Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) occurs when your immune system incorrectly identifies the healthy cells in your joints as potentially harmful substances. This causes your immune system to automatically attack and attempt to destroy the “invaders” to keep you healthy. When functioning normally, your body’s natural immune response is quite effective against treating bacterial and viral infections.
But when your immune system glitches and continues to attack healthy tissue, ongoing inflammation caused by the process results in the swelling and joint pain associated with RA. Eventually this faulty immune response can destroy the joint lining, cartilage, and other structures that help keep your joints pain-free and healthy.
Research shows that individuals with certain genetic markers are more prone to developing autoimmune disorders such as RA, thyroiditis, and Crohn’s disease. But not everyone with these markers develops autoimmune issues, and some people without the markers do.
Other factors that have shown direct links to RA include:
RA typically causes pain, swelling, and redness in the smaller joints, such as the fingers and wrists. The symptoms can increase and decrease in severity. You may experience worsening symptoms for weeks to months that fade for a time and then return.
RA symptoms can also include:
The specialists at The Ash Center follow the same comprehensive, patient-focused approach to treating RA as they do other medical concerns. By combining conventional medicine techniques with state-of-the-art lab studies and other diagnostic measures, they create a care plan that focuses on alleviating your symptoms and treating the underlying causes of RA.
Their integrative medicine approach includes:
Feel free to email us regarding any scheduling or general questions!