Arthritis Treatments San Diego

Arthritis literally means inflammation of a joint. As a symptom arthritis describes an inflamed, stiff, swollen joint which is towards the end of a disease process.
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The two more common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, which were previously thought to be separate entities but research in the immunology of arthritis has revealed similarities between the two.
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Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD), is the most common form of arthritis. It is strongly associated with aging and results from damage or stress to the normal articular cartilage.

It is a condition where inflammatory cytokines promote cartilage degradation by suppressing the formation of articular cartilage.

Cartilage provides joints with cushioning and structural integrity to withstand the impact of shear force. In addition, this inflammatory process results in the formation of osteophytes, which can cause pain and limit range of motion.

Naturopathic Approaches To Osteoarthritis

When it comes to treating osteoarthritis the therapeutic goal is to enhance the repair of matrix with the hope of stopping or reversing the degeneration.

Weight loss has been shown to result in significant improvements in symptoms of osteoarthritis as this reduces the load on the weight bearing joints.

A Mediterranean style diet high in omega 3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation. There is some research supporting the benefits of glucosamine sulfate (GS) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) supplementation for preserving joint space. Botanical herbs like boswellia and curcumin can help minimize pain in combination with acupuncture.

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PRP joint injections are always a great treatment option for osteoarthritis as it not only helps with inflammation but can also help regenerate some of the damaged tissue.
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Risk factors for osteoarthritis:

  • Age over 55
  • Female
  • Obesity – weight loss has shown to result in improvement in symptoms
  • History of trauma/injury- significant injury to a ligament or bone, including breaks or bruises, can lead to early development of osteoarthritis
  • Physical job involving squatting and bending
  • Sport related injury and long term wear and tear
  • Hormonal influence – the age period coinciding with the peak of menopause in women has been found to be associated with increased development of osteoarthritis
  • Genetics – some studies have indicated a genetic predisposition to osteoarthritis

Naturopathic approaches can include:

  • Weight loss
  • Anti-inflammatory diet
  • Nutritional supplementation
  • Acupuncture
  • Botanical medicine
  • PRP joint injections

Symptoms of osteoarthritis:

  • Affects the fingers, knees, hips, spine
  • Pain in the joints is worth with activity and better with rest
  • Morning stiffness that improves 30 minute after waking
  • Joint can be swollen
  • Clicking is very often present

2 Conventional Approaches To Osteoarthritis:

NSAIDs

Oral and topical NSAIDs are very commonly used for the treatment of osteoarthritis to temporarily put a bandaid on the inflammatory process.

The problem with NSAIDs is they may increase the rate at which cartilage degenerates which can worsen the problem if used in the long term. It is also very important to avoid NSAIDs if you suffer from any gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, or kidney condition.

Glucocorticoids

Steroid injections intra articularly are recommended when NSAIDs do not work or they are contraindicated.

Steroids injections can effectively reduce pain by turning off the body’s inflammatory response for about 4 weeks. Whereas PRP joint injections (ADD LINK TO PRP PAGE) not only reduce inflammation but also have the ability of repairing damaged tissue.

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Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Treatments San Diego

Rheumatoid arthritis is a form of inflammatory arthritis that diffusely affects different parts of the body, more commonly the hands and the feet. Whereas osteoarthritis targets the weight bearing joints like the hips and knees more commonly.
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The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is largely unknown. What is known is that it is an autoimmune disease where the body is attacking its own tissue rather than those that are foreign to it. The main problem is the presence of inflammatory cells in multiple tissues, particularly in the synovium or the lining of the joints, which cause tissue destruction. These include prostaglandins, tumor necrosis factor, leukotrienes, and interleukins.

Naturopathic Approaches To Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a multifactorial condition that requires a comprehensive approach that addresses all the factors known to be driving the inflammatory process.

Nutrition plays a big role in this process.

Starting with the elimination of common food triggers including corn, wheat, egg, beef, and coffee. Next is repleting key nutrients including magnesium, B vitamins, zinc, selenium, vitamin D, and antioxidant support. Botanical herbs are also very helpful when treating rheumatoid arthritis including turmeric, boswellia, quercetin.

Exercise can also help patients with RA improve strength and maintain range of motion.

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Conventional Approaches To Osteoarthritis:

  • NSAIDs – very commonly used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. NSAIDs can cause stomach irritation and has side effects as discussed earlier.
    Steoids – like prednisone are used to reduce inflammation and slow joint damage.
  • DMARDs and biological agents – commonly used immune modifying drugs for RA that contain numerous side effects.
  • Physical therapy – can teach exercises that can help keep joints flexible
  • Surgery

Naturopathic Strategies Can Include

  • Eliminate food allergens
  • Correct micronutrient deficiencies
  • Botanical medicine
  • Exercise
  • Hydrotherapy
  • Healing intestinal permeability

Symptoms Of Rheumatoid Arthritis

  • Severe joint pain and inflammation
  • Gradual onset
  • Multiple joins and symmetrical bilaterally
  • Begins in small joints commonly hands and feet
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Risk Factors Of Rheumatoid Arthritis

  • Age of onset 40-50 years
  • Women outnumber men 3:1
  • Genetic factors – a positive family history is a risk factor
  • Environmental factors like smoking as toxins increase inflammation
  • High oxidative stress resulting from low nutrient levels of antioxidants
  • History of infection – RA development could be driven by chronic infection
  • Abnormal gut permeability – can produce immune activation and circulating immune complexes that cause inflammation

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