Arthritis

There are over 100 different types of arthritis, the most common being osteoarthritis. Other common types include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and other autoimmune related types. Arthritis develops when the cartilage between bony surfaces in joints wears down. As the cartilage thins, bones can grind against each other causing pain, bone spurs and loss of movement and mobility. The most commonly affected joints include knees, hips, fingers, thumbs, neck and low back. Arthritis is generally considered progressive, although it can remain stable and symptoms can be greatly improved using natural treatments.

Naturopathic Approach to Arthritis

There are a variety of natural therapies used to alleviate joint pain and inflammation in the body. Arthritic conditions are often caused by underlying inflammation in the digestive tract called leaky gut syndrome. Healing digestive issues may be necessary to address the underlying cause of arthritis. Specific dietary changes can decrease overall inflammation in the body and help alleviate inflammation and pain in joints. Naturopathic approach can include natural medicines that decrease inflammatory mediators such as histamine, leukotrienes and prostaglandins.

Depending on your specific health concerns, you will receive an individualized naturopathic protocol including diet recommendations, lifestyle changes, and herbal, homeopathic, vitamin and/or nutrient supplementation that work together to reduce inflammation in the body as well as specific joint pain. We may recommend physical therapy such as acupuncture, craniosacral therapy, or massage therapy for symptom management. Naturopathic medicine can successfully address most types of arthritis.

Naturopathic medicine provides natural and holistic care solutions for most acute and chronic conditions. The goal of care is different from conventional medicine because the focus is addressing the underlying cause of illness not just the symptoms.

When you address the underlying dysfunction in the body and restore the biochemical balance to all organ systems, symptoms resolve on their own.