Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) causes inflammation in the lining of the joints, leaving them swollen and painful, which can lead to bone erosion and deformity. More common in women than in men, rheumatoid arthritis usually affects people in their 40’s, though individuals of all ages can be diagnosed.
Usually, if a joint on one side of the body is inflamed, chances are the corresponding joint on the other side of the body is inflamed also. The symmetry of joint pain is a telltale characteristic of RA that distinguishes it from other types of arthritis, such as osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, and lupus. We offer rheumatoid arthritis treatment here at Angel Longevity Medical Center.
The symptoms
The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not known, but experts believe a faulty immune system is to blame. RA can be difficult to diagnose due to the symptoms mimicking signs of other known illnesses and because they come and go sporadically (flare-up).
Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Tender, warm, and swollen joints
- Inflammation of small joints in the hands, fingers, and feet
- Rheumatoid nodules or firm bumps of tissue under the skin
- Long-lasting morning stiffness
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS VS OSTEOARTHRITIS: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that affects the entire body.
Some of the other major differences include:
The symptoms
Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can include joint pain, stiffness, reduced range of motion, and swelling, but it can also cause fever, fatigue, and loss of energy. Osteoarthritis only involves joint pain, stiffness, and sometimes mild swelling.
Time of occurrence
Rheumatoid arthritis tends to be worse in the morning or after long periods of inactivity, while osteoarthritis worsens with exertion and throughout the day.
Location of disease
Rheumatoid arthritis often causes swelling in pairs of smaller joints, such as the hands or ankles, and osteoarthritis causes inflammation in weight-bearing joints, such as the hips, knees, back, neck, and small finger joints.
Age of onset
Rheumatoid arthritis usually develops between the ages of 30 and 50, and it may even occur in adolescence. Osteoarthritis occurs in people that are middle-aged or older. In the U.S., only 1.3 million people have rheumatoid arthritis and over 21 million have osteoarthritis.
Our difference
There is no cure for this condition, and most traditional rheumatoid arthritis treatments focus on controlling symptoms. This is where Angel Longevity Medical Center is different.
Dr. Mathur’s approach as an integrative functional doctor is one of a medical detective.
She gathers all the clues of the patient’s past through extensive personal and family histories and their present lifestyle, potential toxins in the environment, social life, stress level, relationships, diet, workout regimen, sleep habits, and symptoms. Armed with this information, and all appropriate lab tests, she strives to uncover how and why the body is not functioning well.
Meet Dr. Anju Mathur
Dr. Anju Mathur’s “Back to Wellness Program” has helped countless men and women that have suffered from rheumatoid arthritis. Many people have been able to overcome the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis with Dr. Mathur’s approach.
Our detailed rheumatoid arthritis treatment allows Dr. Mathur to tailor a treatment protocol to suit an individual’s exact imbalances and disharmonies. Upon the initial evaluation, she will assess multiple aspects of the patient’s lifestyle, history, and current habits, and run the necessary tests to help her thoroughly analyze the individual’s condition.
From there, Dr. Mathur will create the patient’s rheumatoid arthritis treatment plan, which will consist of different phases of healing throughout her “Back to Wellness Program.” Patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis have been able to conquer the effects of this autoimmune condition and greatly improve their health with Dr. Mathur’s unique approach.
Some other common autoimmune disorders Dr. Mathur specializes in treating include Graves’ disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, lupus, multiple sclerosis (MS), Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and chronic fatigue syndrome.
THE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS TREATMENT EXPERIENCEWHAT TO EXPECT
Dr. Mathur offers a personalized “Back to Wellness Program” to address the underlying causes of rheumatoid arthritis, ease inflammation, and bring patients back to health. As part of this approach, she offers several therapies that may lessen the effects of the condition, including:
IV nutrient therapy
can allow the body to get the nutrition it needs to support a healthy immune system and overcome the inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis.
Phospholipid exchange therapy
can detoxify the body at a cellular level, and it may cleanse the cells of systemic toxins to improve overall organ function.
Chelation therapy
can also help to detoxify the body, which may improve immune system function and organ health.
Ultraviolet blood irradiation
may help to cleanse the blood of harmful bacteria and viruses, which may reduce the effects of rheumatoid arthritis.
Call rheumatoid arthritis treatment specialist, Dr. Anju Mathur’s office to speak with a health consultant, at (818) 961-2055 to reduce swelling, regain mobility, and recapture your quality of life.
