How we treat inflammatory arthritis
Inflammatory arthropathies are a series of auto-immune disorders characterised by swelling, stiffness and inflammation of the joints. The most common of these conditions is Rheumatoid Arthritis but other conditions such as psoriatic arthropathy, systemic lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, CREST syndrome and a panoply of inflammatory conditions which are difficult to diagnose precisely are not uncommon. These conditions often involve many body organs other than the joints but joint pain, stiffness and swelling are typical of all of these conditions.
Why do they occur?
Primarily most people with these conditions have a genetic predisposition to developing inflammation in their joints. Classically they form antibodies against their own immune system resulting in complexes that bind to synovial tissue (the coating around the joints). This leads to a cascade of inflammatory changes that result in heat, swelling, pain and stiffness in the joints with loss of mobility and dexterity. Ultimately the inflammation can cause joint destruction and deformity.
What triggers inflammation?
This is still not fully understood and is normally attributed to an infectious agent, such as a virus being the trigger. However it is increasingly being recognised that our diet can have a profound effect on the clinical course of inflammatory arthropathies such as Rheumatoid Arthritis.
How are these conditions diagnosed?
The clinical presentation is of the utmost importance but tests are crucial in making the diagnosis. Often they are diagnosed through various autoantibody tests such as Rheumatoid Factor and Anti-nuclear factor tests. Genetic testing such as HLA B27 and markers of inflammation such as CRP and ESR can also be helpful. Serology for infectious agents such as in Lyme Disease may be required. Newer available tests such as anti citrullinated cyclic polypeptide may even be able to predict future risk of disease in healthy relatives. All of these tests are likely to have been done by your GP or hospital clinic. However we have sophisticated tests that will assist in enhancing your medical management through natural methods.
How are these conditions treated?
Standard treatment usually includes simple analgesia (such as Paracetamol or co-codamol), non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Ibuprofen or Diclofenac), Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (such as Methotrexate or Sulfasalazine) and biological treatments (such as Etanercept). Our medical treatment is complementary to this range of therapy usually with far lower levels of side effects as they are natural dietary products and / or nutritional supplements.
How do we treat inflammatory joint diseases at Essential Health Clinic?
In addition to standard medical therapy we have added several tests to facilitate with more effective treatment. Our trained medical practitioners are very well informed about standard analgesia, non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Ibuprofen, Diclofenac etc.), Disease Modifying Anti-rheumatic therapy (such as Methotrexate and Sulfasalazine) and biological treatments (such as Etanercept). However by combining standard medical therapy with our nutritional knowledge we can formulate a package of care that will reduce side effects and enhance pain relief and function.
Tests
In addition to standard clinical tests such as CRP and ESR we assess essential fatty acid profiles and indirectly cytokine levels (cell messengers that have an important role to play in inflammation) that are altered and often raised in rheumatic conditions. We also assess anti-oxidant status (the build up of free radicals that increase pain) and Vitamin D levels (deficiency having a profound impact on immune function). We also look at your diet and currently used supplements and based on clinical and biochemical assessments, are able to make recommendations to maximise your treatment.
Often standard medical therapy has too many undesirable side effects and after time a lot of the therapy loses its effect. By tackling the condition in a nutritional manner we can often minimise side effects, reduce dosage requirements and put you, the patient, back in control of your condition. Reduced inflammation and enhanced pain control can often restore mobility levels giving people a functional life back again, in some cases facilitating a return to work or sport. |
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