Arthritis is a general term used to describe inflammation of the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility. While it’s often associated with aging, arthritis can affect people of all ages—and its root causes go far deeper than just “wear and tear.”
At our functional medicine clinic, we look at why arthritis is happening, not just how to manage the pain.
Types of Arthritis
There are over 100 types of arthritis, but the most common include:
- Osteoarthritis (OA)
- Caused by the breakdown of cartilage between joints
- Often related to aging, overuse, or injury
- Common in knees, hips, hands, and spine
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
- An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks joint tissue
- Leads to inflammation, pain, and eventual joint damage
- Can affect multiple joints and cause fatigue and systemic symptoms
- Psoriatic Arthritis, Gout, and Others
- Linked to immune dysfunction, metabolic issues, or other chronic conditions
The Functional Medicine View
In functional medicine, arthritis is seen as a symptom—not just a diagnosis. The key question is:
What’s driving the inflammation in your body?
Common root causes we explore include:
- Chronic inflammation from poor diet, toxins, or stress
- Gut imbalances (dysbiosis, leaky gut, or infections)
- Autoimmunity and immune system dysregulation
- Food sensitivities (like gluten or dairy)
- Nutrient deficiencies (magnesium, vitamin D, omega-3s)
- Blood sugar and insulin imbalances
- Infections or hidden pathogens
- Toxic load from heavy metals or environmental exposures
How Functional Medicine Helps Arthritis
Instead of masking symptoms, we work to reduce inflammation, restore balance, and support tissue repair—so you can get back to doing what you love.
Your personalized care may include:
- Advanced testing to uncover root causes of inflammation
- Anti-inflammatory diet tailored to your needs
- Gut healing and microbiome support
- Supplements and herbs to reduce joint pain (like turmeric, boswellia, omega-3s)
- Lifestyle strategies including movement, stress reduction, and detox support
