Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Treatment and Management in Sandy, Utah
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune disorder that can affect multiple body systems. While RA commonly impacts the joints, it can also involve the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels. In autoimmune conditions like RA, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, which leads to inflammation, swelling, and pain.
In RA, inflammation primarily targets the lining of the joints. Over time, this can contribute to bone erosion and joint deformity if the condition is not properly managed.
RA often affects multiple joints at the same time, most commonly the hands, wrists, and knees. It frequently occurs on both sides of the body, which can contribute to chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Patients with RA may experience:
- Pain or aching in multiple joints
- Stiffness in multiple joints, often worse in the morning or after inactivity
- Swelling and tenderness in affected joints
- Symptoms that occur on both sides of the body (bilateral involvement)
- Fatigue and generalized weakness
- Low-grade fever
- Unintentional weight loss
Symptoms often fluctuate, with periods of increased flare-ups followed by periods of reduced symptoms or remission.
Risk Factors for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Several factors may increase the likelihood of developing RA:
- Age: RA often begins in middle age, but it can occur at any stage of life
- Gender: women are two to three times more likely to develop RA
- Genetics: certain genetic markers, including HLA types, may increase risk
- Family history: having a close relative with RA increases risk
- Smoking: cigarette smoking increases both the risk and severity of RA
- Weight: obesity may contribute to increased inflammation and symptom severity
Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Options at Alta Mountain Chiropractic
At Alta Mountain Chiropractic in Sandy, Utah, we use a combined approach to support patients with rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, inflammation, and chronic joint pain.
Ozone Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Ozone therapy has been used as a supportive treatment approach for inflammatory and autoimmune-related conditions, including RA. When ozone (O₃) interacts with the body, it creates a controlled oxidative response that may support several biological processes.
This approach may help:
- Support oxygen delivery and tissue oxygenation
- Stimulate the body’s antioxidant response
- Support immune system regulation
- Reduce inflammatory activity
- Support pain reduction and improved joint function
- Potentially reduce reliance on long-term medication in some patients
- Provide a treatment option with a low side-effect profile when appropriately administered
Ozone therapy may be delivered through multiple methods, depending on patient needs and clinical evaluation.
Clinical Nutrition and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Clinical nutrition plays a key role in managing RA symptoms by addressing nutritional imbalances and inflammatory triggers.
In many cases, diet and lifestyle factors contribute to inflammation. Therefore, reducing processed foods and improving nutrient intake may help support immune balance and joint health.
Clinical nutrition may support:
- Reduction of inflammatory load
- Support for bone, joint, and soft tissue health
- Immune system regulation
- Improved metabolic balance
Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms
In addition to in-office therapies, long-term RA management often includes lifestyle support.
Physical activity
Regular movement supports joint mobility and function. Common recommendations include walking, swimming, or biking for approximately 30 minutes per day, five days per week. Patients can also break activity into shorter sessions if needed.
Diet and inflammation control
A diet lower in processed and packaged foods may help reduce inflammatory stress on the body.
Chiropractic care
Chiropractic adjustments may help improve joint mobility, reduce mechanical stress, and support overall musculoskeletal function. Home exercises and stretching may also be recommended between visits.
Ozone therapy options
Patients may access multiple ozone therapy methods depending on their care plan, including injections and other delivery methods discussed during consultation.
Lifestyle factors
Additional supportive steps include:
- Avoiding smoking, which may worsen RA symptoms
- Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce joint stress
- Participating in supportive education or peer groups when helpful
Rheumatoid Arthritis Care in Sandy, Utah
At Alta Mountain Chiropractic, we provide individualized care plans for patients dealing with rheumatoid arthritis, chronic inflammation, and joint pain. Our goal is to support function, reduce symptoms, and improve quality of life using conservative, regenerative, and nutritional approaches.
To learn more about rheumatoid arthritis treatment options, call Alta Mountain Chiropractic at (801) 523-2582.
