Inflammation and arthritis

Inflammation is a normal, necessary response. The problem is when it runs low and continuous instead of sharp and brief — which is where joint pain, stiffness and a good deal of chronic disease risk sit.

Two very different things get called arthritis:

Osteoarthritis is wear-related. It usually gets worse with use through the day, affects the joints that have carried the most load, and is the common one.

Rheumatoid arthritis is autoimmune. It typically affects joints on both sides, comes with morning stiffness lasting more than thirty minutes, and often with fatigue and feeling unwell.

⚠ Rheumatoid arthritis is a time-sensitive diagnosis

Early treatment prevents joint damage that cannot be recovered later. Joint pain and swelling on both sides, morning stiffness lasting more than half an hour, or a joint that’s hot, red and swollen needs medical assessment now rather than a booking.

If you contact us with that picture you’ll be told the same thing and helped to get seen. Where a rheumatology opinion is the next step, we’ll provide a detailed letter setting out the findings and recommendations, including who we believe is best suited to your needs.

What your naturopath works on

The dietary pattern, which is where the evidence sits — more plants and fibre, more oily fish, less alcohol, less ultra-processed food. The Mediterranean pattern is the best studied.

Weight, for weight-bearing joints. Fat tissue produces inflammatory signals of its own, so the benefit is more than mechanical.

Movement. Joints do better used than rested, and the type and dose is the thing to get right rather than the decision to move at all.

Nutrient status, including vitamin D and omega-3, tested where the picture suggests it.

Sleep and stress, both of which change pain perception and inflammatory signalling measurably.

The gut, particularly where the picture is autoimmune.

Medication interactions. Anti-inflammatories, immunosuppressants, biologics and blood thinners all interact with some herbs and supplements — fish oil and turmeric among them. Bring the full list.

Working alongside physical treatment

Joint pain often needs hands-on treatment and a loading programme as well as what happens on a plate. Where that’s the next step, we’ll point you to it.

Related: autoimmune conditions, psoriasis, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia and brain fog, weight and healthy living, insulin resistance, blood sugar and cholesterol.