What is Rheumatoid Arthritis? A Clinician’s Guide

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a condition we see often at Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine) in St. Louis. Patients come in describing joint pain, stiffness, or swelling that just won’t go away. Many worry they are “just getting older,” but rheumatoid arthritis is different from typical wear-and-tear arthritis. It is an autoimmune condition, meaning the body’s own immune system mistakenly attacks the joints.

This chronic disease can be painful, unpredictable, and life-altering—but with the right understanding and care, patients can manage it and protect long-term joint function.

In this article, I’ll walk you through what rheumatoid arthritis is, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and how both conventional and functional medicine approaches can provide relief.

Defining Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the lining of the joints, known as the synovium. Unlike osteoarthritis, which results from years of cartilage breakdown, RA involves inflammation that damages joint tissue from the inside out.

This inflammation can eventually erode cartilage and bone, leading to deformities if untreated. But RA is not limited to joints—it can also affect blood vessels, lungs, eyes, and even the heart.

Who Gets Rheumatoid Arthritis?

RA affects about 1.3 million Americans, with women being diagnosed more often than men. It usually develops between ages 30 and 60, but it can start earlier or later in life. Genetics, family history, smoking, and chronic infections are all risk factors.

We often see RA in our St. Louis clinic among patients who thought their joint stiffness was “just part of aging,” only to discover there’s an underlying immune issue.

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

RA symptoms often develop gradually, though some patients report a sudden onset. Common symptoms include:

Joint pain and tenderness – often symmetrical, affecting both sides of the body (for example, both wrists or both knees)
Morning stiffness – lasting more than 30 minutes, sometimes hours
Swelling and warmth in affected joints
Fatigue and low energy
Low-grade fevers or flu-like feelings
Loss of joint function over time

Unlike osteoarthritis, which usually affects weight-bearing joints like hips and knees, RA often starts in smaller joints such as fingers, wrists, and ankles.

Why Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Happen?

RA occurs when the immune system mistakes healthy joint tissue for a threat and attacks it. The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but several contributing factors are recognized:

1. Genetic Predisposition

Certain genes (such as HLA-DR4) increase susceptibility to autoimmune conditions, including RA.

2. Immune Dysregulation

An overactive or misdirected immune system triggers chronic inflammation, damaging joint tissue.

3. Environmental Factors

Smoking, pollution, and toxin exposures can increase risk and worsen disease activity.

4. Gut Health and the Microbiome

Emerging research suggests that gut dysbiosis (an imbalance of gut bacteria) may play a role in triggering autoimmune conditions like RA. Increased intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”) allows inflammatory compounds to enter circulation and overstimulate the immune system.

5. Hormonal Influences

RA is more common in women, and flares may worsen with hormonal changes such as pregnancy, menopause, or postpartum shifts.

How Rheumatoid Arthritis is Diagnosed

RA diagnosis is based on a combination of symptoms, exam findings, and lab tests. Common tests include:

Rheumatoid factor (RF) – an antibody found in many but not all RA patients
Anti-CCP antibodies – more specific for RA and often present early in the disease
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) – markers of inflammation
Imaging (X-rays, ultrasound, MRI) – to look for joint erosion or inflammation

Because RA can mimic other conditions such as lupus or psoriatic arthritis, careful evaluation is essential.

Conventional Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Traditional medical management aims to reduce inflammation and slow disease progression. This often includes:

DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs) such as methotrexate or hydroxychloroquine
Biologic therapies targeting specific immune pathways (TNF inhibitors, IL-6 blockers, etc.)
Corticosteroids for short-term flare control
NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) for pain and swelling

These medications can be effective but may also carry risks such as immune suppression, liver toxicity, or gastrointestinal side effects. That’s why ongoing monitoring is crucial.

A Functional Medicine Approach to RA

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine), we look beyond symptom suppression and explore why the immune system became overactive in the first place.

Root-Cause Testing

We may evaluate:

Gut microbiome balance
Food sensitivities or intolerances
Nutrient status (vitamin D, omega-3s, zinc, magnesium)
Chronic infections or viral triggers
Toxin exposures and heavy metals

Nutrition and Lifestyle Strategies

Anti-inflammatory diets such as Mediterranean or autoimmune protocol (AIP)
Avoidance of trigger foods such as gluten, dairy, or refined sugar
Adequate intake of omega-3s, antioxidants, and plant phytonutrients
Gentle exercise, stretching, and mobility training to protect joint health
Stress reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, or breathwork to calm the immune system

Advanced Therapies

Red light therapy (PBM) for pain relief and improved circulation
Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) injections in damaged joints to support healing
IV nutrient therapy for patients with significant deficiencies
Hormonal support when imbalances worsen inflammation

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

RA is a progressive condition. If untreated, it can cause permanent joint damage, deformity, and disability. Early detection allows treatment to begin before irreversible changes occur.

Patients who combine conventional care with functional medicine often see the best outcomes—reduced pain, improved mobility, and better overall health.

Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis

RA is a lifelong condition, but it doesn’t have to define you. With a personalized care plan, many patients are able to continue working, exercising, and enjoying life.

We emphasize to our patients that autoimmunity is modifiable. By calming inflammation, supporting gut health, balancing hormones, and reducing triggers, you can dramatically reduce flare-ups and reclaim control over your health.

Final Thoughts

Rheumatoid arthritis is more than just joint pain—it is a systemic autoimmune disease that requires a thoughtful, comprehensive approach. While traditional therapies are important for controlling inflammation, functional medicine digs deeper to uncover the root causes.

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine) in St. Louis, we specialize in combining advanced diagnostics, regenerative treatments, and lifestyle medicine to help patients with rheumatoid arthritis live with less pain and more vitality.

If you or someone you love is struggling with joint pain, stiffness, or unexplained fatigue, don’t ignore the symptoms. Schedule a consultation with us today through our contact page.

You deserve answers—and a path forward.

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