Cooling Off Joint Pain in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) with Diet and Acoustic (Shock) Wave Therapy

A 28 year old female with more than a 3 year history of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with pain and joint deformities in the wrists, hands, feet and ankles had her pain reduced significantly allowing her to walk better and take her boxing lessons with a combination of diet, a few supplements and combined treatment with radial and focused shock wave therapies which I have been doing in the clinic for the last six months.

She was put on 1) Inflamx a hypoallergenic pea and rice protein with anti-inflammatory nutrients for two meals per day and then just ate whole fruits and vegetables for 5-7 day periods 2) She was recommended to take a few nutrients including Algal oil (algae omega 3 (EPA/DHA) fats, vitamin D, and MERIVA (curcumin) and 3) received a combination of focused and radial shock wave therapy at our office in 25 minute sessions done weekly.

While her ankle is a bit sore the next day improvement starts a day later and now she is able to walk much farther and do her boxing because all her joints feel better. Her right ankle which, was the worst and causing the most pain, I treat with combination shock wave therapy (focused and radial) and it feels much better. Encouraging her to eat a low allergy diet (off dairy, wheat, eggs and processed foods) that is mostly unprocessed and plant based is a key to enhancing an anti-inflammatory effect.

While this combined approach is not a cure for her RA it is a way of slowing or preventing the disease process and actually causing some tissue healing and allowing the person to be more functional with considerably less pain using non-toxic therapies.

I found this excellent article on the benefit of shock wave therapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis patients. Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Relief of Arthralgia in Rheumatoid Arthritis.” Pain Pract. 2018 Mar;18(3):380-387. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28665531/

The other component that needs to be added (or not neglected) is the benefit of improving gut function. The bacteria in your gut and the barrier of your gut lining can make a big difference in your joint pain. The good bacteria in your gut comes from the fiber in whole plant foods and sometimes past/present medications (i.e. antibiotics, NSAIDs, etc.)

You can make an appointment with me at 916-489-4400 to review your history and see if this approach may be of benefit to you or call me between 8-9 for a quick question to see if this 4 point approach (anti-inflammatory diet, supplements, gut health and acoustic wave therapy) may help you with your healing and pain.

Be Well,

Kirk Hamilton PA-C
Prescription 2000, Inc.
Health Associates Medical Group|
3301 Alta Arden, Suite 3, Sacramento, CA 95825
(916) 716-2295 (m) / (916) 489-4400 (w)
krhammer@surewest.net
www.KwikerMedical.com
www.HealthyLivingforBusypeople.com
www.StayingHealthyToday.com