Rheumatoid Arthritis is Common but NOT normal — and What to Do About It!

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can feel like your body has turned against you. Achy joints, morning stiffness, swelling, fatigue — they all point to inflammation that’s running deeper than the surface. At The Wellness Way Mason, we believe the key to finding relief is understanding why your immune system is attacking your joints in the first place.

If you’ve been told “your labs are fine,” or you’re just managing pain with medication, it may be time to dig deeper. Here’s how we test for rheumatoid arthritis — and what you can do right now to start healing from the inside out.

How Rheumatoid Arthritis Is Usually Tested

Conventional testing for rheumatoid arthritis typically includes:

• Rheumatoid Factor (RF): An antibody that can indicate autoimmune activity, but it’s not always specific to RA.

• Anti-CCP (Anti–Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide): A more specific marker that helps confirm RA and assess severity.

• Inflammation Markers (CRP & ESR): These measure how much inflammation is active in the body.

• X-rays, Ultrasound, or MRI: Imaging helps assess joint inflammation or early damage.

While these tests identify that inflammation is happening, they don’t always explain why.

The Wellness Way Approach: Going Beyond the Diagnosis

At The Wellness Way, we take testing several steps further. Our goal isn’t just to label symptoms — it’s to uncover what’s driving them.

We use comprehensive testing to look for the root causes of autoimmune inflammation, including:

• Food Sensitivity Testing to see if certain foods are triggering your immune system

• Gut Health Panels to identify leaky gut, microbiome imbalances, or hidden infections

• Toxin and Hormone Tests to measure the stress your body is under from chemicals, heavy metals, or chronic cortisol spikes

• Allergy and Immune Function Testing to see how your system is reacting on a deeper level

This functional testing gives us the full picture — and helps us create a personalized plan to calm inflammation, rebuild immune balance, and restore energy.

Why Your Immune System Targets the Joints

Your joints aren’t the problem — they’re just the victims of an immune system under stress.Rheumatoid arthritis develops when your immune system mistakes joint tissue for a threat. The real triggers could be:

• Chronic gut inflammation (“leaky gut”)

• Toxic overload from your environment

• Unmanaged stress

• Food sensitivities

• Hidden infections

• Hormonal imbalances

When we reduce the total burden on the immune system, the body can stop attacking itself — and healing can begin.

What You Can Start Doing Now

While testing is the best place to begin, you can start supporting your body right away with a few key steps:

1. Focus on anti-inflammatory foods: Wild-caught fish, leafy greens, berries, turmeric, olive oil, and bone broth.

2. Cut out common triggers: Gluten, dairy, soy, sugar, and processed foods often worsen inflammation.

3. Support gut health: Eat fermented foods or talk to your practitioner about a personalized gut protocol.

4. Reduce toxic load: Filter your water, choose clean household products, and support liver detox pathways naturally.

5. Prioritize rest and stress reduction: Sleep, deep breathing, prayer, or time in nature all help regulate inflammation.

When to Get Tested

If you experience ongoing fatigue, swollen joints, stiffness (especially in the morning), or other autoimmune symptoms, don’t wait until things worsen.Rheumatoid arthritis doesn’t have to mean lifelong pain — but early detection and targeted care are essential.

Take the Next Step with The Wellness Way Mason

At The Wellness Way Mason, we don’t guess — we test.Our team helps uncover why your immune system is overreacting and builds a personalized plan that helps your body heal naturally.

Ready to uncover what’s driving your joint pain?

Schedule your comprehensive testing and consultation today at The Wellness Way Mason or call our office to get started.

Let’s find out what your body is trying to tell you — and begin the path back to balance and freedom from pain.