5 Essential Strategies for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis

A Functional Medicine Perspective with Dr. Kurt Woeller, DO — Sunrise Functional Medicine

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects an estimated 17.6 million people worldwide — and that number is projected to soar to nearly 32 million by 2050. In the United States alone, RA’s direct and indirect health costs reach more than $46 billion annually. But behind these numbers are real people trying to work, care for families, maintain independence, and stay hopeful through chronic pain and fatigue.

RA is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly targets joint tissue, creating inflammation that can lead to damage and loss of mobility. Before the first stiff or swollen joint appears, the disease may already be active beneath the surface. Autoimmune antibodies can circulate for years before symptoms are recognized — which means early detection and early intervention matter more than ever.

At Sunrise Functional Medicine, Dr. Kurt Woeller takes a proactive approach: identify the root causes driving immune dysfunction and support the body’s natural ability to heal. If RA is on your radar — due to symptoms, family history, or other risk factors — these five strategies can make a transformative difference.

Identify RA Early Through Advanced Testing

Most people are diagnosed with RA only after joint pain becomes significant. But long before that point, the body begins sending biochemical signals — including autoantibodies such as anti-CCP — that can be detected through advanced functional testing. Research shows:

High antibody levels can increase RA likelihood up to 62% within five years
A positive anti-CCP test in high-risk individuals can predict RA with nearly 70% accuracy

This stage is what we call a “window of opportunity.” It’s the phase where interventions can potentially delay or minimize disease progression. Dr. Woeller’s diagnostic work doesn’t wait for worsening symptoms — he looks for early markers of inflammation, immune dysregulation, and gut imbalance so treatment can start when it’s most effective.

Reduce Exposure to Environmental Triggers

We often think of RA as a purely internal issue — but what we breathe, ingest, and absorb from our environment can shape disease risk and severity. Key triggers include:

Air pollution & traffic exhaust — linked to increased RA onset
Toxic chemicals & microplastics — shown to worsen inflammation and joint damage
Endocrine disruptors — may shift immune regulation and fuel autoimmunity

These exposures promote oxidative stress and abnormal immune activation — a “perfect storm” for persistent inflammation.

Functional medicine helps patients:

Identify hidden toxic exposures
Support detoxification pathways
Improve nutritional defenses against oxidative stress

Reducing what burdens the immune system is a powerful first step toward restoring balance.

Restore Oral & Gut Health

The connection between oral bacteria and RA is one of the most compelling and actionable discoveries in recent autoimmune research. Specifically:

Smoking increases the risk of periodontal disease
The bacteria P. gingivalis can trigger the antibody changes seen in RA
Gut microbiome imbalance may increase intestinal permeability and immune activation

That means… better gum health and better gut health can translate directly into better joint health.

Dr. Woeller often evaluates:

✔ Oral inflammation
✔ Gut dysbiosis
✔ History of chronic infections
✔ Diet and digestive function

Rebalancing these systems isn’t just supportive care — for many individuals, it is foundational treatment.

Reshape Lifestyle Factors That Influence Immune Function

Lifestyle is where patients gain their greatest influence on day-to-day inflammation — and small changes can lead to big improvements in comfort and function. The major focus areas include:

Smoking cessation — dramatically reduces inflammation and RA progression
Anti-inflammatory nutrition — Mediterranean-style eating enhances joint protection
Weight & muscle support — movement-friendly plans help prevent muscle loss and improve mobility

Supplements like curcumin and polyphenols (from herbs, spices, teas, and colorful produce) can further reduce pain and inflammatory markers. We know behavior change can feel intimidating — especially when pain itself is the barrier. So we create approachable, personalized strategies that align with each individual’s energy, abilities, and goals.

Healing isn’t about perfection — it’s about consistent support for your body’s repair systems.

Personalize Treatment for Long-Term Relief

There is no single RA roadmap. Every immune system has its own history, triggers, and healing potential. Dr. Woeller individualizes care by assessing:

Genetic predisposition
Immune and inflammatory markers
Toxic exposures
Nutrient status
Coexisting autoimmune conditions
Stress and sleep quality

Functional medicine honors the entire person — not just their joints. Many patients see improvements in energy, digestion, sleep, and mental clarity as inflammation calms. When conventional medications are part of care, a functional approach supports their effectiveness and minimizes side effects.

The goal: fewer flares, less pain, and a life where joy and movement take the lead again.

There Is Hope — and Help

Whether you’ve been living with RA for years or are just beginning to worry about symptoms, you don’t have to wait for disease progression. You have options. You have allies. And you have a path forward. Early action, targeted testing, and personalized lifestyle medicine can slow and even reshape the trajectory of autoimmune disease.

Ready to take the next step?
Dr. Woeller and the team at Sunrise Functional Medicine are here to help you thrive — not just cope. Schedule your functional RA consultation today >>