Rheumatoid Arthritis in Reno, NV
Rheumatoid arthritis is far more than a joint disease — it’s a systemic autoimmune disorder that can affect your skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and nervous system. At Gates Brain Health, Dr. Randall Gates, D.C., Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist, takes a root-cause approach to RA by addressing the immune and gut dysfunction that drives the inflammatory process.
Request an AppointmentUnderstanding Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovial lining of the joints, causing painful swelling that can eventually lead to bone erosion and joint deformity. Unlike osteoarthritis, which is caused by mechanical wear and tear, RA is driven by a misfiring immune response — making it systemic in nature.
Early RA often affects the smaller joints first — the joints connecting your fingers to your hands and your toes to your feet. As the disease progresses, symptoms frequently spread to the wrists, knees, ankles, elbows, hips, and shoulders, typically affecting the same joints on both sides of the body.
Approximately 40% of people with RA also experience symptoms that extend beyond the joints, involving the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, kidneys, nerve tissue, bone marrow, and blood vessels. Symptoms tend to fluctuate — periods of increased disease activity called flares alternate with periods of relative remission.
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Tender, warm, swollen joints
- Joint stiffness that is usually worse in the mornings and after periods of inactivity
- Fatigue, low-grade fever, and loss of appetite
- Symmetrical joint involvement (same joints on both sides)
- Rheumatoid nodules (firm bumps under the skin)
- Reduced range of motion over time
The Gut-Immune Connection in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Emerging research has increasingly demonstrated that the health of the gut microbiome plays a central role in the development and progression of autoimmune diseases like RA. When the intestinal barrier becomes compromised — a condition known as leaky gut — undigested food particles, toxins, and bacteria can pass into the bloodstream. The immune system mounts a response to these foreign invaders, and over time, this chronic immune activation can lead to the body attacking its own tissues.
Dysbiosis — an imbalance of good and bad gut bacteria — has been found in a significant percentage of RA patients. Restoring gut health is therefore a foundational component of holistic RA management.
RA also frequently overlaps with other autoimmune conditions, including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, lupus, and Sjögren’s syndrome. If you’ve been diagnosed with one autoimmune condition, a comprehensive evaluation for others is warranted.
How Gates Brain Health Approaches Rheumatoid Arthritis
At Gates Brain Health, Dr. Gates evaluates rheumatoid arthritis through the lens of functional neurology and integrative medicine. While we collaborate with your rheumatologist and primary care provider, our focus is on identifying and correcting the underlying drivers of your immune dysregulation.
Our approach includes comprehensive laboratory evaluation — including autoimmune panels, gut microbiome assessment, inflammatory markers, nutrient status, and thyroid antibodies — as well as a full neurological exam. From there, we develop an individualized protocol that may include an anti-inflammatory dietary program, targeted supplementation, gut healing support, and neuroplasticity-based therapies to reduce the systemic stress response that amplifies autoimmune activity.
Our patients from Reno, NV and beyond have found meaningful improvement in their quality of life through this comprehensive approach. To learn more about how we can help, call Gates Brain Health at (775) 507-2000 or request a consultation.
Related conditions we treat: Lupus, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, Leaky Gut, Depression & Anxiety.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rheumatoid Arthritis
What is the difference between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is caused by mechanical wear and tear on the joints over time, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the joint lining. RA tends to affect multiple joints symmetrically, causes systemic symptoms like fatigue and fever, and can damage organs beyond the joints. Osteoarthritis is primarily localized to the affected joint.
Can the gut be connected to rheumatoid arthritis?
Yes — research has shown a significant connection between gut microbiome imbalances and the development and progression of RA. When the intestinal barrier is compromised (leaky gut), bacteria and undigested proteins enter the bloodstream and trigger systemic immune responses. Addressing gut health is a key component of holistic RA management at Gates Brain Health.
Is rheumatoid arthritis only a joint disease?
No. While RA is known for causing joint pain and swelling, it’s a systemic disease that can affect the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, kidneys, nerve tissue, and blood vessels. About 40% of people with RA develop symptoms outside the joints. This is why a whole-body approach to treatment is so important.
What does a holistic approach to RA look like?
A holistic approach starts with identifying the root causes of immune dysfunction — often including gut dysbiosis, nutrient deficiencies, chronic stress, and environmental triggers. Treatment may include an anti-inflammatory dietary protocol, targeted supplementation, gut healing support, stress reduction strategies, and neuroplasticity-based therapies. This complements rather than replaces conventional rheumatological care.
Can rheumatoid arthritis cause neurological symptoms?
Yes. RA can affect the nervous system through inflammation, nerve compression (such as carpal tunnel syndrome from joint swelling), and vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels supplying the nerves). Fatigue, brain fog, and cognitive difficulties are also common in RA and may reflect central nervous system involvement. Dr. Gates specializes in evaluating these neurological components.
Does rheumatoid arthritis overlap with other autoimmune conditions?
Frequently. RA can coexist with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome, and other autoimmune conditions. If you’ve been diagnosed with RA, a comprehensive screening for related autoimmune activity is advisable. At Gates Brain Health, we look at the full autoimmune picture to build a complete treatment strategy.
How do I get started with Gates Brain Health for rheumatoid arthritis?
Begin with a free consultation with Dr. Randall Gates in Reno, NV. We serve both local and distance patients. Call us at (775) 507-2000 or book your appointment online. Dr. Gates will review your history, explain his approach, and outline a personalized plan.