What Helps Arthritis and Inflammation?
Order your lab requisition online — then bring it to a local lab to test for inflammatory arthritis.
Arthritis and chronic inflammation can be debilitating—causing pain, stiffness, fatigue, and reduced mobility. But the good news is: there are clinically proven ways to manage symptoms, reduce flare-ups, and take back control of your health.
In this guide, we’ll break down the most useful lab tests, treatment options, and research-backed strategies to help you get clarity and relief.
Why Testing for Inflammation Matters
Before jumping into supplements or medications, it’s important to understand what kind of inflammation you’re dealing with. Inflammatory arthritis is more than just joint pain—it often includes swelling, morning stiffness, warmth in the joints, and even systemic symptoms like fatigue, rashes, or dry eyes.
According to StatPearls, chronic inflammation—if left untreated—can lead to joint erosion and permanent damage. Lab tests can help pinpoint autoimmune causes, track disease activity, and guide treatment.
Best Tests for Arthritis and Inflammation
| Test | What It Detects | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| ANA Blood Test | Autoimmune activity | Suspected lupus or autoimmune arthritis |
| C-Reactive Protein (CRP) | Inflammation marker | Acute and chronic inflammation |
| ESR (Sed Rate) | Inflammation level | Long-term inflammation trends |
| Rheumatoid Factor (RF) | Autoantibodies | Rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis |
| High-Sensitivity CRP | Cardiovascular inflammation | Chronic disease risk screening |
| Autoimmune Disorder Panel | Broad autoimmune screening | Unexplained chronic symptoms |
| Lupus Panel | Lupus-specific antibodies | Diagnosing SLE |
| Comprehensive Health Panel | CBC, CMP, Iron, Thyroid | Baseline health assessment |
Top Causes of Inflammatory Arthritis
Some of the most common types of inflammatory arthritis include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): Autoimmune attack on joints
- Gout or pseudogout: Crystal deposits triggering inflammation
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): Multi-system autoimmune disorder
- Psoriatic arthritis: Linked to psoriasis and nail changes
- Ankylosing spondylitis: Spine and sacroiliac joint inflammation
Each of these conditions has its own lab profile, treatment plan, and prognosis. A proper diagnosis is key.
Can Acupuncture Help with Inflammation?
Yes—and the research backs it. A 2021 review in Journal of Inflammation Research found that acupuncture can significantly reduce inflammation via neuro-immune pathways. It works by modulating immune cell activity, reducing oxidative stress, and calming the body’s inflammatory signaling (Li et al., 2021).
As a licensed acupuncturist with over a decade of clinical experience, I’ve seen firsthand how targeted acupuncture reduces joint pain, boosts circulation, and helps clients regain movement—without harsh side effects.
What Else Can You Do?
Besides lab testing and acupuncture, these steps can also help:
- Anti-inflammatory diet: Emphasize vegetables, omega-3s, and avoid processed foods.
- Movement therapy: Yoga, gentle mobility work and strength training can preserve joint function.
- Stress management: Chronic stress raises inflammatory cytokines—practice breathwork, meditation, or get acupuncture.
- Sleep and gut health: Poor sleep and digestive imbalance are both linked to higher inflammation levels.
What to Do Next About Arthritis and Inflammation
If you’re struggling with arthritis symptoms or unexplained inflammation, don’t guess—test. A few key lab panels can provide clarity and set you on a personalized path to feeling better.
Browse arthritis and inflammation tests you can order online
Disclaimer: These tests are for informational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare provider to interpret your results and create a treatment plan.
