Rheumatologists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system and systemic autoimmune conditions that affect the bones, joints, muscles and spine; these disorders have been commonly referred to as rheumatoid diseases. Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly sends inflammation to otherwise healthy areas of the body, causing damage that results in pain, swelling, stiffness, and in severe cases, deformity. Arthritis is the name given to joint pain or joint disease, that is actually a group of over 100 different types of disease. Traditional treatments for arthritis include doses of over-the-counter and prescription medicines that can have serious physical side effects with prolonged use. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) reduce pain and inflammation effectively, but prolonged use has been shown to cause stomach irritation and exposes you to increased risk of heart attack or stroke. When these drugs no longer effectively control your pain, your doctor may prescribe an opioid pain reliever. While effective on pain, these drugs do nothing to relieve inflammation and carry a high risk of addiction. For severe cases of arthritis, surgery may become necessary to repair, replace or fuse the joint.
Fortunately, arthritis patients have found hope in Dr. James Dowd and the Arthritis Institute of Michigan. Dr. Dowd is an adult and pediatric rheumatologist who treats patients in Brighton and throughout lower Michigan, and assesses patients as a whole individual, rather than a collection of symptoms. In 1998, Dr. Dowd helped found the Arthritis Institute of Michigan where he integrates clinical research with patient care to bring you the gentlest and most effective treatments available. In November 2003, the institute moved to its current location in Brighton. This state-of-the-art facility is specially designed to meet the needs of arthritis patients. With covered, curbside drop-off, a clinical research facility, an infusion suite and natural lighting throughout, this barrier-free facility offers comforting care, effective treatment and personalized service. As a comprehensive arthritis treatment center, patients of the Institute come seeking treatment for arthritis, but Dr. Dowd and the Institute see patients for so much more. Dr. Dowd asses the activity levels and dietary intake of patients to identify deficiencies of essential nutrients that have a powerful influence on our bodies. As a comprehensive arthritis treatment center, patients of the institute come seeking treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Gout, Psoriatic Arthritis, Inflammatory Diseases, Scleroderma, Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Psoriatic Arthritis, Ankylosing-Spondylitis, childhood Arthritis and joint problems, pain in the knee, hip, back, neck or shoulder, or vitamin D deficiency. Dr. Dowd and his dedicated staff are waiting to show you a better way to treat your arthritis. Call 1.810.225.7553 or schedule an appointment to start your journey to .