Are you looking for a rheumatologist Warren MI?
Warren is a great place to live and work. The third largest city in Michigan and largest suburb of the Metro Detroit area, residents of Warren enjoy many of the best conveniences a city can provide including great recreational experiences in and around, many businesses, diverse restaurants as well as popular experiences such as the Warren Farmers Market and cultural destinations and attractions.
While there are plenty of places to go and things to do in Warren to get out and enjoy your time, if you are one of the millions of people who are suffering from a rheumatic condition in the U.S., you may not be able to. Despite all the modern conveniences, if it hurts to move, even a motivated person may find it difficult to get out and enjoy them. Arthritis literally means “joint inflammation” and refers to one of many conditions that affect the joints. There are over 100 disorders like arthritis that fall under the category of rheumatic disease. Symptoms can be debilitating and include pain, swelling, redness, loss of mobility or function of one of the supporting body structures. Rheumatic diseases affect the joints, ligaments, muscles, bones and in some cases, the internal organs. Though a diagnosis can be frightening, there is hope to live a fuller, richer life that is free of pain. Over 50 million Americans suffer from some form of the disease and early diagnosis and treatment are essential. Early intervention can prevent the disease from doing further damage or the loss of mobility that keeps you from enjoying life to the fullest.
Diagnosis
If you suffer from any of these symptoms you should make an appointment with a rheumatologist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of the myriad of conditions that fall under the category of rheumatic diseases. Your doctor may order x-rays or other forms of imaging, blood work, urinalysis, and get a sample of synovial fluid which is a lubricant that keeps joints functioning. They will also do a physical exam if needed and collect a medical history. It could easily take more than one appointment to get a proper diagnosis as many of the symptoms of rheumatic disease are similar. Dr. Dowd has a history of keeping up-to-date on the latest research and advancements regarding new treatments in the area of rheumatology and providing quality, compassionate healthcare.
Treatments
Treatments can consist of a number of things and may vary depending on the nature of your condition. Dr. Dowd helps his patients’ live full lives and doesn’t believe in masking the symptoms with medications and utilizes a combination of exercise, diet, Vitamin D and medication when needed.
Activity
People who are active can help increase muscle strength, increase flexibility, reduce pain and help build endurance. Physical activity can also help reduce weight which causes stress on joints and muscles. Dr. Dowd can help you build an exercise program that works best for your situation. Patients with arthritis often get the best results from things like swimming, stationary bikes, walking, stretching and other activities that don’t put too much stress on painful joints.
Diet
A well-balanced diet, including Vitamin D, is important for the treatment of rheumatic disease. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and is important for bone health and keeps the immune system functioning properly. It can also decrease inflammation. Good sources for Vitamin D are fatty fish, beef liver, mushrooms, cheese, dairy products, eggs or a vitamin supplement. A healthy diet can help maintain weight and make you feel and look better and be happier. Patients with gout should avoid alcohol and “rich foods” like organ meats, sardines, gravy and anchovies that are high in purines. Vitamin D can also be found as a supplement to many foods like milk, orange Juice and cereals.
The Vitamin D Cure
The Vitamin D Cure by Dr. James Dowd introduces a simple plan to increase Vitamin D levels in the body through simple, individualized supplementation, carefully increased sun exposure, and exercise. Through its clear and down-to-earth five-step plan, The Vitamin D Cure shows how variations in our diet and activity levels can have a profound impact on our health and well-being. Vitamin D can decrease our risk of getting overweight and developing high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, cancer, and other health problems. The Vitamin D Cure is based on Dr. Dowd’s 20 plus years of experience and is a breakthrough way to increase your energy, decrease your pain and slim down, using the latest scientific research.
Medications and in Office Procedures
The type of medication will depend on the type of rheumatic disease and the needs of the individual patient. There is no cure for rheumatic diseases but medication can be used along with diet, exercise and Vitamin D to help alleviate painful symptoms. There are some medications that can reduce inflammation and help prevent further damage to joints and tissues. Some of the in-office services Dr. Dowd provides are infusions, joint injections, joint aspirations, Viscosupplementation and nutritional therapies.
Part of living with a rheumatic condition is learning the best ways to cope with your condition including eating healthier, staying active and finding the right treatment for you. For many residents of Warren who are living with these types of conditions, help has come from the Arthritis Institute of Michigan in nearby Brighton.
Rheumatologist Warren MI
Many of the clients of the Arthritis Institute of Michigan come to us from Warren and other nearby communities. Located only 43 miles from Warren, straight down I-696, the Arthritis Institute of Michigan is accepting new patients and would like to help. Whether you are newly diagnosed and are confused about what your diagnosis means or have been coping with your condition for years, it is never too late to get help. Treatment is not limited to medications, you can help yourself as well and the Arthritis Institute of Michigan is here to treat you and help you learn more about what you can do.
If you are looking for a rheumatologist Warren MI, stop missing out on experiences, stop putting off quality time with your family and contact Dr. Dowd and the Arthritis Institute of Michigan to start feeling better. Call us at 1.810.225.7553 or fill out the form below to schedule your appointment.