Are you looking for a rheumatologist Troy MI?
When Dr. James Dowd finished his undergraduate degree at Texas A&M University, his passion led him to medical school on a mission to heal. Following the completion of his medical studies at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, Dr. Dowd completed his residency in combined pediatrics and internal medicine at the State University of New York at Buffalo. From a small office in Howell, Dr. Dowd founded the Arthritis Institute of Michigan. Arthritis is any one of a number of diseases that causes joint inflammation, swelling and pain due to the deterioration of cartilage and other structural issues; however, the Institute treats so much more than arthritis. In November 2003, the Institute moved to its curent facility in Brighton. This state-of the-art campus is designed with his patients in mind. Our barrier-free campus is a comprehensive arthritis treatment center which features a covered drop-off area, an on-site research facility, in-house laboratory, natural lighting and an infusion suite for several medications. If you currently undergo infusions of Actemra, Orencia, Reclast, Remicasdr, Rituxan, or Cimzia, Prolia or Stelara, we can care for you here in our infusion suite. We are fully equipped to provide joint injections and joint aspiration in addition to many other treatments and services. Patients of the center come seeking relief for the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Gout, Psoriatic Arthritis, Inflammatory Diseases, Scleroderma, Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Psoriatic Arthritis, Ankylosing-Spondylitis, childhood Arthritis and joint problems, knee, hip, back, neck or shoulder pain, or vitamin D deficiency.
Vitamin D deficiency has been shown to manifest itself in symptoms of fatigue, sleep disruption, bowl issues (including diarrhea, constipation or both), bladder problems (including frequency, urgency or both), high blood pressure, headaches, chronic pain, joint swelling and pain, muscle pain and weakness, uncontrolled weight gain or problems with concentration and memory. Research continues to show the link between vitamin deficiency and the development of many serious diseases including diabetes, depression, including seasonal affective disorder (SAD), fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis (osteoarthritis, gout, pseudogout, tendinitis, bursitis), Osteoporosis, gum disease and tooth loss, as well as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, many autoimmune diseases (multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosis) and cancer. The Mayo Clinic found that 93% of patients with widespread, unexplained musculoskeletal pain also had vitamin D deficiency. To address the growing need for awareness of the importance of vitamin D and its important role in maintaining robust health, Dr. Dowd wrote “The Vitamin D Cure.” In his book, Dr. Dowd explains what vitamin D is, how our bodies acquire, make and use it, as well as its connection to the ailments that plague so many of us. Patients have come to Dr. Dowd seeking relief from feelings of listlessness, depression, loss of interest, weight gain, and an overall feeling of illness. Through nutritional therapies and careful laboratory screening, patients like these have found long-lasting, effective relief. Dr. Dowd’s groundbreaking research into the effects of vitamin D deficiency on our everyday health have found that magnesium and calcium deficiencies tend to accompany low levels of vitamin D. When our bodies have insufficient vitamin D, we cannot effectively absorb enough calcium to keep us health and fit. Low calcium levels (caused by poor absorption due to vitamin D deficiency) triggers the release of a hormone that signals cells to store more energy as fat. In turn, the additional weight gain and increase in body fat lowers vitamin D levels in the body, making your symptoms more difficult to treat. Dr. Dowd understands that these circumstances may indicate that we need far more than the recommended dosages of vitamin D to correct the deficiency and bring our bodies into balance. Our bodies naturally produce vitamin D when our bare skin is exposed to sunlight. If you live in a colder climate, your body is often too covered by clothing, whereas in a sunny climate, daily use of sunblock prohibits vitamin D production. These issues, in addition to working indoors and the longer northern winters make it difficult for many of us to produce enough vitamin D. In summer, we eat more fresh fruits and vegetables because they are in season and readily available. This improved diet along with increased summer sun exposure boosts vitamin D levels and elevates mood. Conversely, the isolation and limited produce that often accompanies winter can leave us chronically depleted. A breakfast that includes healthy amounts of vitamin D and calcium has been shown to reduce calorie intake over the 24-hour period following that breakfast. Exciting research has revealed a developing link between healthy levels of calcium and vitamin D and decreased fat production. It can be difficult to address our nutritional and environmental needs when we live busy, modern lives in a bustling city.
Troy, Michigan is a bustling city in the northern suburbs of metro Detroit. This thriving city is a great place to work, live and play. In 2011, Troy was ranked the safest city in Michigan and the 19th safest city in the nation. Business in Troy is booming, with several Fortune 500 companies having locations here. Fantastic shopping brings residents and visitors alike to the expansive Oakland Mall, and the upscale Somerset Collection, featuring amenities like valet parking and shopping at high-end retailers like Tiffany & Co., Tory Burch, Urban Outfitters and even a Lego store. Dining in Troy is always an event, with restaurants that cater to every taste. From Mediterranean, Thai, Japanese or seafood, to a traditional Italian eatery or a great pizzeria, Troy has it all. This growing city began as a single, 160-acre land purchase in the 1820’s that became Troy Corners. As with many cities in the area, the automotive industry gave a huge push to the local economy that can still be seen today. Troy has also become a center of finance, with several major banks holding the tallest buildings in the city. Whether you live in Troy or one of the other great cities in Michigan, Dr. James Dowd and the Arthritis Institute of Michigan is here to serve you. If you have been suffering with joint swelling and pain, or a loss of energy that is affecting your everyday life, we can help. Call 1.810.225.7553 or fill out the appointment form on this page to schedule an appointment with Dr. James Dowd and achieve a greater sense of health and comfort.
Rheumatologist Troy MI
If you live in Troy and are dealing with the symptoms of a rheumatic disease or some other condition which impacts your joints, we are located less than an hour from Troy and are accepting new patients.
If you are looking for a rheumatologist Troy MI, contact us today at 1.810.225.7553 or simply fill out the form below.