inflammatory arthritis

Advice for Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis Inflammation

Posted on 06.6.19 |

Inflammatory arthritis, commonly known as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), causes more than discomfort. The autoimmune disease can feel like an attack on your quality of life as well. At Doyle Chiropractic & Acupuncture, our number one concern is to restore your body so you can enjoy sports, leisure activities, and life’s pleasures.

Although incurable, many RA symptoms can be managed with traditional medications or alternative, holistic methods, such as chiropractic care and acupuncture. As you begin your treatments under the care of Dr. Cody Doyle, keep these healthy tips for living with RA in mind. Dr. Doyle serves patients in Roanoke, Keller, Southlake, Trophy Club, and surrounding areas.

Tips for Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis

After your examination at our Roanoke office, Dr. Doyle may recommend a combination of the following treatments to address your RA symptoms:

Ultrasound
Home exercises
Acupuncture
Chiropractic and myofascial release therapy
Nutritional and herbal therapies

In addition to these proven and effective treatments, patients may benefit from these tips.

Stay active

We understand that the very nature of inflammatory arthritis can leave patients feeling like exercise is not an option. Your overall health plays an important role in controlling your symptoms, though. Patients who do not stay ahead of RA by staying healthy risk losing muscle mass or experiencing other forms of preventable degeneration.

Stretching is a great habit to develop. You will find yourself feeling sprier and nimbler. Many of the positive effects of stretching can boost your energy and motivate you to pursue other forms of exercise. Start each day with a simple stretching routine. Dr. Doyle will recommend several stretches that will be beneficial to your health. Remember to lightly stretch before and after exercising as well. Overstretching before aerobics or physical exercise can be counterproductive, so save any intensive stretching for mornings and after working out.

Low-impact exercises that elevate your heart rate can improve your overall health without harming your joints. Walking, biking, swimming, and cardio machines are all great options. Exercises to build muscle mass are also an important part of any workout regimen. After consulting with a trainer or Dr. Doyle, start by using light weights or resistance bands.

If your workouts are causing joint pain, take a break and consult with Dr. Doyle.

Watch what you eat

If you are significantly overweight, Dr. Doyle may suggest weight loss as part of your treatment plan. This can especially help in reducing pain in your knees, back, and hips. It is always a good idea to eat a balanced diet. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, heart-healthy oils, vitamin supplements, and fish should be your top food choices.

Consider cutting back on:

Sugar
Starches
Processed foods
Sugary drinks
Excessive caffeine
Excessive alcohol

Reduce Stress

Stress is a reality of life for many of us. While we cannot prevent stressful situations from arising, we can consciously work to reduce undue stress in our day-to-day lives. If you suffer from periodic stress, try these tips.

Talk to a professional: Dr. Doyle treats his patients holistically, meaning he is glad to listen to your concerns and anxiety about having RA. If Dr. Doyle is unable to fully help your emotional needs, he may recommend a counselor or therapist.
Find time to unwind: Many of our patients forget to take time out to physically and mentally rest periodically throughout the day.
Stay mindful: Activities like medication and yoga are proven to lower stress.
Find support from your community: Your church, friends, family, and co-workers can lend a caring ear to your problems. There are many great local support groups as well. Connecting with other people who live with RA is a great way to learn how to learn coping mechanisms.

Seek Arthritis Relief Today

If you have been diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis, Dr. Doyle can provide the care you need. Contact Doyle Chiropractic & Acupuncture today to schedule a consultation. We care for patients from North Fort Worth, including Trophy Club, Grapevine, Southlake, Argyle, Keller, NRH, and Justin.

To reach our Roanoke, TX office, you can contact us online or call (817) 767-5430.

5 Foods to Avoid if You Have Inflammation

Posted on 12.29.17 |

young woman deciding between healthy and unhealthy foods

Inflammation is the body’s way of fighting off infection. When it is acute, the inflammation starts and ends quickly in a matter of days. But when it is chronic, it can last for months and cause harm to the body. Chronic inflammation can exacerbate a number of conditions, including arthritis, high blood pressure, diabetes, and asthma. It may even be the culprit of your chronic pain and joint swelling.

While certain medications can help control inflammation in the body, if you are looking for a drug-free approach, you may want to consider looking into alternative and holistic therapies. Keller chiropractor Dr. Doyle offers a variety of treatments, including acupuncture and chiropractic care.

In addition to these musculoskeletal treatments, Dr. Doyle also offers detoxification programs and nutritional therapies to help the body heal itself. It is quite possible that what you are putting into your body is causing greater harm than good. Dr. Doyle discusses certain foods to avoid when facing chronic inflammation and the anti-inflammatory foods to add in to combat it. To book your consultation, please contact our office online or call (817) 767-5430.

Sugar

Processed sugars are considered empty calories void of any nutritional value. They can also spike your blood sugar levels and trigger cytokines, inflammatory messengers known for suppressing white blood cells. Not only does this lead to increased inflammation and weight gain, but you may find yourself more prone to sickness. Try sweetening your foods with natural foods, such as honey and maple syrup.

Vegetable Oils

Vegetable oils, such as soy, corn, safflower, sunflower, and palm oil, are high in omega-6 (inflammatory fat) and low in omega-3 (anti-inflammatory fat). Before eating out at your favorite restaurant, be sure and take a look at what your food is being cooked in. At home, stock your pantry with healthier oils, such as coconut oil, avocado oil, or extra virgin olive oil.

Refined Carbohydrates

White flour, white rice, and gluten have all been linked to increased inflammation. Take a look in your pantry. Do you have processed cereals, chips, or crackers inside? Do you frequently opt for fries instead of salad? By making a few tweaks in your daily routine, you can lower the inflammation in your body. Instead of eating a bowl of cereal for breakfast, try eating scrambled eggs and a side of berries. Swap those fries for a salad at lunch, and grab an apple the next time you get hit with the afternoon cravings.

Dairy

Dairy can disrupt your gut microbiome, decrease the healthy bacteria, and increase inflammation in the body. A healthy guy is needed for controlling inflammation in the body. Dairy is also a common allergen. Research has shown that roughly one in four adults have difficulty digesting it. If you notice increased asthma symptoms, bloating, gas, or stomach pains after eating cheese or drinking milk, you may want to consider eliminating it from your diet for a few weeks to see if it is the source of your problems. Try adding in goat’s milk, coconut milk, or plain Greek yogurt instead.

Alcohol

Frequent consumption of alcohol has been associated with cancer, heart disease, stroke, and digestive issues. It can also cause inflammation in your gut, joints, tissues, liver, and blood vessels. But good news: one to two glasses of organic red wine a day has been known to help improve inflammation. However, if you notice heightened symptoms after consuming it, best to avoid it all together.

Meet With Keller Chiropractor Dr. Doyle

If you are looking for a holistic and drug-free approach to maintaining a healthier lifestyle, we encourage you to set up a consultation with Keller chiropractor Dr. Doyle. You can contact our office online or by calling (817) 767-5430.

Chiropractic Care for Inflammatory Arthritis

Posted on 07.10.17 |

Simply put, inflammatory arthritis is inflammation in your joints. Synovial fluid acts as lubrication in the joint. When synovial fluid becomes inflamed, it thickens. The thickening of synovial fluid is what causes the signs and symptoms associated with arthritis. The reason synovial fluid becomes inflamed isn’t clear. Evidence suggests that genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors all play a role. Non inflammatory arthritis (a misnomer) is also inflammation in the joint. The difference is this inflammation is caused by cartilage breaking down from general wear and tear. Non inflammatory arthritis is usually found in a single joint. The signs and symptoms of inflammatory arthritis can be localized or widespread affecting multiple areas of your body.

Traditional medicines are good, but a holistic approach is often preferable. If you feel your condition requires more than over-the-counter or prescription medication, or you want alternative options for treating arthritis, call 817-767-5430 for a consultation Dr. Doyle today. Doyle Chiropractic and Acupuncture is located in Roanoke across from Hawaiian Falls.

Types of Arthritis

Inflammatory arthritis encompasses any type of arthritis involving the immune system. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most prevalent form. RA affects more than 2 million people, most of whom are women. RA most often affects the hands, wrist, and feet. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (also known as juvenile RA) occurs in children and adolescents age 16 and under. People who suffer from psoriasis of the skin can develop psoriatic arthritis. Ankylosis Spondylitis results from inflammation in the spine. Other autoimmune diseases such as gout and lupus erythematosus can also lead to inflammatory arthritis.

Symptoms of Arthritis

Symptoms include joint pain, tenderness, stiffness (especially in the mornings), and swelling. As arthritis worsens, limited or total loss of mobility, deformity, and muscle weakness occur. If you suffer from inflammatory arthritis, systematic inflammation can also cause: skin rashes, dry mouth, hair loss, eye inflammation, and fever.

How Doyle Chiropractic and Acupuncture Can Help You

Traditional treatment of inflammatory arthritis usually includes: ice, heat, weight loss, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). NSAIDS include: ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen. In some cases, a corticosteroid is used to help control the inflammation.

At Doyle Chiropractic and Acupuncture, we use a combination of multiple alternative methods to meet your needs and provide the best care. At our office in Roanoke, we provide relief for patients in Trophy Club, Southlake, Keller, NRH, Grapevine, and surrounding communities. Pain management, decreasing swelling, and controlling inflammation are our top priority.

A few of the treatment methods include gentle joint manipulation and a series of stretches to increase movement and decrease pain. Just as a hot pack heats superficially, ultrasound waves are used to heat deep in the muscle, bone, and surrounding tissue. Ultrasound helps to decrease pain and inflammation, as well as improve circulation to the area. Premodual stimulation uses electrodes to soothe tight muscles, increase circulation, and reduce swelling. Through combining diet, detoxification, vitamins, and herbal supplements, we can help you can reduce outside factors that cause inflammation to flare or worsen. Implementing a home exercise program will help maintain and advance the progress you make at Doyle Chiropractic and Acupuncture. These programs will be uniquely created for you. Dr. Doyle wants to help you reach your health goals and life a high-quality life.

Call 817-767-5430 if you are in the Roanoke area or 979-968-6400 if you are in the surrounding La Grange area to set up a consultation. Doyle Chiropractic and Acupuncture is ready to work with you to achieve pain management and improve your quality of life.