Are you searching for Houston TX rheumatoid arthritis dr near me? Then you are going to have to contact Advanced Rheumatology of Houston. They provide the best care and the latest medical treatments for all their patients. Dr. Brionez is highly skilled at diagnosing and treating rheumatologic diseases. While many rheumatologic diseases are chronic, that doesn’t mean that you have to live in pain. She strives to help her patients live healthier and happier lives despite their illness. So, just take a short drive to visit them in the Houston area.

Dr. Brionez earned her undergrad from Texas A&M University then went on to get her doctorates from Baylor College of Medicine. Then after university, she finished her Fellowship in Rheumatology with the University of Texas Health Science Center. After that, she went on to become board-certified in Internal Medicine in 2007 then became board-certified in 2009 in Rheumatology.

She has over ten years of experience with rheumatologic diseases and ample experience with research studies. The people that go to visit her love her because she is both skilled and compassionate. She truly cares about what you are going through. When you are experiencing a rheumatologic disease, it is important to have a caring doctor by your side. Advanced Rheumatology of Houston is the place you want to be when it comes to your illness. Take care of yourself and make them your Houston TX rheumatoid arthritis dr near me.

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease. This disease affects the lining of your joints and can cause damage and deformity. It also doesn’t only affect your joints. It will also affect your eyes, skin, heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Rheumatoid arthritis is also an autoimmune disease, which means it causes your immune system to attack the healthy tissues in your body.

The inflammation from rheumatoid arthritis can cause painful swelling and stiffness. It also is the reason there are problems with other parts of the body. Another part of rheumatoid arthritis is that it will attack joints that are symmetrical. These joints are both wrists, hands, knees, feet, and other similar joints. The symmetry helps rheumatoid arthritis appear different from other types of arthritis.

When you catch the condition in the early stages, treatment is most effective. This is why it is important to know the signs and symptoms.

The Symptoms

There are many rheumatologic diseases that come with a variety of symptoms. This disease is no different. There are a variety of symptoms that vary from person to person. These symptoms typically appear in smaller joints like in the hands and feet. These are some of the symptoms you could have with rheumatoid arthritis:

• lack of energy
• joint stiffness more bothersome in the morning
• decreased movement in joints
• dry eyes and mouth
• joint pain, swelling, and stiffness
• minor fevers
• firm lumps around hands and elbows
• appetite loss

Only a quarter of those with rheumatoid arthritis ends up developing lumps called rheumatoid nodules. There is a variety of rheumatoid arthritis cases that cause symptoms to varying from person to person. Some of these symptoms may be present, while others are not. So, it is best to find a professional Houston TX rheumatoid arthritis dr near me.

Diagnosing

There are many tests that are used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. Your doctor will perform physical, ultrasounds, and X-rays, along with blood tests. No one test can solely diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. The doctor will also ask you about your medical history and symptoms. During a physical examination, you can expect:

• checking for swelling and redness
• examine joint function
• examining your range of motion
• test reflexes
• see if affected joints are warm to the touch and tender
• test muscle strength

A rheumatologist is the best doctor to go to for rheumatoid arthritis. So, if your doctor suspects that it is indeed rheumatoid arthritis, then you will be referred to a rheumatologist. You will also have to go through multiple tests to get a confirmation that you do have rheumatoid arthritis. Many of these tests are to see if there is joint damage and how severe it is. Other evaluations for your organs may be recommended as well if you are suspected of having rheumatoid arthritis.

Types of Blood Tests

Blood tests are one of the most common tests that are used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. Some of the blood tests you could experience are:

• Anticitriullinated protein antibody test – This test searches for an antibody that is common for rheumatoid arthritis. However, not everyone with rheumatoid arthritis tests positive for this antibody.
• C-reactive protein test – This protein is created by your liver in response to significant inflammation and infection. Those with rheumatoid arthritis usually have high levels of this.
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate – With this test, the doctor will determine the degree of inflammation. While it can tell you that inflammation is present, it can’t pinpoint the cause.
• Rheumatoid factor test – High amounts of this protein are associated with autoimmune diseases, specifically rheumatoid arthritis.
• Antinuclear antibody test – This tests to see if you are producing antibodies. These antibodies are created in response to a variety of conditions, one being rheumatoid arthritis.

The more tests that are done, the easier it will be to diagnose the condition. Since so many rheumatologic conditions are similar, many of them are challenging to diagnose. However, with a rheumatologist, they will be able to diagnose you easier than other doctors. This is because rheumatologic diseases are their specialty. So contact Advanced Rheumatology of Houston to become your Houston TX rheumatoid arthritis dr near me.

Treatment

Since rheumatoid arthritis is known as a chronic illness, that means there is no cure. However, there is effective treatment available to those who are struggling. Despite rheumatoid arthritis being known as disabling, treatment can help you better enjoy your life.

Treatment will help slow the progression of arthritis and help reduce pain. This will help prevent further damage, which will help you to feel at ease about living with your condition. Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis is also ever-improving. The more it improves, the better the quality of life is for those with this form of arthritis.

A popular and effective approach to treatment is the treat-to-target approach. This results in better remission rates and reduces symptoms the best.

The Best Houston TX rheumatoid arthritis dr near me

Contact Advanced Rheumatology of Houston at 281-766-7886 to set up an appointment today. You can also check out more about the doctor and her location for more information. When choosing a Houston TX rheumatoid arthritis dr near me, choose Advanced Rheumatology of Houston.

 

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