The Symptoms of RA in Your Joints

RA affects your joints almost always. It can take a couple of weeks or even months for the first symptoms to show. The inflammation causes results in classic symptoms like:

• Stiffness. When the joint doesn’t move as well as it should, it is harder to use. This is especially common in the morning for people who are living with RA. However, many people with other types of arthritis have stiff joints. It takes people who have RA well more than an hour (sometimes it can be several hours) for their joints to loosen up.
• Swelling. The joints become puffy and tender when the fluid is in the joint.
• Pain. When the joint is experiencing inflammation inside of it, whether you are able to move it or not can cause damage and pain over time.
• Redness and warmth. Furthermore, inflammation of joints can cause them to be warmer and show color changes in the skin.

Conroe TX rheumatoid arthritis dr near me

What Joints Does RA Affect?

About 1.3 million people are believed to be living with RA.

Furthermore, once it has other effects than joint pain, it is usually confused for other health problems. In conclusion, it’s crucial to have a thorough discussion with your doctor regarding your lifestyle habits and an aggressive treatment plan due to the potential risk of related issues, such as disabilities. Additionally, the following tips for getting the most out of your appointments with your doctor.

Your rheumatologist will:

• Look for swelling and changes in strength or how well the joint moves during joint exams
• Give you X-rays and blood tests
• Give you a questionnaire at least twice a year about what you can do

Annually, you should talk with your doctor about the goal of your treatment plan. You may want to ask them:

• How critical is my RA?
• How much has it varied each year? (For instance, you should mention any activities that are tough for you to do.)
• Do I have any new joint damage?
• Do I need any new specialists, such as physical or occupational therapists, orthopedic surgeons, or counselors?

When your treatment is on the right track, the rheumatoid arthritis is likely to be stable and progress slowly. Be honest about how you feel and whether you notice any changes, and the doctor knows what you need.

To prevent damage to your joints, it is necessary to treat your RA early. It is safer to see a doctor who knows the inside and outside of rheumatoid arthritis, even if your condition is mild. Ideally, you will see a rheumatologist— an arthritis specialist.

If you are unable to see a rheumatologist for all of your RA needs, try one to collaborate with your regular physician. You would still need to see the rheumatologist once in a while; however, your primary care provider should be able to handle the regular treatment.

If a rheumatologist can not be seen at all, search out a primary care doctor who sees other patients with RA and asks if they could work with a remote rheumatologist.

Conroe, TX Doctor That Treats Rheumatoid Arthritis

You Should Feel Comfortable With Your Doctor

It’s simple: you should be able to tell the doctor what’s going on, and to help you, she will be able to communicate plainly.

The Conroe TX rheumatoid arthritis dr near me will also help you understand the RA better, what to expect from the treatment, and what alternative treatments could benefit or harm your condition.

Your Doctor Should Respond Quickly

To make the most beneficial match, consider about:

The office staff. Are they helpful and considerate? Do they answer your calls promptly? Because your time with your doctor may be restricted, find out if your doctor works with other people who can help answer any of your questions.

Access. Can you get to your appointment on such short notice if you have an RA flare-up? How soon will your doctor will be able to return your calls or reply to your emails?

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Key things to know about your doctor include the following:

• Are they part of a medical group, or do they work on their own?
• Can you see the doctor of your choice in practice, or must I see the first available doctor?
• How long is the average wait time for an appointment?
• Does your doctor’s office offer evening, weekend or after hour appointments?

Asking things questions are worth it to find a doctor who’s a good fit for you.

Dr. Tamar Brionez

Advanced Rheumatology of Houston with Tamar F. Brionez, M.D., CCD

If you’re a patient seeking Conroe TX rheumatoid arthritis dr near me, visit us here at Advanced Rheumatology of Houston. If you suffer from the impact of a rheumatological disorder, then you can find comfort from our medical center. Dr Brionez will use the latest diagnostic and recovery methods regarding your rheumatological condition. No need to wait for symptoms to show up or get worse. Furthermore, the symptoms can become severe and inflict permanent damage. Death can be possible in some cases.