You can trust Advanced Rheumatology of Houston with all of your bone and joint health needs! Our Houston TX Rheumatology Clinic is run by a Rheumatologist with over a decade of experience, Dr. Tamar Brionez. You deserve to live as pain-free as possible, call our clinic today at 281-766-7886!

Why Our Houston TX Rheumatology Clinic?

Is a previous sports injury flaring up? Do you have intense pain in your hands or feet that makes it hard to get through the day? Are you in so much hip or knee pain you are looking into joint replacement surgeries? If you experience any of these things, Advanced Rheumatology of Houston’s Houston TX Rheumatology Clinic is here to help manage your pain and transform your life.

Our Houston TX clinic is run by local expert Rheumatologist Dr. Tamar Brionez.

Dr. Brionez completed her collegiate studies at Texas A&M University and Baylor College of Medicine. She attained her board-certification in internal medicine in 2007 and rheumatology in 2009. With over a decade of experience diagnosing and treating all kinds of rheumatologic conditions, she provides high-quality patient care that will help you to live as pain-free as possible. Her commitment to your pain management is evident in the hundreds of lives she’s improved as well as her participation in three ongoing global research studies on lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis.

Global Research Studies On Lupus

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, more commonly known as lupus, is a complex rheumatologic condition involving a wide variety of symptoms. Currently, there is no cure for this serious and sometimes life-threatening condition. However, researchers across the globe, including our very own Dr. Brionez, are participating in the SLE-BRAVE research study. This study aims to take a deeper look at newer ways lupus-related pain can be managed. For further information regarding eligibility, visit our website or call our Houston TX clinic.

Global Research On Arthritis

Our Houston TX clinic is also participating in two global research studies on rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.

The first, the contRAst study, will test the effectiveness of an experimental medication that may slow the progression of the common autoimmune disease rheumatoid arthritis. The second, the KEEPsAKE study, aims to test the impact of a new medication on the joint swelling and pain involved in psoriatic arthritis, where many existing medication options have consistently fallen short.

If you are interested in participating in any of the three studies mentioned, you can check our website for details or call our clinic with any questions you may have. Regardless, if you are experiencing joint pain, Dr. Brionez believes you also deserve to live as pain-free as possible. Call today to hear more about the services we can offer you.

What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes swelling, stiffness, and pain in a person’s joints. There are several different types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and osteoarthritis. These types attack and break down the cartilage in joints causing discomfort and pain over time. Gout and spondyloarthritis, while also forms of arthritis, work much differently.

Types Of Arthritis

Firstly, the most common type of arthritis we diagnose at our Houston TX Rheumatology Clinic is rheumatoid arthritis. Common symptoms include swelling and pain in the joints, lack of energy, and low-grade fevers. There is currently no cure, but Dr. Brionez will help you manage your swelling and pain through medication.

Secondly, if you have the skin condition, psoriasis, you will have red patches of scaly skin. You will also have a 15% chance of developing the next form of arthritis, psoriatic arthritis. Dr. Brionez will determine this diagnosis by examining any skin impacted by your psoriasis as well as bloodwork. Later, if diagnosed, you will be prescribed medication to manage any pain or swelling.

And finally, the most common form of arthritis diagnosed in the US is osteoarthritis. This type mainly involves stiffness and pain, and a person only experiences swelling after the joint has been active. Dr. Brionez typically manages this condition through medication and suggested lifestyle adjustments.

Gout

Rather than break down the soft, flexible cartilage in your joints, gout causes tiny needle-like urate crystals to grow. Once formed, your white blood cells will seek out and attack these crystals, causing you immense pain. It is interesting to note that this type of arthritis most commonly occurs in the feet, beginning with the big toe.

Spondyloarthritis

Spondyloarthritis refers to a family of inflammatory diseases that fall into two main categories. One category causes inflammation that leads to intense back pain. The other causes bone-related deformities. The most common type of spondyloarthritis we diagnose and treat at our Houston TX Rheumatology Clinic falls into that first category. Ankylosing spondylitis attacks the ligaments and tendons in the back. This specific form requires x-rays and MRIs to diagnose.

The occurrence and severity of ankylosing spondylitis are heavily dependent on genetics. Like many other types of arthritis, there is no cure for the rheumatologic conditions that fall into this family. Dr. Brionez will work with you to come up with an individualized treatment plan and pain management system.

Other Rheumatologic Conditions Involving Joint Pain

Another inflammatory condition with a tendency to target the back is Polymyalgia Rheumatica. This rheumatologic condition is marked by a sudden onset of stiffness, swelling, tenderness, and pain in your arms, back, neck, or legs. Dr. Brionez can help you manage this condition by monitoring regular bloodwork and a pain management system involving medication when necessary.

Though painful, Polymyalgia Rheumatica is not life-threatening. One of the two forms of scleroderma, however, can be. Localized scleroderma targets a person’s skin, but can also attack a person’s muscles or joints. On the other hand, systemic scleroderma targets vital organs and can quickly become life-threatening if not properly treated.

Contact Us

Do you need help managing joint pain or any other symptoms discussed in this article? Do our global research opportunities interest you? Call 281-766-7886 to reach our Houston clinic. Don’t hesitate, book your appointment with Dr. Brionez at our Houston TX Rheumatology Clinic today.

Houston Fun Facts

1. When established over 80 years ago, The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo went by the name Fat Stock Show and Livestock Exposition.
2. During August, Miller Outdoor Theatre hosts Shakespeare in the Park.
3. Also, the Eclectic Menagerie Park, located alongside Highway 288, contains enormous sculptures.
4. For further information regarding Houston, visit here!