Conroe TX Psoriatic Arthritis Doctor Near Me

If you are searching “Conroe TX psoriatic arthritis doctor near me,” then contact Advanced Rheumatology of Houston today. Rheumatology is the study of rheumatologic conditions, which affect connective tissues in the body. Connective tissues are usually referred to as joints, but organs, skin, muscle, and ligaments are also considered.

The rheumatologist you need Dr. Brionez at Advanced Rheumatology of Houston. She has more than ten years of experience with rheumatologic conditions. Since 2009, Dr. Brionez has been practicing rheumatology. She has handled a number of different diseases. She obtained her medical degree from the Baylor College of Medicine.

Allow Advanced Rheumatology of Houston to help you with your illness.

Dr. Brionez has a certification by the board since 2009 and has been in practice ever since. Her medical advice is trusted by patients because she has numerous years of experience. Rheumatologists diagnose and treat arthritis, gout, ankylosing spondylitis, osteoporosis, and more. These diseases affect millions of Americans every year, so it is important to offer the best medical assistance possible.

The team Dr. Brionez has comprised at Advanced Rheumatology of Houston is professional, knowledgable, caring, and kind. They will work closely with patients to find the best treatment options for their case. Advanced Rheumatology of Houston is capable of diagnosing and treating a number of different rheumatologic conditions. You can see the full list of conditions below.

Gout
Myositis
Osteoarthritis
Osteoporosis
Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Psoriatic Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Scleroderma
Sjögren’s Syndrome
Spondyloarthritis
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus)
Vasculitis

Psoriatic Arthritis’ Relationship to Psoriasis

Psoriatic arthritis is a disease that only appears in patients with psoriasis. Psoriasis is a skin disease that creates red or white scaly patches. These patches may appear anywhere, but they are often found on the knees, scalp, elbows, and back. There is no defining cause of psoriasis, but there is some speculation as to what causes it.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, which is means the immune system attacks healthy tissue. Normally, an immune system targets foreign pathogens in the body. Infections and diseases are a few examples. When it comes to psoriasis, T-cells seem to be the cause. These cells travel through the body in order to fight off the pathogens. In some cases, the T-cells attack healthy skin cells, which also causes the production of skin cells.

Psoriasis occurs when skin cells overproduce and so the cells get scrunched up against each other, which causes the scaly look. Typically, new skin cells should take weeks to reach the surface, but psoriasis pushed them to the top in days. Dry, cracked skin, red or white patches of scaly skin, itching, burning, or soreness and stiff or swollen joints are common symptoms.

More on Psoriatic Arthritis

15 percent of patients with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis. Adults between the ages of 30 and 50 have an increased risk. However, anyone can develop the condition. Similar to other arthritis types, psoriatic arthritis affects the joints in the body. They can become stiff, swollen, and painful. Psoriatic arthritis is capable of affecting any joint in the body, but common areas include the hands, feet, and lower back.

Find a doctor that cares about what you are going through.

Diagnosing and Treating Psoriatic Arthritis

The best way to diagnose psoriatic arthritis is by examining the areas affected and then running some tests. Dr. Brionez will examine the area in which the patient is feeling discomfort. She will also look for patterns of arthritis as well as skin and nail changes. Then, X-rays will be used to view the condition of joints. More detailed scans, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, may be used. Finally, blood tests are the best way to determine if the patient has psoriatic arthritis.

Psoriatic arthritis does not have a cure, but there are ways to treat the symptoms. There are several medications that can reduce swelling, pain, and stiffness. Therapy is recommended for more mild cases. Ibuprofen and Advil are also great options for mild cases as they offer pain relief. Once therapy makes patients feel better, then they are able to stop when they want.

Even though there are many medication options, 40 percent of patients do not respond to current treatment options. This means their results are not substantial enough. So, there are research studies paving the way toward new treatment options such as the KEEPsAKE study.

KEEPsAKE Research Study

Research studies aim to find new treatment options for patients that do not respond to current treatments. KEEPsAKE is one of those research studies and is testing an investigational drug. If effective, this medication could reduce the number of people who do not respond to treatments. Advanced Rheumatology of Houston is happy to participate in this study as it offers a benefit for current and future psoriatic arthritis patients.

Call us to see if you qualify for the KEEPsAKE research study.

The KEEPsAKE study splits participants into two groups of 420 people. One group will receive the investigational drug while the other will receive a placebo. These two groups will take the drug orally for 24 weeks. Once the initial 24 weeks are over, the groups are combined, and everyone is given the drug. The total length of this research study is a little more than four years.

If you are interested in participating in this study, then visit the psoriatic arthritis research study page on our website. Patients must meet the following criteria in order to participate.

18 years or older
Symptoms occurred at least 6 months ago
Currently have swollen or tender joints
You have at least 1 patch of psoriasis on your skin or nails
Prescribed treatments for psoriatic arthritis for at least 12 weeks but they were not working, and you cannot tolerate the side effects