If you are seeking “Tomball TX psoriatic arthritis rheumatologist near me,” then contact Advanced Rheumatology of Houston today. The sole rheumatologist at our clinic, Dr. Brionez, has more than ten years of experience. Her education and experience have given her the knowledge she needs to diagnose and treat arthritis, gout, lupus, and other rheumatologic conditions.

Rheumatologic conditions are known to affect the connective tissue of the body. Connective tissues are known as joints, ligaments, muscles, organs, and sometimes bone. These diseases can range in severity, appear like other diseases, and change the life of a person drastically. Millions of Americans are affected by these conditions, so it is important for rheumatologists to be accessible.

Dr. Brionez wants to help as many patients as possible when it comes to rheumatologic conditions. She started her medical career by graduating from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences. Then, she got her Doctor of Medicine from the Baylor College of Medicine. She also completed a fellowship in rheumatology at the University of Texas Health Science Center.

In 2007, she was board-certified in internal medicine. Two years later, in 2009, she became a board-certified rheumatologist. Ever since then, Dr. Brionez has practiced rheumatology. She uses the most trusted techniques and state-of-the-art technology to diagnose and treat various 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’ Connection to Psoriasis

Psoriatic arthritis stems from the autoimmune disease psoriasis, a skin condition. People with psoriasis or those related to people with the skin condition are capable of developing psoriatic arthritis. Only about 15 percent of psoriasis patients develop arthritis. Patients between the age of 30 and 50 are the most affected by psoriatic arthritis.

Those with psoriasis experience patches of red or white, scaly skin. The cause of the skin looking like this is due to the overproduction of skin cells. T-cells are sent from the immune system in order to fight off infections. However, an autoimmune disease will cause the cells to attack healthy tissues. T-cells can also promote skin cell growth.

In the case of psoriasis, the skin produces an abundance of cells. Normally, new cells appear on the surface in weeks, but psoriasis causes them to appear in just days. The overabundance of cells scrunches up the cells and causes the scaly look psoriasis has. The irritation and inflammation are caused by attacks from the immune system. It is unknown why the T-cells attack the skin.

There are many types of psoriasis, but the most common is plaque psoriasis. Patches of red, scaly skin can appear anywhere, but the elbows, fingers, knees, and scalp are common areas. There are treatment options that can treat the overproduction of skin cells, but there are environmental factors that can cause flares. Vitamin D deficiency, stress, strep throat, injury of the skin, smoking, alcohol consumption, and certain medication are examples.

What Does Psoriatic Arthritis Affect?

Psoriatic arthritis is also an autoimmune disease and occurs when the immune system attacks the joints. Any joint in the body is capable of being affected, but larger joints are more common. If you are experiencing pain, swelling, or stiffness in a joint or multiple, then you should consider scheduling an appointment with Dr. Brionez. The sooner a patient is diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, the better.

Research has suggested later diagnoses reveal greater damage to the joints. Once a patient is diagnosed, the doctor can start to treat the condition, which will reduce joint damage. Of course, it also varies on the case. No two cases are different and should be treated in different ways. Fortunately, there are ways of treating this disease.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The diagnosis will focus on the symptoms the patient is reporting. Dr. Brionez will carefully examine the joints that may be affected. In order to see if there is any joint damage, she will run various scans. X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs, and CT scans are examples. Blood tests may also be run in order to determine if there is another disease at work.

Treatment will vary on the severity of the illness. For mild cases, therapy and over the counter painkillers will be effective. Therapy helps reduce the stiffness and pain patients may experience. In fact, therapy or exercise, in general, is great for all psoriatic arthritis patients. Once the pain dissipates, patients can stop therapy. More severe cases require stronger medications and may need a combination of two.

Unfortunately, these treatment options are not enough for all psoriatic arthritis patients. 40 percent of patients do not respond to current treatment options. So, there are research studies searching and testing new options that strive to reduce that number. Advanced Rheumatology of Houston is excited to be a part of one.

KEEPsAKE

Research studies test a new medication or treatment option to help patients that do not respond to established treatment options. Studies require participants with the condition the drug is trying to combat. Advanced Rheumatology is one of many participating clinics in the KEEPsAKE study.

If you are interested in what the KEEPsAKE study can offer you or others in the psoriatic arthritis community, then give us a call. We can answer any questions or see if you qualify. The qualifying criteria can also be found on our psoriatic arthritis research page.

Tomball TX Psoriatic Arthritis Rheumatologist Near Me

Advanced Rheumatology of Houston wants to help as many patients as possible in the Greater Houston area. These conditions should not decide how you live your life. Schedule an appointment today by calling (281) 766-7886. Patients should also ask us questions about the KEEPsAKE research study.

This is a great opportunity for patients to help pave the way toward a new treatment option. It is super beneficial for current and future psoriatic arthritis patients. Dr. Brionez will work with patients closely during the entire course of the study, so they are getting the best care. There is no longer a need to search “Tomball TX psoriatic arthritis rheumatologist near me.”

 

Fun Facts about Tomball

• Tomball was awarded the “Superior Public Drinking Water System” from the TCEQ.
• The city has a 97% Excellent rating of the Utilities Gas System.
• Tomball is ranked as one of the top three cities in Texas for our gas system.
• Find more fun facts about Tomball here.