Are you searching “Spring TX Gout Doctor Near Me?” Well, Advanced Rheumatology of Houston has the gout doctor you need. Dr. Brionez has more than ten years of experience in the field of rheumatology. She has helped numerous patients overcome their chronic conditions.
Dr. Brionez is a rheumatologist. Rheumatologists diagnose and treat arthritis, lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, and other rheumatologic conditions. These conditions are diseases that affect the connective tissues of the body. Connective tissue is known as muscles, joints, ligaments, organs, and bones. Dr. Brionez has more than a decade of experience diagnosing and treating patients with these conditions.
Dr. Brionez started her medical career at Texas A&M University. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutritional Science. Then, she attended the Baylor College of Medicine for her Doctor of Medicine. She also completed her Fellowship in Rheumatology at the University of Texas Health Science Center.
Then, in 2007, Dr. Brionez became board-certified in internal medicine. Two years later, she reached the goal she set out to become a board-certified rheumatologist. Since 2009, Dr. Brionez has been in practice. She has continued to diagnose and treat various rheumatologic conditions at Advanced Rheumatology of Houston. You can see the full list of conditions Dr. Brionez can diagnose and treat below.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Psoriatic Arthritis
- Lupus
- Osteoarthritis
- Gout
- Spondyloarthritis
- Sjögren’s Syndrome
- Myositis
- Vasculitis
- Osteoporosis
- Polymyalgia Rheumatica
- Scleroderma
What is Gout?
Gout is a chronic condition that primarily affects the joints in the big toe. However, gout is capable of appearing in any joint in the body. Gout occurs when urate crystals collect within a joint. After the joints have collected, these needle-like crystals will prompt the immune system to attack the area. The inflammation will cause swelling, pain, and stiffness.
Urate crystals form when there is an excess amount of uric acid in the body. It is up to the kidneys to filter out uric acid from the body. So, if there is a built-up amount, then one of two things are happening. One option is the kidneys are not working properly and are unable to filter out the uric acid. The other option is there is so much uric acid the kidneys cannot remove it fast enough.
In the case of the latter, specific foods can drastically raise the levels of uric acid in the body. You can find a list of foods to avoid below.
- Seafood
- Red meat
- Organ meat
- Soups
- Alcohol
- Sugary drinks
- Foods high in fructose
- Processed foods
Gout can appear in anyone, but there are specific risk factors that you should know. Firstly, Gout primarily affects men and women after menopause. Secondly, those with kidney disease are also more susceptible to developing gout. Finally, if you have any of the following conditions, then you have a higher risk of developing gout.
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
It is suggested that genetic factors also have a role in the development of gout. You should stick to fresh and healthy foods. This can help reduce your risk of developing gout. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and lean meat are the best options when it comes to food selection.
Diagnosing and Treating Gout
Gout has very similar symptoms as some arthritis types. So, it is important to obtain a proper diagnosis from a rheumatologist. Dr. Brionez will use state-of-the-art techniques and tests to ensure you have the best diagnosis possible. Fortunately, there are many ways of identifying gout. The best method is to find a uric acid crystal in the joint or in a blood test.
Dr. Brionez may extract fluid from the affected joint and examine it closely. If there are urate crystals within the fluid, then gout is the diagnosis. These crystals could also be found underneath the skin that appear as swollen growths. They are known as tophi. Another way of identifying gout is through the joints involved, symptoms, blood tests, time course, and advanced imaging tests.
Gout is a chronic condition, so you have to learn to live with the condition for a long time or for the rest of your life. There are many ways of controlling gout, however. Medicines such as colchicine is used to treat active glares of gout. This drug has complications with patients taking medication for their kidney disease. So, they are given a very low dose or a different medication altogether.
Other drugs used to treat the symptoms include Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids. Of course, these treatment options vary on your condition. Each case of gout is different from the rest, so there is never a “one size fits all” medication.
Living with Gout
You will need to learn to live with gout after your diagnosis. There is no need to worry, though, because Dr. Brionez and the team at Advanced Rheumatology of Houston will help you live a comfortable life. When it comes to living with gout, there are certain lifestyle changes that may need to be made.
Most importantly, you should eat healthy foods. Lean meats, fruits, and vegetables are important foods to keep your uric acid levels low. The lower amounts of uric acid in the body will lead to less discomfort and pain. You should also follow your treatment plan to the very specifics. This is crucial when wanting to reduce pain, discomfort, and swelling. Dr. Brionez and her team will offer the expertise and comfort you are needing.
Spring TX Gout Doctor Near Me
If you are suffering from the symptoms of gout, contact Advanced Rheumatology of Houston today. Dr. Brionez has more than ten years of experience with gout and other rheumatologic conditions. Schedule an appointment at our office by calling (281) 766-7886. You may also fill out the contact form on our contact us page.
Gout can be a serious condition, and there are ways of controlling it. Find the expertise and professional rheumatologist you need in order to live a comfortable life. Dr. Bironez is the professional and friendly gout doctor you are wanting. Once you contact us, you can finally stop searching “Spring TX gout doctor near me.”
Fun Facts about Spring
- Spring, TX is home to Collins Park, a 55-acres creekside outdoor recreational area.
- CNN’s Money Magazine voted Spring, TX as one of the most affordable places to live in the country.
- Old Town Spring downtown area holds over 150 restaurants, galleries, and other attractions.
- Find more fun facts about Spring here.