Are you searching “Spring TX rheumatoid arthritis doctors in my area?” Doctors who study this condition are known as rheumatologists. These types of doctors do more than just diagnose and treat arthritis. Instead, the diagnosis and treat a variety of rheumatologic diseases. These diseases affect the connective tissue of the body.
Connective tissue includes joints, muscles, bones, and tendons. Organs may also be involved. Rheumatologists will provide their medical advice when it comes to diagnosing and treating these diseases. Dr. Brionez, the sole rheumatologist at Advanced Rheumatology of Houston, has more than ten years of experience. She and her team will care for patients professionally and with the highest form of kindness.
Let Dr. Brionez help you overcome this painful condition.
Dr. Brionez started her medical career by graduating from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences. Then, she secured her Doctor of Medicine at the Baylor College of Medicine. She also completed a fellowship in rheumatology at the University of Texas Health Science Center.
2007 marked the year Dr. Brionez became board-certified in internal medicine. Two years later, in 2009, she was board-certified in rheumatology. Ever since then, she has been hard at work in practice. She professional, experienced, and friendly with patients. Schedule an appointment with her today in order to get exceptional care.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints in the body. Autoimmune diseases are when the immune system starts attacking healthy tissues in the body. Normally, the immune system attacks foreign pathogens like bacteria and infections. The cause of this condition is unknown, but there is some evidence to suggest it is genetic.
RA is the most common type of autoimmune arthritis. In fact, 1.3 million Americans are affected by the disease. Women are more affected by the disease than men are. 75 percent of RA patients are women. Women between the ages of 30 and 50 at a higher risk, but it can appear at any age.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic disease, so it will last for many years or for the rest of the patient’s life. The illness causes inflammation in the joints. Stiffness, pain, and swelling are common symptoms. The hands and feet joints are the most affected by this disease than any other joint. In some cases, organs are affected by the condition.
The joints in the hands and feet are the most affected by RA.
Those who have RA will not experience pain overnight. Instead, it will slowly appear and may be greater during longer periods of inactivity. Waking up in the morning is a common time for the pain or stiffness to be the worst. The symptoms may dissipate a few hours after, or they may last all day. Other symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include low fevers, loss of appetite, dry eyes or mouth, and lumps around the hands or elbows.
Diagnosing Rheumatoid Arthritis
There is not a single test that will confirm a person has RA. Instead, several tests must be run in order to determine the diagnosis. Blood tests and scans are typical processes of the diagnosis. X-rays or ultrasounds are capable of looking at the quality of joints and viewing organs. Blood tests are used to identify specific antibodies that have a relationship with rheumatoid arthritis.
Blood tests will also check for high levels of inflammation. If symptoms are mild, then the diagnosis will be more difficult. Plus, there are certain infections that can take the form of RA. So, this disease is not an easy one to diagnose. Plus, it does not help that the symptoms should be present for at least three months for an accurate diagnosis.
Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis has no cure, but there are a plethora of treatment options for symptoms. Therapy and regular exercise is the best way to control joint pain and stiffness. As long as patients keep a regular schedule, their day-to-day lives should be relatively normal. Medication is used in order to help preserve the joints. Of course, these options do not always work for every patient.
Dr. Brionez will tackle each case differently. There are several types of medications she may prescribe in order to improve the quality of their lives. More severe cases may need medication that blocks immune systems signals. However, the treatment option is more than just medication. Patients need to be in touch with their rheumatologist and therapist often. Frequent visits and checkups are needed for the best care possible.
The contRAst Program
Even though there are numerous treatment options for RA, some patients do not respond adequately to their effects. So, research studies search for new drugs that will help those who do not respond to current treatment. Plus, it may offer a better alternative than what is already provided. The ContRAst Program is doing just that, and Advanced Rheumatology of Houston is happy to be a participating clinic. The investigational drug the contRAst Program is testing will slow the progression of RA in adults.
Find out if you qualify for the contRAst Program by visiting our website.
The program is split into three groups. Each has various different amounts of participants, but each lasts the same length. Participants will have a chance to participate in a more extensive study after the contRAst Program is over. If you are interested in participating, then visit our rheumatoid arthritis research page. There, you can see the basic requirements and find a link to the website where patients can truly see if they fit the criteria.
Spring TX Rheumatoid Arthritis Doctors in My Area
As you can see, Advanced Rheumatology of Houston is looking for participants. If you are interested in the study or you want to schedule an appointment, call us at (281) 766-7886. Dr. Brionez works closely with patients, so they get the best possible care. RA is known as a debilitating disease for some, so help us find a new treatment option.
Patients may also contact us online. Simply fill out the form, and we will get back to you. Regardless of how you contact us, we will provide the same high-quality care. There is no longer a need to keep living in pain because Advanced Rheumatology of Houston offers great care. Patients can finally stop searching “Spring TX rheumatoid arthritis doctors in my area” and start calling us.
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.
