Are you looking for The Woodlands TX ankylosing spondylitis doctors near me? Then you need to contact Advanced Rheumatology of Houston and meet Dr. Brionez. She has over ten years of experience when it comes to diagnosing and treating rheumatologic diseases. These conditions greatly impact the lives of many by causing stiffness, pain, and discomfort. Some of the illnesses that rheumatologists diagnose and treat are rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, ankylosing spondylitis, and more. If you or someone you love is living with a rheumatologic illness, you don’t have to live in pain.
These conditions affect the connective tissues of the body, such as joints, muscles, bones, ligaments, and organs. Each condition is different, affecting different tissues in different ways. Dr. Brionez has treated a variety of conditions, and no matter what you are going through, she can help you too. Her patients love her because of her compassion and care for what they are experiencing. Every day she strives to help her patients live longer, happier lives.
Dr. Brionez earned a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science from Texas A&M University. Then she received her Doctor of Medicine from Baylor College of Medicine. Afterward, she finished her schooling; she completed her Fellowship of Rheumatology at the University of Texas Health Science Center. In 2007 she became certified in the board of internal medicine, and in 2009 she was certified in the board of rheumatology. After earning her certifications, she opened her own practice and began helping people live healthier, happier lives.
Spondyloarthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis
There is a family of diseases called spondyloarthritis, which includes ankylosing spondylitis. Spondyloarthritis consists of inflammatory diseases that cause arthritis, which is also known as a disease of the joints. Out of all the diseases in this family, ankylosing spondylitis is the most common. The other types of illnesses you can find in this family are reactive arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and axial spondyloarthritis. Seeing a rheumatologist is the best way to diagnose and treat arthritis. These specialized practitioners treat diseases like these that are chronic and require constant oversight.
Ankylosing spondylitis is unique because it affects the entheses, which are the part of the joints that attach tendons and ligaments to the bones. There are a couple of symptoms present with this disease. The first one is pain and stiffness in the back. However, it can also occur in the arms, legs, and hips. Another symptom that can occur is a break down of bones that can cause deformities. These deformities can cause pain and stiffness while also leading to poor posture.
Everyone has the potential to develop ankylosing spondylitis, although it is considered hereditary. In fact, most patients with ankylosing spondylitis have an HLA-B27 gene. However, this gene doesn’t always cause someone to develop the illness. There are some with the gene that don’t end up with ankylosing spondylitis.
So far, the cause of ankylosing spondylitis hasn’t been discovered. Researchers are still working diligently to uncover the cause of this life-altering illness. However, they have found thirty genes of the disease, leaving many more questions. To learn more about this condition, reach out to Dr. Brionez to become your The Woodlands TX ankylosing spondylitis doctors near me.
Diagnosing Ankylosing Spondylitis
While ankylosing spondylitis can develop in nearly anyone, it does favor specific ethnic groups. The condition appears mostly in Siberian, Alaskan Eskimos, and Scandinavian Lapps. This is because the HLA-B27 gene appears more in these cultures. This gene appears about 0.5 percent of the time in the United States. Additionally, the condition tends to happen more frequently in young men than women.
The process for diagnosing ankylosing spondylitis begins with a physical exam. Dr. Brionez may ask you to stretch so she can examine your range of motion. You may also have to replicate your pain through certain movements. Afterward, she will look for changes in the bone using advanced imaging tests such as x-rays or MRIs.
Treatment Options
Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic illness meaning there is no cure. However, there is treatment available the can help those living with ankylosing spondylitis lead more comfortable lives. The treatments for ankylosing spondylitis help relieve pain and stiffness, while also preventing further deformity. Since the treatment helps with deformity, it is important to begin treatment as early as possible.
The treatment usually involves medication, and the initial medication prescribed is typically NSAIDs. These medications are great for reducing pain and discomfort. However, if there is swelling in a particular area, then it may be beneficial to use corticosteroids. These can be injected into the joint where the swelling is occurring. They work quickly, so once the treatment is applied, it won’t take long to see the results.
However, if these medications aren’t effective, then you may be prescribed disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs or DMARDs. This method is one of the more effective methods of treating ankylosing spondylitis in the arms and legs. Reach out to Dr. Broinez so she can become your The Woodlands TX ankylosing spondylitis doctors near me.
Living with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis can be challenging to live with. However, it isn’t impossible. There are many ways that ankylosing spondylitis can impact other aspects of your health. It is important to keep an eye on any other symptoms you may experience outside of the ones related to ankylosing spondylitis because it could be the development of something else. Some other conditions that can develop along with ankylosing spondylitis are osteoporosis, inflammation of the eyes, psoriasis, and more.
On and off, discomfort is typical for ankylosing spondylitis as well as pain and stiffness. Despite the condition and the symptoms, many of those who live with this condition can live long, normal lives thanks to treatment. One way you can manage the condition is through exercise. A physical therapist is another way to help with the symptoms. Both can aid you in reducing pain and stiffness that comes with it. For more information on how to reduce your symptoms, contact Advanced Rheumatology of Houston to become your The Woodlands TX, ankylosing spondylitis doctors near me.
The Best The Woodlands TX ankylosing spondylitis doctors near me
Contact Advanced Rheumatology of Houston today for quality medical advice on how to manage ankylosing spondylitis. You can call them at (281) 766-7886, or you can visit their location. You can also learn more about them by taking a look at their services. Allow Advanced Rheumatology of Houston to become your The Woodlands TX ankylosing spondylitis doctors near me.
The Woodlands TX Fun Facts
- The Woodlands is also known as the “invisible city.”
- The first high school in the city opened in 1976
- There are nearly 150 parks in the area.
- For more fun facts about The Woodlands TX, visit us.