If you’re looking for a The Woodlands TX Doctor That Treats Rheumatoid Arthritis, you should definitely contact the experts at Advanced Rheumatology of Houston. Dr. Brionez has worked diagnosed and treated this type of condition for over ten years.
Her education includes a Bachelor in Science in Nutritional Sciences from Texas A&M University and a Doctor of Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. Additionally, she completed a fellowship in Rheumatology at the University of Texas Health Science Center. Even more, she is also board-certified in both internal medicine and rheumatology.
As an experienced and professional rheumatologist, Dr. Brionez genuinely cares about her patients and does everything she can to help them live a comfortable life despite having the condition to deal with. With our help, you’ll be able to live a truly comfortable life while using the most trusted treatment techniques.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Although still is a disabling disease, recent developments in the medical field have allowed patients to live a much more comfortable life even when suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common type of autoimmune arthritis and affects approximately 1.3 million Americans.
When suffering from this condition, the immune system will actually attack its own healthy tissues. There is a wide variety of symptoms patients may experience. Originally, the effects will be targeted towards smaller joints like the hands and feet. With that being said, RA can also target organs, eyes, and skin. Below you’ll find some of the many symptoms that patients can experience:
- Joint pain, stiffness, swelling
- Decreased flexibility in joints
- Joint stiffness that is more present in the mornings
- Lack of energy
- Minor fevers
- Appetite loss
- Firm lumps around the elbows and hands
Causes
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. The immune system is supposed to attack foreigners in the body, like bacteria and viruses. It does so by creating inflammation. During autoimmune systems, the system actually sends inflammation to healthy tissue by mistake. The immune system creates lots of inflammation that’s sent to the joints causing both swelling and pain.
If the inflammation remains present for a long time, it will eventually cause damage to the joint. This damage is typically not reversible once it occurs. Moreover, the cause for RA is still unknown. Currently, there is evidence that autoimmune conditions run in families. So potentially, certain genes you are born with could give you higher chances of getting RA.
Diagnosing
The diagnosing process for rheumatoid arthritis includes blood tests, joint, and organ examination, and reviewing x-ray or ultrasound images. There are several options when it comes to testing for RA. Blood tests are used to look for antibodies in circulation that could be seen in RA. Our The Woodlands TX Doctor That Treats Rheumatoid Arthritis is experienced in the diagnosing process.
These antibodies are small proteins in the bloodstream that are great for fighting substances called antigens. In some cases, people with RA can have these antibodies. This is what is referred to as a false-positive result.
Additionally, blood tests are also good when searching for high levels of inflammation. RA can have very mild symptoms that make diagnosing difficult. Often times, viral infections can cause symptoms that are similar to rheumatoid arthritis. With a qualified rheumatologist, you’ll have a physician with the skill and knowledge to reach a correct diagnosis of RA in addition to recommending a treatment plan.
Treating
Treatments and therapy for rheumatoid arthritis have improved greatly in the last three decades. The available treatment gives most patients good or excellent relief of symptoms. In addition, patients are able to live at or near normal levels.
With the right medications and treatment plans, patients can get to the point of having no signs of active disease. The disease is considered to be in remission when the symptoms are actually controlled.
Currently, there is no cure for RA. The goal of the treatment available today is to target joint pain and swelling to improve patients’ ability to perform day-to-day activities. Choosing to start medication as soon as possible can be very helpful in terms of preventing joints from having long-term permanent damage.
Keep in mind that there is no treatment that fits all. In fact, some RA patients have to change their treatment at least one time during their lifetime. It’s highly recommended that you get treatment with disease-modifying drugs. The drugs are great as they not only relieve symptoms, but they also slow the progression of the damage to the joint.
Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis
When living with rheumatoid arthritis, it is very important that you be physically active, but to scale back on the physical activity once the disease begins to flare. Generally speaking, getting proper rest is very helpful for joints with inflammation, or when you’re feeling tired. During these times, gentle range-of-motion exercises, such as stretching. Doing so will normally keep the joint flexible.
Once you start to feel better, it’s encouraged that RA patients take part in low-impact aerobic physical activity, such as walking and other types of exercises that boost muscle strength. By doing so, patients will improve their overall health in addition to lowering the pressure on your joints.
All in all, finding out that you have a chronic illness can be a very life-changing event. This condition can cause worry while also causing feelings of isolation and depression. Thanks to the significant advancements in treatment options, these feelings tend to decrease with time, along with improvements in energy and decrease in pain and stiffness.
Research Studies
The contRAst Program is a research study that gives patients the ability to contribute to the field in search of better treatment options. Rheumatoid arthritis does not have a cure, so most treatment options are targeted towards the symptoms. With that being said, there are research studies that are looking at investigational drugs to slow down the progression of the condition.
Currently, many patients with RA don’t respond well to their treatment. The goal of our research study is to help these patients and others like them so they, too, can live a comfortable life. To participate in the contRast Program, get in touch with Advanced Rheumatology of Houston.
The Best the Woodlands TX Doctor That Treats Rheumatoid Arthritis
Advanced Rheumatology of Houston treats patients with rheumatology conditions with the most cutting-edge techniques and modern equipment. Our physicians are excellent in terms of formal training in rheumatology. Contact our The Woodlands TX Doctor That Treats Rheumatoid Arthritis today to learn more about our services.
Contact Advanced Rheumatology of Houston by calling (281) 766-7886. You can also learn more by visiting our services or research studies webpages. You won’t find a better The Woodlands TX Doctor That Treats Rheumatoid Arthritis anywhere else.
The Woodlands TX Fun Facts
- There are nine villages that make up The Woodlands
- In 1976, the first high school in The Woodlands opened
- In 2004, the population exceeded 80,000
- Learn more about The Woodlands here