The Woodlands TX Rheumatology Clinic to trust with your bone and joint health needs is Advanced Rheumatology of Houston! Our clinic in The Woodlands is run by a Rheumatologist with over a decade of experience, Dr. Tamar Brionez. Call 281-766-7886 and book an appointment with her today!

The Woodlands TX Rheumatology Clinic You Can Trust

Is joint pain making the simple tasks in your life difficult? No matter your complaint, Advanced Rheumatology of Houston can help improve your quality of life. Local expert Dr. Brionez has diagnosed and treated arthritis and other rheumatologic conditions from our location in The Woodlands for over ten years. Call our clinic today and see how her expertise and commitment to high-quality care can transform both your pain and your life.

Dr. Brionez studied at Texas A&M University and Baylor College of Medicine. Following her collegiate career, she attained her board-certifications in internal medicine and rheumatology. Furthermore, throughout her decade of experience, she has remained committed to providing the highest quality standard of care possible. This is evident in the hundreds of lives she has improved while pursuing her passion for pain management and her participation in global research studies.

Global Research Studies On Lupus

Advanced Rheumatology of Houston is participating in three global research studies involving upcoming pain management techniques and medications related to lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis.

Lupus is a very complex and diverse rheumatologic condition that, if not treated properly, can become life-threatening. Dr. Brionez is participating in the worldwide SLE-BRAVE research study on ways lupus-related pain management can be improved. For further information on the study and its eligibility requirements, see our website.

Global Research Studies On Arthritis

Advanced Rheumatology of Houston is also participating in two global research studies on common forms of arthritis. Firstly, the contRAst study aims to slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. And secondly, the KEEPsAKE study aims to test the effectiveness of an experimental pain medication for psoriatic arthritis.

Whether or not you decide to pursue participation in these studies, The Woodlands TX Rheumatology Clinic for you is Advanced Rheumatology of Houston. Dr. Brionez has improved the lives of hundreds of individuals, and she believes you also deserve to live as pain-free as possible!

What Is Arthritis?

Much like lupus, arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes swelling, stiffness, and pain in a person’s joints. Many forms of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and osteoarthritis, cause these symptoms by breaking down the cartilage in a person’s joints. On the other hand, gout and spondyloarthritis work a little differently.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

This form of arthritis is the most common we diagnose and treat at The Woodlands TX Rheumatology Clinic. Symptoms of this form of arthritis include joint swelling and pain, an overall lack of energy, and the occasional low-grade fever. Currently, there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but Dr. Brionez will prescribe medication to help you manage any swelling or pain.

Psoriatic Arthritis

If you have psoriasis, a skin condition causing red patches of scaly skin, you have a 15% chance of also developing psoriatic arthritis. The process of diagnosing this form of arthritis involves the examination of body parts affected by psoriasis and bloodwork. If diagnosed, Dr. Brionez will prescribe medication to reduce any pain and swelling you may be experiencing.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis diagnosed in the US. This rheumatologic condition involves joint stiffness and pain. The joint may also have temporary swelling if it is active. Currently, there is no cure for osteoarthritis. Dr. Brionez manages the condition with a combination of medication and lifestyle adjustments.

Gout

Gout, on the other hand, attacks the joints in a very unique way. Rather than break down that soft, flexible tissue, gout causes tiny needle-like urate crystals to form on top of it. As these crystals form, your white blood cells begin to attack them, causing the person intense pain. This mostly occurs in the feet, beginning with the big toe.

Spondyloarthritis

Finally, this type is unique in that the spondyloarthritis actually refers to a family of inflammatory diseases. There are two main groups within this family. The first causes inflammation, stiffness, and pain in the back. The second causes bone deformities.

We see up to seven different variations of this condition, but the most common we diagnose and treat at The Woodlands TX Rheumatology Clinic is ankylosing spondylitis. Ankylosing spondylitis attacks one’s ligaments and tendons. This specific form can only be diagnosed through x-rays and MRIs. Genetics play a significant role in both the occurrence and severity of ankylosing spondylitis.

Furthermore, as with many other forms of arthritis, there is no cure for ankylosing spondylitis or any of the other variations of spondyloarthritis. Dr. Brionez will help individuals with this condition manage their pain and other symptoms on an individualized basis.

Other Rheumatologic Conditions Involving Joint Pain

Another inflammatory condition known to target the back is Polymyalgia Rheumatica. If you experience a sudden onset of stiffness, swelling, tenderness, and pain in your arms, back, neck, or legs, you need to call Dr. Brionez today. She can help you manage this condition with a combination of medication and regular bloodwork.

While uncomfortable and painful, Polymyalgia Rheumatica is not life-threatening. Scleroderma, on the other hand, can be. Similar to how spondyloarthritis contained several variations within two main groups, scleroderma is divided into two main subsets. Localized scleroderma mainly targets a person’s skin; however, if left untreated, it has been known to spread and also attack one’s muscles and joints. Systemic scleroderma mainly targets vital organs and it can quickly become life-threatening if not properly treated.

Contact Us

Do the ongoing global research studies interest you? Do you need help managing joint pain or any other symptoms discussed in this article? Call 281-766-7886 our clinic to book your life-changing appointment with Dr. Brionez today! The Woodlands TX Rheumatology Clinic you should trust with any and all of your bone and joint health concerns is Advanced Rheumatology of Houston.

The Woodlands TX Fun Facts

1. Firstly, the first high school in The Woodlands opened in 1976!
2. Secondly, there are almost 150 parks in The Woodlands area!
3. Lastly, the George Mitchell Nature Preserve has more than 12,000 protected acres of nature and wildlife.
4. Learn further information regarding The Woodlands here!