Are you searching for Tomball TX best doctor for rheumatoid arthritis near me? Then you need to contact Advanced Rheumatology of Houston. They have quality care for those who are struggling with rheumatologic diseases. Their office staff is currently located in the Houston area. So if you would like a doctor that is nearby, then they are the best choice. Dr. Brionez has over ten years of experience with diagnosing and treating arthritis along with other rheumatologic disorders.
While most rheumatologic disorders are chronic, that doesn’t mean that you have to live in pain. With the proper care and treatment, you can live a more comfortable and happy life. Dr. Broinez strives to give all her patients a better life. Many of her patients love her because they know she cares about what they are going through. So, don’t continue to battle this disease alone. There is help available.
She is also highly qualified between her schooling and experience. For her undergrad, she went to Texas A&M and then continued her education at Baylor College of Medicine, where she got her doctorate. After her schooling, she finished her Fellowship in Rheumatology at the University of Texas Health Science Center.
Once she finished her Fellowship in 2007, she became board-certified for Internal Medicine. Then in 2009, she was board-certified for Rheumatology. Ever since then, she has been in practice and has helped people live higher-quality lives. When it comes to caring for yourself and your disease, you want the best care. Advanced Rheumatology can help you with that. So, choose them to be your Tomball TX best doctor for rheumatoid arthritis near me.
About Rheumatoid Arthritis
This is a chronic inflammatory disorder. Rheumatoid arthritis doesn’t just affect your joints but can also affect your eyes, skin, heart, lungs, and blood vessels. It is also known as an autoimmune disorder. Which is a disease where your immune system attacks the healthy tissues in your body.
Rheumatoid arthritis primarily affects the lining of your joints. This effect can cause painful swelling, which over time, results in erosion of the bones and joint deformity.
The inflammation is what can cause problems with other parts of the body. It is also known to attack joints on both sides of the body. Both hands, both knees, both wrists. This symmetry helps it stand out among other types of arthritis.
It is important to know the signs because early treatment is the most effective.
Symptoms
Because rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease, those who have it will sadly have to live with it. Like other rheumatologic diseases, there is a variety of symptoms. These symptoms are typically in smaller joints like the hands and feet. Here are some of the symptoms you could face with rheumatoid arthritis.
- appetite loss
- joint pain, swelling, stiffness
- minor fevers
- dry eyes and mouth
- firm lumps around elbows and hands
- joint stiffness more persistent in the morning
- decreased movement in joints
- lack of energy
There is a great variation in symptoms from person to person. Only about a quarter of those who have rheumatoid arthritis develop lumps or rheumatoid nodules. There are many different kinds of rheumatoid arthritis cases, so some symptoms may be present while others aren’t.
Diagnosing
The most effective way to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis is through blood tests. Additionally, your doctor will examine joints and organs using ultrasounds or X-rays. They will also ask about your medical history and symptoms. The process of diagnosis for rheumatoid arthritis may require multiple tests to confirm the findings. During a physical exam of your joints, they will look for:
- swelling and redness
- examine joint function
- examine the range of motion
- if affected joints are warm to the touch and tender
- test reflexes
- test muscle strength
If rheumatoid arthritis is suspected, then you will be referred to a rheumatologist. There isn’t one test that can solely confirm rheumatoid arthritis, so likely; your doctor will use multiple tests to be sure. These tests will show if there is joint damage and how severe it is. An evaluation of the other organs may be recommended for those with rheumatoid arthritis as well.
Different Types of Blood Tests
Blood tests are a common test that is used for rheumatoid arthritis. These tests are:
- rheumatoid factor test – High levels of the protein called a rheumatoid factor are associated with an autoimmune disease, especially rheumatoid arthritis.
- Antinuclear antibody test – This test is used to see if your body is producing antibodies. These antibodies are made in response to different conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
- C-reactive protein test – Your liver will make this in response to a severe infection or inflammation. High levels of this are usually associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate – This test helps determine the degree of inflammation. It can state that the inflammation is present but can’t tell you the cause of the inflammation.
- Anticitrullinated protein antibody test – With this test, it looks for an antibody that is associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Those with this antibody usually have rheumatoid arthritis; however, those with rheumatoid arthritis don’t always test positive for this antibody.
Treatment
While there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, that doesn’t mean that you have to live in pain. It is commonly known as disabling, but with the proper treatment, you can get back to enjoying your life.
With treatment, you can slow the progression of arthritis, which will help from further damage occurring. Treatment is ever-improving for rheumatoid arthritis. These improvements help improve the quality of life for patients and help them to manage the disease effectively.
One of the approaches to treatment is the treat-to-target approach. This approach results in fewer symptoms and better remission rates. This strategy includes:
- making a testing goal for remission or low disease state
- testing acute phase reactants
- performing monthly monitoring to look at the progress of treatment
- if progress isn’t made then medication is changes promptly
Treatment is great for managing the pain and inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis. When you are able to decrease the joint inflammation successfully, then you can prevent further damage. This is why it is important to reach out to a Tomball TX best doctor for rheumatoid arthritis near me.
The Best Tomball TX best doctor for rheumatoid arthritis near me
Advanced Rheumatology of Houston is the best place to get the proper care for rheumatoid arthritis. To set up an appointment with Dr. Brionez, call 281-766-7886. You can also learn more about her practice by visiting the doctor’s page and by checking out her location. Allow Advanced Rheumatology of Houston to be your Tomball TX best doctor for rheumatoid arthritis near me.