Experienced Rheumatologists in Houston TX, Can Help You Live More Comfortably With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes the body’s immune system – which normally attacks foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses – to mistakenly attack healthy joint tissue. Most often, rheumatoid arthritis affects the hands, wrists, elbows, hips, knees, ankles and feet. The arthritis is usually symmetrical, which means the same joints on both sides of the body are affected.
The precise causes of rheumatoid arthritis are unknown. Some experts believe that certain factors, such as stress, tobacco use and infection, may trigger the immune system to inadvertently target the joints.
What are the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?
When attacked by the immune system, a joint’s soft lining (synovial membrane) can become thickened and inflamed, leading to pain, swelling, warmth, redness and loss of joint function. If left untreated, rheumatoid arthritis can ultimately damage the protective joint cartilage, which normally cushions the ends of the bones in the joint. As the cartilage breaks down and wears away, the unprotected bone surfaces may begin to erode as well, eventually changing the shape and structure of the joint.
How is rheumatoid arthritis treated?
As the rheumatoid arthritis progresses, once joint damage occurs, it cannot be reversed. Therefore, the main goals of treatment are to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, prevent joint damage, and enhance mobility. Some common strategies include:
- Medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologics and steroids
- Physical therapy, which may include stretches, exercises, hot/cold therapy and therapeutic massage
- Occupational therapy, which offers strategies on how to more easily perform daily tasks
- Regular exercise to strengthen the muscles that support damaged joints
- Joint replacement surgery
Early, aggressive treatment for rheumatoid arthritis is the key to achieving good results. If you have questions or would like to discuss your symptoms and treatment options with a rheumatologist, contact Advanced Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine in Houston, Texas, today.
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1Professional Building II At North Cypress Medical Center
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2North Cypress Professional Building At Lakewood Crossing
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3North Cypress Professional Building At Towne Lake
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4Advanced Orthopaedics Memorial
What Our Patients Are Saying
Dr. Ryan Blalock is AMAZING! He went above and beyond to fix my 8 year old son’s severely broken arm with emergency surgery. He has wonderful bedside manner and made sure that we all understood what was happening every step of the way. We are now 3 months post op and his arm looks brand new. My son loves him and so do we! We highly recommend Dr. Blalock and Advanced Orthopaedics!
I was treated by Dr. Brooks, about a month ago, for a terrible pain on my right knee. I tried all kind of things at home first, like braces, rubs, heat, elevation, nothing worked, it just kept getting worse. By the time I made it to the doctor, I was in agony. He treated me and within 2 days I was like new. Not a leftover memory.
Now the pain started on my left knee. This time I went immediately to Dr. Brooks. Much easier treatment and by the next day all the pain is gone.
THANKS DR. BROOKS
Everyone here is so professional and kind. Everything was explained to me so that could understand what had to be done. Haven’t had the surgery yet, will update when I have…. One month after surgery, started physical therapy and all is going well. Dr. Mack did such a great job. X Ray’s show the phenomenal work he did on my ankle. Thank you so much… The physical therapy here is great. They provide so much insight and help. Getting much better.
Excellent care and attention to patients. I recently had a total hip replacement and I am able to walk 6 weeks after surgery with no cane. Great feeling to be independant again. So happy to have such an excellent doctor, Dr.Thomas Tanous. His staff was excellent and encouraging as I healed from my surgery. I would definitely recommend Advanced Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine
Always awesome. Everyone is kind, very professional and thorough. Dr Blalock and his team go out of their way to help any way they can. Same with the group in OT. They work hard and are always helpful and pleasant. Recommend 100%
Advanced Orthopedics & Sports Medicine has, at 76, virtually given me a new lease on being mobile and active. I have seen Dr’s Tanous, Patel, and Cubbage for an assortment of neck, spine and hip problems. Steroid injections to spine by Dr. Patel and the bursa in my hips by Dr. Tanous have taken me from not being able to walk my dog to the end of the block without excruciating pain to walking her daily and even doing several 2 to 2.5 mile hikes on vacations in the last couple of years. I cannot praise them highly enough.
I highly recommend Advanced Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine whenever the need arises for great orthopaedic surgeons. They take care of you in a very professional and courteous manner. The Doctors do not rush out like most Doctors do, they sit down and explain what they find, what you need to do to get better and stay to find out if you have any questions or concerns. I also love the physical therapists that they have on premises if there is a need for physical therapy; you do not have to go anywhere else. The staff is also very professional and take care of your promptly. You do not have to wait a long time in the waiting room. All the Doctors are great but I appreciate very much Dr. Fehsenfeld, Dr. Mohr and Dr. Mills. I have peace of mind after I am being take care by these outstanding Doctors
I have found the staff to be courteous and professional. Lynn and Julie were wonderful to work with and took good care of me. And Dr. Brooks and Dr. Mack are excellent and I will seek their help with any and all Orthopedic issues involving my knees in the future.
Thanks for the help on strengthening my legs.after the back surgery, There was no pain shooting down the back of my legs after surgery. I am recovering well with no pain medications.after seven days. I sincerity appreciate Dr.Cubbage.expertise. He told me what to expect with the surgery and recovery. He was spot on and l feel lucky to get a great Doctor like Dr. Cubbage. I also want to thank his great staff for their professional assistance.
I highly recommend Advanced Orthopedic & Sports Medicine to anyone who needs anything dealing with bone replacement. They are THE BEST! Starting with the front office staff, all the techs, all the nurses and the anesthesiologists as well as the doctors are all supremely professional, kind, cordial, accommodating as well as being a Medical Community of their word! They are very concerned about your needs during and after your hospital stay.
They reach out to you afterwards to see how you are doing and I find that to be so hospitable in the culture and climate of our world today. Doctor. David Mack and his nurse Julie as well as the other staff are really the best and have a unique bedside as well as chair side manner. These are least to find qualities in healthcare today. Just to get someone to look at you while you explain as to why you are in for a visit today is a none find however; this staff is all of the above for mentioned and more! Please use this team for your Orthopedic needs and you will be happy with the outcome!