A rheumatologist is an internal medicine specialist who treats arthritis and other diseases of the joints, muscles, and bones. This doctor also treats autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system attacks and injures its tissues. This attack causes inflammation ranging from mild to severe in different body parts. Autoimmune diseases can target many tissues, including joints, muscles, bones, skin, eyes, and internal organs.
If you are searching for a Rheumatologist in Katy who can help you recover from the condition with personalized treatment plans, meet the team of Best Rheumatologists in Katy Texas at Arthritis Clinic of Cypress and Katy. They specialize in providing advanced treatment for autoimmune diseases and other rheumatic disorders.
In this blog post, we will be discussing who is a rheumatologist, what they do, their diagnoses, and more.
What Is a Rheumatologist?
A rheumatologist is an internist or pediatrician who has pursued further training in the diagnosis and management of arthritis and other diseases affecting joints, muscles, and bones, including inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
When to See a Rheumatologist?
A rheumatologist is usually consulted when your problem relates to the musculoskeletal system, especially joint pain, inflammation, or autoimmune conditions concerning joints, muscles, and bones.
For example, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus, or osteoporosis.
Common Symptoms that are alarming to see a Rheumatologist:
- Pain in several joints
- Autoimmune considerations
- Muscle pain
- Joint inflammation without explanation
- Concerns for bone density
If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, visit Dr. Seema Malani. She is a trusted specialist offering rheumatology care in Katy, TX. She offers personalized treatment plans and advanced cure methods. Thus, you can consult her for a speedy recovery.
How a Rheumatologist Can Help
An arthritis specialist in Katy diagnoses rheumatic conditions using various procedures, such as reviewing the medical history, imaging tests, blood tests, and physical therapy.
Comprehensive Care for Rheumatic Conditions
Let’s understand the diagnostic process and the treatments given for arthritis.
Diagnostic Processes
Here are the processes involved in diagnosis:
Medical History: Discuss the symptoms you have had with your doctor: when they started, and how they have changed. Note any difficulties in work, leisure, or daily activities. Mention any other illnesses you have or if there is a family history of rheumatoid arthritis. Also, mention all the medications you take.
Physical Examination: The physician examines the various joints, observes the movements, looks for skin rashes or nodules, and listens for lung involvement.
Laboratory Tests: Blood tests like rheumatoid factor (RF), and anti-CCP are useful in the diagnosis of RA. Other tests like complete blood counts, ESR, and C-reactive protein levels are indicated to detect inflammation and anemia.
Imaging Tests: X-rays, MRIs, and ultrasounds are used to identify joint damage. In addition, severity can be evaluated by CT scans and PET scans.
Treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Here are the treatments for RA:
- The features of symptoms and severity have formulated goals of pain relief, inflammation reduction, and prevention of damage to joints.
- It is important to slow disease progression and to prevent ever-increasing irreversible damage to joints.
- Medications: Anti-inflammatory for pain relief; corticosteroids for inflammation; DMARDs, biologics, and JAK inhibitors for slowing disease progression.
- Therapy and surgery: Physical and occupational therapy to enhance movement capabilities. Surgery is indicated for patients who have suffered severe joint damage.
- Regular Monitoring: Follow up on Disease Progression, Treatment Effects, and Risks Such as Osteoporosis or Infection.
- Vaccination: The recommended prevention of infectious diseases.
Why Choose Dr. Seema Malani in Katy, TX?
Dr. Seema Malani has specialized in rheumatology for more than 18 years, she is a board-certified and well-respected rheumatologist.
She can provide patient-centric health care with advanced treatment modalities and diagnostic tools. Practicing in Katy, Cypress, and Humble, TX, she has hospital privileges at Memorial and HCA North Cypress.
Dr. Malani completed her fellowship at SUNY Downstate and is well known for the individualized treatment plans she develops for her patients and her dedication to excellence in rheumatology care.
FAQs About Rheumatology in Katy, TX
What conditions does a rheumatologist treat?
A rheumatologist specializes in treating joint, autoimmune disease, or osteoporosis diseases along with musculoskeletal conditions. For example, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout, and fibromyalgia.
Do I need a referral to see a rheumatologist?
A referral might be required for you, depending on the insurance plan you have. Please check with your insurance provider or directly contact the rheumatology clinic to learn about how the referral process for your appointment works.
How can I prepare for my first rheumatology appointment?
Prepare any existing medical records, a medication list, family history, and symptom information to bring to the appointment. Also, make a list of questions to ask, wear comfortable clothes, and prepare for a physical exam or diagnostic tests during the visit.
Conclusion
We are working with patients suffering from arthritis and autoimmune problems. Through advanced therapies and customized plans, Our doctors help patients regain mobility and enhance their quality of life. If you are experiencing joint pain or inflammation in parts of your body for unknown reasons, please schedule an appointment today so that your health can be prioritized. Trust the Arthritis Clinic of Cypress and Katy for the best, most caring hands of rheumatology in Katy, TX. You can take the first step towards better health now!
Meet our team of Experts Rheumatologists in Katy Texas
Consult our experienced team of rheumatologists in Katy, Cypress, Houston, Humble Texas, and nearby locations.
Clinic Contact Details
- Phone number: 281-712-8360
- Email: backoffice@arthritisclinic.hush.com
- Address: 2630 North Mason Road A2 Katy, TX 77449