Patient guides on arthritis, autoimmune conditions, rheumatology blood tests and bone health — written and reviewed by the West Houston Arthritis and Rheumatology team for patients across Katy, Fulshear and West Houston.
Featured Guides
Patient Resources
How to Get a Rheumatology Second Opinion (and What to Bring)
A rheumatology second opinion can confirm a diagnosis or offer new options. Learn when it is reasonable, how to request records under Texas rules, what to bring, and what to expect.
Read Article: How to Get a Rheumatology Second Opinion (and What to Bring)
Arthritis & Joint Health
Prednisone for Arthritis: Short-Term Relief Versus Long-Term Risks
Prednisone can calm an arthritis flare fast, but side effects grow with dose and time. Learn the benefits, common prednisone side effects, why you should never stop suddenly, and how to protect your bones.
Read Article: Prednisone for Arthritis: Short-Term Relief Versus Long-Term Risks
Arthritis & Joint Health
Biologics for Rheumatoid and Psoriatic Arthritis, Explained in Plain English
A plain-English guide to biologics for rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis: TNF, IL-6, IL-17 and IL-23 blockers, JAK inhibitors, TB screening, vaccines, infection risk, biosimilars, and insurance approval.
Read Article: Biologics for Rheumatoid and Psoriatic Arthritis, Explained in Plain EnglishBrowse by Topic
Patient Resources
How to Get a Rheumatology Second Opinion (and What to Bring)
A rheumatology second opinion can confirm a diagnosis or offer new options. Learn when it is reasonable, how to request records under Texas rules, what to bring, and what to expect.
Read Article: How to Get a Rheumatology Second Opinion (and What to Bring)Arthritis & Joint Health
Prednisone for Arthritis: Short-Term Relief Versus Long-Term Risks
Prednisone can calm an arthritis flare fast, but side effects grow with dose and time. Learn the benefits, common prednisone side effects, why you should never stop suddenly, and how to protect your bones.
Read Article: Prednisone for Arthritis: Short-Term Relief Versus Long-Term RisksArthritis & Joint Health
Biologics for Rheumatoid and Psoriatic Arthritis, Explained in Plain English
A plain-English guide to biologics for rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis: TNF, IL-6, IL-17 and IL-23 blockers, JAK inhibitors, TB screening, vaccines, infection risk, biosimilars, and insurance approval.
Read Article: Biologics for Rheumatoid and Psoriatic Arthritis, Explained in Plain English
Autoimmune Conditions
Why Am I So Tired? Fatigue in Autoimmune Disease and When to Get Tested
Autoimmune fatigue is common in lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjögren’s disease, but anemia, thyroid problems, sleep, depression, and medications also play a role. Learn the tests doctors use and the red flags to watch for.
Read Article: Why Am I So Tired? Fatigue in Autoimmune Disease and When to Get Tested
Arthritis & Joint Health
Gout and Texas Food Culture: Barbecue, Crawfish, Beer, and Sweet Tea
Brisket, crawfish, beer, and sweet tea can all affect gout. Learn which gout diet foods to avoid, smarter Texas swaps, why hydration matters, and why medication remains the mainstay of treatment.
Read Article: Gout and Texas Food Culture: Barbecue, Crawfish, Beer, and Sweet Tea
Patient Resources
Do I Need a Referral to See a Rheumatologist in Texas? Insurance Basics Explained
Whether you need a referral to see a rheumatologist in Texas depends on your plan. Learn how HMO, PPO, EPO, Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Texas Medicaid and CHIP handle referrals and prior authorization.
Read Article: Do I Need a Referral to See a Rheumatologist in Texas? Insurance Basics Explained
Patient Resources
Hurricane Season With a Chronic Illness: A Medication and Infusion Plan for Gulf Coast Patients
A hurricane plan for people with arthritis, lupus, and other chronic illnesses: medication supplies, refrigerated biologics, infusions, documents, the Texas STEAR registry, and pharmacy access after a storm.
Read Article: Hurricane Season With a Chronic Illness: A Medication and Infusion Plan for Gulf Coast Patients
Arthritis & Joint Health
Joint Pain After COVID or a Viral Infection: When It Is Reactive or Post-Viral Arthritis
Joint pain after COVID or another infection usually fades, but sometimes it is reactive or viral arthritis. Learn the warning signs, the tests doctors use, and when to see a rheumatologist.
Read Article: Joint Pain After COVID or a Viral Infection: When It Is Reactive or Post-Viral Arthritis
Patient Resources
Rheumatologist vs Orthopedic Doctor in Houston: Which Should You See?
Rheumatologists treat arthritis and autoimmune disease without surgery; orthopedic doctors treat injuries and structural damage. Learn which symptoms point to each, when you need both, and how primary care helps.
Read Article: Rheumatologist vs Orthopedic Doctor in Houston: Which Should You See?
Arthritis & Joint Health
Does Houston Humidity Make Arthritis Worse? What the Research Says About Weather and Joint Pain
Does Houston humidity really make arthritis worse? Research on weather and joint pain is mixed, with small links to humidity and low pressure. Here is what the studies show and what actually helps.
Read Article: Does Houston Humidity Make Arthritis Worse? What the Research Says About Weather and Joint Pain
Arthritis & Joint Health
Methotrexate for Arthritis: What to Expect, Side Effects, and Lab Monitoring
Methotrexate for arthritis is taken once a week, never daily. Learn how long it takes to work, common methotrexate side effects, why folic acid and blood tests matter, and warning signs to report.
Read Article: Methotrexate for Arthritis: What to Expect, Side Effects, and Lab Monitoring
Arthritis & Joint Health
Why Do My Hands Hurt When I Wake Up? Seven Common Causes
Hands that hurt when you wake up can point to rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, psoriatic arthritis, gout, trigger finger, or sleep position. Here is how to tell them apart and when to see a doctor.
Read Article: Why Do My Hands Hurt When I Wake Up? Seven Common Causes
Autoimmune Conditions
Lupus and the Texas Sun: Protecting Your Skin and Joints From UV Flares
Lupus sun sensitivity can trigger rashes, fatigue, and joint pain. Learn how UV affects lupus in Texas, the best sunscreen and clothing habits, which medicines add risk, and when to get care.
Read Article: Lupus and the Texas Sun: Protecting Your Skin and Joints From UV Flares
Autoimmune Conditions
Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil): Eye Exams and What Lupus Patients Should Know
Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) is a cornerstone lupus medicine. Learn why eye exams are needed, what current AAO screening guidance recommends, which tests to expect, and why you should not stop it on your own.
Read Article: Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil): Eye Exams and What Lupus Patients Should Know
Arthritis & Joint Health
Exercising With Arthritis in Texas Heat: Safe Summer Activity for Stiff Joints
You can exercise with arthritis safely through a Texas summer. Learn the best times to move, hydration habits, low-impact options, medication cautions, and the heat illness warning signs that mean stop.
Read Article: Exercising With Arthritis in Texas Heat: Safe Summer Activity for Stiff Joints
Arthritis & Joint Health
Is My Knee Pain Arthritis or an Injury? How to Tell the Difference
Not sure whether your knee pain is arthritis or an injury? Learn the mechanical and inflammatory clues, what swelling and locking mean, the red flags that need same-day care, and who to see.
Read Article: Is My Knee Pain Arthritis or an Injury? How to Tell the Difference
Patient Resources
What to Expect at Your First Rheumatologist Appointment: Records, Tests & Steps
A practical guide to your first rheumatologist appointment in Katy: what records and lab reports to bring, what happens during the exam, and next steps.
Read Article: What to Expect at Your First Rheumatologist Appointment: Records, Tests & Steps
Arthritis & Joint Health
Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis: Can You Have Autoimmune Arthritis with Normal Labs?
Can you have rheumatoid arthritis with normal RF and anti-CCP results? How seronegative RA is diagnosed with exam and ultrasound.
Read Article: Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis: Can You Have Autoimmune Arthritis with Normal Labs?
Arthritis & Joint Health
Polymyalgia Rheumatica vs. Fibromyalgia: Shoulder Aches vs Widespread Pain
How polymyalgia rheumatica differs from fibromyalgia: shoulder and hip stiffness, inflammatory markers, steroid response, and when to see a rheumatologist.
Read Article: Polymyalgia Rheumatica vs. Fibromyalgia: Shoulder Aches vs Widespread Pain
Arthritis & Joint Health
Ankylosing Spondylitis vs. Mechanical Back Pain: Why Resting Makes Stiffness Worse
Inflammatory back pain is worse with rest and better with movement. Learn how ankylosing spondylitis differs from a mechanical strain and when to see a rheumatologist.
Read Article: Ankylosing Spondylitis vs. Mechanical Back Pain: Why Resting Makes Stiffness Worse
Autoimmune Conditions
Lupus vs. Sjögren’s Syndrome: Overlapping Symptoms of Joint Pain, Fatigue, and Dryness
Lupus and Sjögren's share fatigue, joint pain and dryness but differ in key ways. Learn the overlap, the antibodies, and when to see a rheumatologist.
Read Article: Lupus vs. Sjögren’s Syndrome: Overlapping Symptoms of Joint Pain, Fatigue, and Dryness
Bone Health
Osteopenia vs. Osteoporosis: Interpreting DEXA T-Scores and Fracture Risk
Understand DEXA T-scores, how osteopenia differs from osteoporosis, and how fracture risk is judged for patients in Katy and West Houston.
Read Article: Osteopenia vs. Osteoporosis: Interpreting DEXA T-Scores and Fracture Risk
Arthritis & Joint Health
Early Signs of Psoriatic Arthritis: Dactylitis, Nail Pitting, and Joint Damage
How psoriasis can move to the joints: the early signs of psoriatic arthritis, from sausage digits and nail pitting to heel pain, and when to see a rheumatologist.
Read Article: Early Signs of Psoriatic Arthritis: Dactylitis, Nail Pitting, and Joint Damage
Arthritis & Joint Health
Gout vs. Pseudogout Flares: Sudden Big Toe Pain and Uric Acid Targets
Why a gout flare wakes you overnight, how gout and pseudogout crystals differ, the under-6 mg/dL uric acid target, and when a hot joint needs urgent care.
Read Article: Gout vs. Pseudogout Flares: Sudden Big Toe Pain and Uric Acid Targets
Lab Tests & Diagnosis
Positive ANA Test Results: What a High Titer Means and When to See a Specialist
A positive ANA blood test is common and rarely means lupus. Learn what the titer and pattern mean, which reflex tests follow, and when to see a specialist.
Read Article: Positive ANA Test Results: What a High Titer Means and When to See a Specialist
Arthritis & Joint Health
Osteoarthritis vs. Rheumatoid Arthritis: Morning Stiffness Benchmarks and Joint Differences
How to tell osteoarthritis from rheumatoid arthritis using morning stiffness duration, joint pattern, and tests — and when to see a Katy rheumatologist.
Read Article: Osteoarthritis vs. Rheumatoid Arthritis: Morning Stiffness Benchmarks and Joint Differences