Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects millions of people worldwide. As a caregiver or family member of someone diagnosed with lupus, your role is crucial in providing support, understanding, and assistance during their journey with this complex condition. Supporting a loved one with lupus can be challenging, both emotionally and practically, but with the right knowledge and approach, you can make a significant positive impact on...

Regular exercise is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being, and it becomes even more crucial when managing a chronic autoimmune disease like lupus. Lupus is a complex condition that affects the immune system, causing it to attack healthy tissues and organs. As such, individuals with lupus often face unique challenges when it comes to engaging in physical activity. However, with careful planning and consideration, exercise can...

If you or someone you know is experiencing signs and symptoms of a lupus, an autoimmune condition, it’s essential to seek the expertise of a rheumatologist. Central Texas Rheumatology Associates is committed to providing comprehensive care and support for individuals living with lupus. Read on as we discuss when it’s necessary to consult a rheumatologist for...

As an independent, award-winning rheumatology practice, Central Texas Rheumatology Associates understands the impact of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on individuals and their loved ones. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms such as persistent joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation, it's important to recognize that these could be pointing to...

Gout is a painful and often debilitating form of arthritis that affects millions of people worldwide. If you're one of the many individuals who have been diagnosed with gout in Central Texas or suspect you might have it, consulting a rheumatologist at Central Texas Rheumatology Associates (CTRA) is a crucial step in managing the condition effectively. To make the most of your appointment...

Spondyloarthritis and psoriatic arthritis are both chronic inflammatory conditions that can affect the joints, causing pain and stiffness. However, there are important distinctions between the two diseases that medical professionals consider when diagnosing and treating patients. Understanding these key differences is crucial for providing targeted and effective management for individuals affected by these conditions.

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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune condition affecting millions of people worldwide. While it is commonly associated with joint pain and inflammation, it’s important to note that there are different types of rheumatoid arthritis. Understanding these variations is crucial in providing the most effective diagnosis and treatment. Learn...

Living with rheumatoid arthritis can be challenging, but with support and knowledge, it’s possible to manage the condition effectively. At Central Texas Rheumatology Associates in Westlake and Cedar Park, we understand the intricacies of this autoimmune disease and are here to provide you with the essential information you need. Explore four key aspects of living with rheumatoid...

Our own Dr. Chris Parker will be co-hosting a special Facebook Live event with Dr. Larry Edwards to discuss gout and answer your questions.

The one-hour event will include discussion on:

Gout basics

Risk factors

Management tips

There will be time for Q&A so make sure to bring all of your questions. There are two ways to participate:

...

Gout is a form of arthritis characterized by sudden and severe joint pain, often affecting the big toe. But who exactly is susceptible to this painful condition? At Central Texas Rheumatology Associates, we're here to shed light on the demographics and risk factors associated with gout. With our team of experienced rheumatology specialists, we offer comprehensive care for gout and other...

Experiencing a gout attack can be excruciating, but with the right approach, you can effectively manage the pain and reduce the frequency of flare-ups. At Central Texas Rheumatology Associates, our team of dedicated specialists is committed to providing comprehensive care for individuals dealing with gout and other rheumatic conditions.

In this blog, we'll delve into practical...

Understanding uric acid is vital for managing conditions like gout effectively. At Central Texas Rheumatology Associates, we recognize the importance of educating our patients about uric acid and its implications for overall health. In this blog, we'll explore the intricacies of uric acid to help you better understand gout causes.

Central Texas Rheumatology Associates named SuperDoctors 2023

Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be challenging, but with the right treatment, it is possible to manage the symptoms and improve quality of life. In this blog post, Central Texas Rheumatology Associates will explore various treatment options available for individuals with RA. Learn more below, and contact us for...

As a leading provider of rheumatology services in Central Texas, Central Texas Rheumatology Associates understands the importance of educating our patients about their conditions. In this blog post, we will delve into the causes of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), shedding light on the factors that...

We're excited to share that our Central Texas Rheumatology Associates doctors were named to this year's Top Doctors in Austin Monthly. Dr. Eduardo Cepeda, Dr. Brock Harper, and Dr. Monty Tew were nominated by other licensed physicians as the best in their medical specialty or among the best in the nation. We are proud to celebrate our amazing doctors again appearing among...

Autoimmune diseases can be daunting, affecting millions worldwide. They occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, leading to a range of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and...

Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be challenging, especially when you experience a flare-up. Central Texas Rheumatology Associates understands the discomfort and frustration that come with these episodes. In this blog, we will guide you through what to do if you have an RA flare-up,...

Arthritis is a group of chronic conditions that affect the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Living with arthritic diseases can present various challenges, but with the right strategies and lifestyle adjustments, you can effectively manage your symptoms and maintain a fulfilling life. Whether you're dealing with osteoarthritis,...

Gout, a form of arthritis, can cause excruciating pain and discomfort. It occurs when uric acid levels in the body become elevated, leading to the formation of urate crystals in the joints. While medication and lifestyle changes play a crucial role in managing gout, it's equally important to identify and avoid triggers that can lead to painful flare-ups. By understanding these triggers, individuals with gout can take proactive steps to...

Fatigue is one of the most common and debilitating symptoms experienced by individuals with Lupus. It is not simply feeling tired but overwhelming and persistent exhaustion that affects every aspect of daily life. Understanding the link between Lupus and fatigue is essential in developing effective coping strategies to manage this challenging symptom.

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Did you know that May 22nd is Gout Awareness Day? This day is dedicated to increasing awareness about gout, a common form of arthritis that affects millions of people around the world. Despite its prevalence, gout is often misunderstood and its profound health implications are not widely known.

At Central Texas Rheumatology Associates, we are passionate about educating our patients and the community about the complexities of rheumatic diseases, including the connection between psoriasis and arthritis. If you suspect that you or a loved one may be affected by psoriasis or arthritis, don't hesitate to contact us or...

At Central Texas Rheumatology Associates, our team of expert physicians is committed to providing the highest quality care for patients with various types of arthritis. If you suspect that you or a loved one may be affected by arthritis, don't hesitate to request an appointment with our friendly and...

At Central Texas Rheumatology Associates, we understand the challenges of living with rheumatic diseases. Our award-winning team of expert physicians is dedicated to providing the highest-quality care for our patients. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms, don't hesitate to request an appointment with our...

At Central Texas Rheumatology Associates, we’re committed to helping our patients with rheumatic diseases and we’re proud to offer treatments for multiple diseases. Keep reading to learn more about four of the most common joint and autoimmune diseases we see and treat our patients for in our practice.

At Central Texas Rheumatology Associates, our mission is to help patients living with rheumatic diseases heal, live healthier lives, and feel their best. Our team of dedicated specialists is here to help if you think you have a rheumatic disease. But what exactly is a rheumatic disease? Keep reading to learn more about this kind of affliction and how it can affect a patient’s life and health.

When it comes to dealing with an autoimmune disease or a rheumatic disease, there are no two cases that will present exactly the same. This is because these diseases are caused by the body’s immune systems attacking internal structures as though they are foreign contaminants, and no two bodies are the same. If you’ve been suffering from an unexplained rash, you may be experiencing symptoms of an autoimmune disease, and here are some key...

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of an autoimmune disease or inflammatory condition, you may be wondering about what disease you’re dealing with. At Central Texas Rheumatology Associates, we treat patients with a wide range of conditions, including lupus. Keep reading to learn more about the signs and symptoms of lupus and when to see a specialist.

If you suffer from pain in your joints, especially sharp or debilitating pain, you may be affected by a rheumatic disease called gout. This condition is very common, and while incurable, it can be effectively managed with the help of medical treatments and lifestyle adjustments.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints and other organs. Although the condition usually affects adults, it can also affect children. It can also affect other organs and body systems over time. Early diagnosis and treatment is important to reduce pain and improve quality of life, But because it can be difficult to diagnose early on, it’s important to know the early signs of rheumatoid...

Central Texas Rheumatology Associates (CTRA) is one of the best rheumatology clinics in Austin, Texas. Our team of board certified physicians are dedicated to providing advanced diagnosis and treatment for those affected by a wide range of rheumatic diseases. From gout and lupus to vasculitis, our specialists use the latest in medical technology to provide patient-centered care....

We're excited to share that Dr. Brock Harper and Dr. Eduardo Cepeda were named to this year's Top Doctors in Austin Monthly. They were nominated by other licensed physicians as the best in their medical specialty or among the best in the nation. Castle Connolly researchers select top doctors nationally and regionally based on the educational and professional background of each nominee. The Top Doctors in Austin Monthly are selected...