West Texas Arthritis Clinic

05/07/2024

Our nurses are the heart of compassion and care at WTAC. Thank you for caring and for your dedication.

01/26/2024

Great things are happening at West Texas Arthritis Clinic. The clinic is growing to better serve our patients, with an expanded infusion area and we are searching for an additional Nurse Practitioner. Come join Dr. Prasertsuntarasai and Christina Pauda, FNP. They are a great team!
https://www.indeed.com/job/nurse-practitioner-2950ac2ee102ad5b

01/11/2024

Dr P shares the game-changing approach biologics presents to treating patients in his latest blog.

Every day, I see the groundbreaking transformation brought about by biologic therapies in my practice. These advance treatments have…

01/05/2024

5 Realistic Resolutions for Joint Health in 2024

The New Year is a perfect time to set realistic resolutions for a healthier lifestyle. For patients managing rheumatic conditions, there…

12/22/2023

𝐍𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐑𝐡𝐞𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐢𝐝 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐬

By: Theerapol Prasertsuntarasai, MD

The holiday season, with its flurry of activities and merry gatherings, can be particularly challenging for individuals managing rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

As a board-certified rheumatologist, I understand the unique challenges faced by my patients during this time. Here are practical suggestions to help you navigate this holiday season while taking care of your health.

𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬
RA can be unpredictable, but planning can alleviate some of the stress. Prioritize events and decide which ones are most important to you. It's okay to say no to some invitations to avoid overexerting yourself.

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐦
Cold weather can exacerbate RA symptoms. Dress warmly in layers and consider using heat packs to soothe aching joints. Warm baths can also be therapeutic.

𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐃𝐢𝐞𝐭
While it's tempting to indulge in holiday treats, certain foods can trigger inflammation. Try to maintain a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods like fish, nuts, and leafy greens, and stay hydrated.

𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐌𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠
Though it may be tempting to stay sedentary, gentle exercise is beneficial. Activities like walking or yoga can improve joint flexibility and strength. Always listen to your body and rest when needed.

𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬
The holiday rush can be overwhelming. Stress management techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness can be helpful. Don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or a mental health professional.

𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭
Ensure you have enough medication for the holiday period. Stick to your medication schedule and consult with your rheumatologist if you have concerns about managing your RA during the holidays.

𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐬
Delegate tasks like cooking or decorating. People often want to help, so don’t shy away from accepting assistance.

𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞
Make sure to get enough sleep and rest. Fatigue is a common symptom of RA, and the body needs time to recharge.

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝
RA can feel isolating, especially during the holidays. Stay connected with your support network. Sharing your experiences can be both therapeutic and enlightening.

Listen to Your Body
Finally, and most importantly, listen to your body. If you need to rest, rest. Your health and well-being should always come first.

The holiday season, while festive, can pose unique challenges for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. By taking steps to manage your symptoms, you can still find joy and comfort in this special time of year. Remember, your health is the greatest gift you can give to yourself and your loved ones.

If you have specific concerns about managing RA during the holidays, please consult your rheumatologist for personalized advice.

This post is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice or establish a physician-patient relationship.

12/22/2023

Happy Holidays from all of us at West Texas Arthritis Clinic. Wishing you a holiday season filled with joy and a healthy, happy New Year!

12/22/2023

Expanding to Better Serve YOU!

We’re thrilled to announce WTAC is undergoing a major expansion, set to open in early 2024!

Here’s what’s in store:

• Doubling the Size of Our Infusion Center: We’re more than doubling our infusion center’s capacity! This means more space, enhanced comfort, and increased privacy for all our patients.

• Collaboration with Edge Construction: We’ve partnered with renowned local builders, Edge Construction, to ensure our new space meets the highest standards of quality and design.

• Stay Tuned for Updates: Keep an eye on our page for exciting updates and sneak peeks of the progress!

We are committed to providing PeopleFirst care and this expansion is a testament to our dedication to your health and well-being.

Watch this space for more updates and thank you for being a part of our journey!

05/09/2023

Happy National Nurses Week! 🎉👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️

We're grateful for the incredible work that nurses do every day to keep us healthy and safe. Your dedication, compassion, and expertise make a difference in so many lives.

02/08/2023

West Texas Arthritis Clinic is looking for an experienced LVN to join our team! The ideal candidate will have a strong clinical background, IV experience, a positive attitude, and a commitment to providing the highest quality of care to our patients. We are looking for someone who is organized, detail-oriented, and able to work well in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. We encourage you to apply today at https://indeedhi.re/3jG66IR

12/21/2022

Great time with the team from West Texas Arthritis Clinic. They are the best around! Merry Christmas.