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SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Rheumatology
Doctor Q&A
503 Answers
296 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 35 years experience
YES: Many chemothreapy regimens can cause infertilty in both men and women. Obviously, the type of medicine and the dosage will determine infertiliy risks.... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 35 years experience
Unknown: There are no direct studies to see the effects of alcohol and humira. However, if you are using another dmard such as Methotrexate or Arava (leflunomi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 35 years experience
No: There are injectable drugs call tnf Alpha inhibitors that decrease inflammation for diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthri... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 35 years experience
BURSITIS OF WHAT?: Bursitis can affect many areas such as the shoulders, hips, elbows, and knees. Local treatment includes topical anti-inflammatories, ice alternating w... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 35 years experience
Mosquitos: This illness is caused by mosquito bites from infected insects. The mosq. Is usually fornd in tanzania and other parts of africa. It is rarely fateal ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 28-year-old member asked:
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 35 years experience
No: The overall answer is no. There are no simple treatments for arthritis like a copper bracelet. However, will you find people who swear their arthritis... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old female asked:
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 35 years experience
Most likely: Fibro patients certainly can become pregnant and have normal babies. Regarding Lyrica (pregabalin) it is considered a pregnancy class c drug which mea... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 35 years experience
BE CAREFUL: As can be a serious disease and when progressive the spine can begin to fuse together. This makes chiropractic manipulation potential dangerous, accup... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 54-year-old member asked:
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 35 years experience
Depending what my: Patient's symptoms are. I certainly will consider methotrexate. I am sure other physicians will have different opinions including trying IV benlysta (... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 49-year-old male asked:
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 35 years experience
Not typical: You are correct that we do lose height as we age but this seems extreme. It would be worth an evaluation to see if problems such as osteoporosis or sc... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 24-year-old female asked:
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 35 years experience
Difficult: In my clinic stills disease is one of the hardest diseases to get control of. With that said, with trial and error most patients have gotten under goo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 39-year-old female asked:
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 35 years experience
Yes you can: Both antibiotis can be taken together. They both treat different types of infections and are usually well tolerated together.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 35 years experience
May need surgery: If physical therpy, nsaids, or cortisone injections are not helpful, you may require an arthroscopy to clean the chondromalacia out of the knee. Talk ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 35 years experience
MINIMAL CHANGES: The main home remedies would revolve around keeping the skin lesions moist to soften the lesions. These would include warm compresses, aloe vera, etc.... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 35 years experience
OTHERS: Some other symptoms of polymyositis include difficulty swallowing and shortness of breath secondary to muscle weakness. Joint pain and swelling can oc... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 71-year-old member asked:
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 35 years experience
Agree: There are other medications to take including intravenous medications. Speak with your physician again.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 35 years experience
Not as useful: As a t score. The z score is the how your bone density compares to someone else your age. It is given in a percent. The more important number is the T... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 35 years experience
I see having any: Chronic disease is another problem or illness we as humans need to get used to and deal with. One could say there are worse diseases then arthritis bi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 35 years experience
Yes: Hip pain can start in the groin and can travel down the front of the thigh portion of the leg to the knee. I have seen patients that have had arthrosc... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 35 years experience
You are right: Lupus results can be confusing, but without knowledge of the results, i think i will make you more confused simply by listing tests and their values.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 35 years experience
See a doctor: In rheumatic diseases, mouth sores are not uncommon. Topical agents such as Lidocaine can numb the sores. There are topical steroid creams that can he... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 35 years experience
Few: Steroids can have very scary side effects associated with them. The key to remember though is that steroids will have more side effects when they are ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 35 years experience
Gout is caused by: Hyperuricemia and not vice versa. Other causes of hyperuicemia that can cause gout include hereditary disorders that cause too much or dont eliminate ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 35 years experience
No: There is no medicince except for a different form of steroid that will have the effects of prednisone. They all will have the similar steroid effects.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 35 years experience
See below: Risks for osteoporosis include increasing age increases risk for osteoporosis, postmenopausal state, being thin, white or Asian also increase the risk... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 48-year-old female asked:
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 35 years experience
Doubtful: Bulging discs certainly can radiate pain to many areas but usually to the legs. Radiating pain to the groin area less likely as is vaginal pain. I wou... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 22-year-old female asked:
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 35 years experience
Therapy: Frozen shoulders are difficult to treat. I am assuming its not caused by a rotator cuff tear or other mechanical problem causing it. Frozen shoulders ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 24-year-old male asked:
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 35 years experience
Be careful: Everyone can react differently to pain meds. I always rec the lowest dosages possible. The most at one time would be 2. With your side effects, I migh... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 71-year-old female asked:
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 35 years experience
Swelling/Pain: I am assuming we are talking about a DVT in the leg. The most common symptoms would be fairly acute onset of pain, swelling, redness and warmth in the... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
775 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old male asked:
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 35 years experience
Possible: If there is nerve or spinal cord compression, you certainly can have symptoms that cause leg symptoms that you describe. If you doctor, does not see n... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
535 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A female asked:
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 35 years experience
Concerning: Sudden back pain associated with potential bowel issues could be serious like a bowel obstruction. Vomiting can also be seen in bowel obstruction. Thi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
570 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 63-year-old male asked:
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 35 years experience
Doubtful : Dizziness and vertigo would usually be caused by structures outside the neck such as the brain or inner ear. Cervical stenosis can certainly cause pai... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
522 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old female asked:
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 35 years experience
Gout can do this: You certainly describe the presentation of gout. The big toe is extremely common place for gout to affect. However, you are young for gout unless you ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
481 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 61-year-old male asked:
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 35 years experience
Many causes: Muscle cramps are extremely common and many times we do not find a cause of them. However, there are reasons that need to be ruled out. For example, c... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
481 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A female asked:
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 35 years experience
Thyroid issues: Thyroid conditions such as thyroiditis and nodules can exist and cause symptoms for years. The thyroid nodules need to be biopsied and if the lymph no... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
481 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old female asked:
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 35 years experience
For now relax: These symptoms are common and are quite commonly benign and do not typically signify any serious disease. Almost all of us, have these twitching muscl... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
545 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 18-year-old female asked:
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 35 years experience
No: If I read your question one way, I am assuming you are trying to get pregnant and are concerned that your are not. The main reason for that may simply... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
545 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old male asked:
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 35 years experience
Okay to do: Unless your masturbation includes anal devices, I see no reason why you cannot masturbate. You should have no problems with the internal hemorrhoid.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
520 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A male asked:
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 35 years experience
Hernia: Your pain is most likely not related to smoking or masturbation. You could have a hernia in the groin that can cause pain similar to yours. Pain in t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
584 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 18-year-old female asked:
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 35 years experience
See a physician: Your complaints are concerning and can be caused by a multitude of medical problems beyond the scope of this forum. Please seek medical attention now.... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
536 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A female asked:
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 35 years experience
Yes: Sofradex can be used safely in patients with grommets. The drops have been used after grommet placement to reduce infection and clogging. Discharge af... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
545 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 35 years experience
See below: You can stop alendronate without tapering down. I do not know your reason for stopping the drug or how bad your bone density is so i would suggest spe... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 35 years experience
Minimal: If the kenalog (triamcinolone) is to be used for a joint injection and the injection is done under sterile conditions, there is little danger for the ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 35 years experience
YES: Too much potassium citrate can cause cardiac arrythmias or abnormal heart beats that can cause severe problems. Blleding from the GI tract can aslo oc... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old member asked:
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 35 years experience
EXAM/LABS/TESTS: The classic symptoms of gout include the quick onset of pain, redness, swelling, and warmth to a the joint most commonly involved is the big toe. Oher... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 35 years experience
Depends how: Extensive the disease is. If psoriasis only affects small areas topical creams can be tried. Most otc topicals dont work as well as prescription agent... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 35 years experience
Severe: Everyone has a different pain level but fractures of the back can be severe and require fairly aggressive pain control. The pain will typically last f... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 35 years experience
Yes: I would suggest you see your family physician or a rheumatologist who can examine your joints looking for inflammation and most likely do some arthrit... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 35 years experience
Arch support: The biggest concern about flat feet is potentially the pain that can be associated with them. The brand of shoe may not be as important as getting the... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 35 years experience
Many: There are many therapies for lupus. First of all it depends on what ype of lupus one has and how bad it is. Some patients need no treatment. We still... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
2
Recommendations
762
Thank you notes
HealthTap member
Mar 30, 2015
Dr. WALLER is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. WALLER is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
I do try to watch what I lift but will take extra note. The discomfort is in my upper right shoulder area , it is improve with treatment of osteopath but still can't full turn my head to the right. Th...Read More
HealthTap member
Thank you:) I was thinking it might be autoimmune related because my sed rate and c-reactive protein are slightly elevated. I run a low grade fever and my immune system doesn't seem to be functioning ...Read More
HealthTap member
This was very helpful. Thanks! Thanks!!! He still has pain in left pelvis and weakness in thigh muscles (cannot take full weight without walker, or so he thinks). His neuro-physician thinks it may be ...Read More
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, IL
Graduated 1988MD
Awards
Top Rheumatologist , First Place, Texas - Summer
2014
Top Doctor, Third Place, the Houston Region - Spring
2017
Thought Leader, Second Place, the Houston Region - Spring
2017
Affiliations
Memorial Hermann Hospital
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