Dr. Seema Malani, MD

Dr. Seema Malani, MD Rheumatologist and Autoimmune Joint Care

Dr. Seema Malani, MD, is a board-certified rheumatologist who provides care for adults with autoimmune diseases, inflammatory arthritis, joint pain, osteoporosis, and connective tissue disorders. Her clinical interests include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout, myositis, spondyloarthritis, osteoarthritis, vasculitis, and other conditions that affect the joints, muscles, bones, and immune system.

Rheumatic diseases can affect more than the joints. Some conditions may also involve the skin, eyes, lungs, kidneys, blood vessels, or nervous system. Dr. Malani’s training in internal medicine and rheumatology allows her to consider these wider health effects while evaluating symptoms and planning treatment.

About Dr. Seema Malani

Dr. Malani provides specialist rheumatology care through the Arthritis Clinic of Cypress and Katy. She has practiced medicine since 2002 and provides individualized care for patients aged 18 and older.

Her approach includes listening carefully to the patient’s symptoms, explaining the diagnosis in understandable language, and helping patients take an active role in long-term disease management.

Her areas of care include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Lupus
• Gout
• Osteoarthritis
• Osteoporosis
• Myositis
• Spondyloarthritis
• Vasculitis
• Sjögren’s syndrome
• Connective tissue diseases
• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic joint pain
• Muscle weakness
• Autoimmune disease evaluation
• Infusion-based rheumatology treatment
• Long-term medication monitoring

Patients can review the wider range of rheumatology and autoimmune care services available through Doctiplus.

Education and Medical Training

Training Area	Institution	Details
Medical education	Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College	Medical degree completed in 1999
Residency	New York Downtown Hospital	Internal medicine, completed in 2009
Fellowship	SUNY Downstate Medical Center	Rheumatology, completed in 2011
Board certification	American Board of Internal Medicine	Internal medicine
Board certification	American Board of Internal Medicine	Rheumatology

Dr. Malani completed medical school before undertaking residency training in internal medicine. She then completed specialist fellowship training in rheumatology at SUNY Downstate Medical Center.

Internal medicine training provides broad experience in adult health conditions involving the heart, lungs, kidneys, digestive system, blood, and metabolism. This background is important because autoimmune and inflammatory diseases can affect several body systems at the same time.

Rheumatology fellowship training adds focused experience in diagnosing and managing arthritis, autoimmune disorders, connective tissue diseases, inflammatory muscle conditions, and bone health concerns.

Board Certification and Professional Credentials

Dr. Malani is board-certified in internal medicine and rheumatology.

Her professional qualifications include:

• MD, meaning Doctor of Medicine
• Residency training in internal medicine
• Fellowship training in rheumatology
• Board certification in internal medicine
• Board certification in rheumatology
• Membership in the American College of Rheumatology
• Experience caring for adults with chronic inflammatory and autoimmune conditions

Board certification is different from medical licensing. A medical license permits a physician to practice, while certification reflects additional specialty training and professional assessment.

What a Rheumatologist Does

A rheumatologist is a physician who diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the joints, muscles, bones, immune system, and connective tissues.

Patients are often referred to a rheumatologist when they have:

• Joint pain that does not improve
• Persistent joint swelling
• Long-lasting morning stiffness
• Unexplained muscle weakness
• Repeated gout attacks
• Positive autoimmune blood tests
• Symptoms affecting several organs
• Unexplained inflammation
• Bone density loss
• A suspected connective tissue disease
• A diagnosed autoimmune condition requiring specialist care

A rheumatologist does not usually perform major surgery. Treatment commonly involves medication, laboratory monitoring, injections, infusion therapy, exercise guidance, physical therapy, bone protection, and coordination with other specialists.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system causes inflammation inside the joints.

It commonly affects the:

• Hands
• Wrists
• Feet
• Knees
• Ankles
• Elbows
• Shoulders

Possible symptoms include:

• Joint pain
• Swelling
• Warmth
• Morning stiffness
• Reduced movement
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Symptoms affecting joints on both sides of the body

Rheumatoid arthritis may gradually damage cartilage, bone, and surrounding tissues when inflammation remains active.

Diagnosis may involve:

• Symptom review
• Joint examination
• Rheumatoid factor testing
• Anti-CCP antibody testing
• Inflammatory marker tests
• X-rays
• Ultrasound
• MRI when appropriate

Blood tests alone cannot confirm or exclude every case. Some patients have rheumatoid arthritis without the commonly associated antibodies.

Treatment may include disease-modifying antirheumatic medicines, biologic therapy, targeted medication, short-term symptom control, physical therapy, and regular monitoring.

The goal is usually to control inflammation, protect the joints, preserve movement, and reduce the risk of long-term damage.

Lupus

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can affect different parts of the body.

Possible areas involved include:

• Joints
• Skin
• Kidneys
• Lungs
• Heart
• Blood cells
• Nervous system

Symptoms vary widely between patients and may change over time.

Possible signs include:

• Joint pain or swelling
• Unusual fatigue
• Skin rashes
• Sun sensitivity
• Mouth sores
• Hair loss
• Fever without a clear infection
• Chest discomfort with breathing
• Changes in urine
• Swelling in the feet or legs
• Low blood cell counts

Lupus can be difficult to diagnose because many of its symptoms also occur with infections, thyroid disorders, medication effects, and other autoimmune diseases.

Evaluation may include blood counts, kidney testing, urine testing, inflammatory markers, antibody testing, and examination of the skin and joints.

Kidney monitoring is particularly important because inflammation may affect the kidney filters without causing obvious early symptoms. Patients can read more about kidney warning signs and protective health habits.

Treatment depends on which organs are affected and how active the disease is.

Gout

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by the buildup of urate crystals in or around a joint.

A gout attack may cause:

• Sudden severe joint pain
• Swelling
• Redness
• Warmth
• Extreme tenderness
• Difficulty walking or using the affected joint

The big toe is commonly affected, but gout may also involve the ankles, knees, wrists, fingers, and elbows.

High uric acid can increase the risk of gout, but a single blood test does not always confirm the diagnosis. Uric acid may temporarily fall during an active attack.

When the diagnosis is uncertain, fluid may be removed from the swollen joint and examined for crystals or infection.

Treatment may involve:

• Medication for the active attack
• Long-term uric acid-lowering treatment
• Review of kidney function
• Medication adjustments
• Nutrition guidance
• Weight and metabolic health management
• Monitoring for kidney stones

Patients should not stop long-term gout medicine during a flare unless their physician specifically advises it.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis develops when the structures within a joint change over time. It commonly affects the knees, hips, hands, spine, and feet.

Possible symptoms include:

• Pain with movement
• Stiffness after rest
• Reduced range of motion
• Joint tenderness
• Grinding or clicking
• Bony enlargement
• Difficulty completing normal activities

Osteoarthritis is different from rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is driven by immune-system inflammation, while osteoarthritis is related more closely to joint structure, age, injury, body mechanics, and previous stress on the joint.

Treatment may include:

• Physical activity
• Strengthening exercises
• Physical therapy
• Weight management when appropriate
• Pain-relieving medication
• Topical treatment
• Joint injections
• Assistive devices
• Referral to an orthopedic specialist

Not every painful joint requires an MRI or surgery. Treatment depends on the joint involved, symptom severity, physical examination, and effect on daily function.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis weakens the internal structure of bones and increases the likelihood of fractures.

It often causes no symptoms until a fracture occurs.

Risk factors may include:

• Increasing age
• Menopause
• Family history
• Low body weight
• Long-term steroid use
• Previous fractures
• Smoking
• Heavy alcohol use
• Low calcium or vitamin D
• Limited physical activity
• Some autoimmune conditions
• Certain medications

Bone density testing may be recommended to estimate fracture risk.

Treatment planning may consider:

• Bone density results
• Age
• Previous fractures
• Steroid use
• Kidney function
• Dental health
• Other medical conditions
• The patient’s ability to take a particular medicine correctly

Care may include medication, calcium and vitamin D guidance, weight-bearing exercise, fall prevention, and repeat bone density testing.

Patients should ask how long treatment is expected to continue and how its effectiveness will be monitored.

Spondyloarthritis

Spondyloarthritis is a group of inflammatory conditions that may affect the spine, pelvis, joints, tendons, skin, eyes, or digestive system.

Conditions within this group include:

• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Reactive arthritis
• Arthritis connected with inflammatory bowel disease
• Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis

Possible symptoms include:

• Back pain beginning at a younger age
• Morning stiffness
• Pain that improves with movement
• Pain that worsens during long periods of rest
• Buttock or pelvic pain
• Heel pain
• Swollen fingers or toes
• Psoriasis
• Eye inflammation
• Digestive symptoms

Diagnosis may involve examination, blood tests, X-rays, MRI, and review of related symptoms.

Not all back pain is inflammatory. Muscle strain, disc changes, arthritis, posture, and injury are more common causes. The pattern of symptoms helps the doctor decide whether rheumatology testing is appropriate.

Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory condition associated with psoriasis.

It may affect the:

• Fingers
• Toes
• Knees
• Ankles
• Spine
• Tendons
• Areas where tendons attach to bone

Possible signs include:

• Swollen joints
• Stiffness
• Sausage-shaped fingers or toes
• Heel pain
• Nail changes
• Back stiffness
• Existing or previous psoriasis

Joint symptoms may begin before obvious skin changes appear. Patients should mention a family history of psoriasis even when they do not currently have a rash.

Treatment aims to control inflammation, protect the joints, improve movement, and manage skin symptoms.

Myositis

Myositis refers to a group of inflammatory muscle diseases.

Possible symptoms include:

• Progressive muscle weakness
• Difficulty rising from a chair
• Trouble climbing stairs
• Difficulty lifting the arms
• Problems carrying objects
• Trouble swallowing
• Skin changes in selected forms
• Fatigue

Muscle weakness is different from pain. A patient may have difficulty completing movements even when the muscles are not very painful.

Assessment may include:

• Muscle enzyme blood tests
• Autoimmune antibody tests
• Electromyography
• MRI
• Nerve testing
• Muscle biopsy in selected cases

Treatment depends on the type of myositis, the organs involved, and the severity of weakness.

Vasculitis

Vasculitis causes inflammation in blood vessel walls. It can affect small, medium, or large blood vessels.

Symptoms depend on which organs receive blood from the affected vessels.

Possible signs include:

• Unexplained fever
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Skin spots or sores
• Numbness
• Muscle weakness
• Headaches
• Vision changes
• Breathing problems
• Kidney changes
• Abdominal symptoms
• Joint pain

Vasculitis can range from a limited skin condition to a serious illness affecting major organs.

Evaluation may include blood tests, urine tests, imaging, nerve studies, or tissue biopsy.

Sudden vision loss, serious breathing difficulty, coughing blood, severe weakness, or signs of organ damage require urgent medical assessment.

Sjögren’s Syndrome

Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune condition that commonly affects glands producing tears and saliva.

Possible symptoms include:

• Dry eyes
• Dry mouth
• Difficulty swallowing dry food
• Repeated dental problems
• Swollen salivary glands
• Joint pain
• Fatigue
• Vaginal dryness
• Nerve symptoms

Dryness can also be caused by dehydration, medication, aging, diabetes, thyroid disease, or other conditions.

Evaluation may involve blood tests, eye testing, saliva assessment, and examination of related symptoms.

Treatment may include moisture-replacement products, dental protection, medication, eye care, and treatment of inflammation outside the glands.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is associated with widespread pain, fatigue, poor sleep, and increased sensitivity to pressure.

Possible symptoms include:

• Pain in several body areas
• Non-restorative sleep
• Fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Headaches
• Sensitivity to touch
• Digestive symptoms
• Mood changes

Fibromyalgia does not usually cause joint destruction or abnormal inflammation in the way rheumatoid arthritis does.

There is no single blood test that confirms fibromyalgia. Testing may be used to check for thyroid disease, anemia, inflammatory conditions, vitamin deficiencies, or other possible causes.

Treatment may involve graded physical activity, sleep support, medication, stress management, and treatment of related health conditions.

Autoimmune and Connective Tissue Disease Testing

Autoimmune blood tests can provide useful information, but results must be interpreted carefully.

Testing may include:

• Antinuclear antibody
• Rheumatoid factor
• Anti-CCP antibody
• Extractable nuclear antigen tests
• Complement levels
• Inflammatory markers
• Muscle enzymes
• Blood counts
• Kidney and liver tests
• Urine testing

A positive test does not always mean that a patient has an autoimmune disease. Some healthy people have positive antibodies, while some patients with active disease have negative results.

Dr. Malani will usually compare test results with the patient’s symptoms, examination, medical history, and imaging.

Repeated broad autoimmune testing without a clinical reason may create confusing results rather than a clear diagnosis.

Rheumatology Medication Management

Rheumatology treatment may include several types of medication.

These may include:

• Anti-inflammatory medicines
• Corticosteroids
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs
• Biologic medicines
• Targeted immune treatments
• Gout medication
• Bone-strengthening medicine
• Topical pain treatment
• Joint injections

Some medications reduce symptoms quickly, while others work gradually to control the disease process.

Patients may need regular monitoring for:

• Blood cell counts
• Liver function
• Kidney function
• Infection
• Blood pressure
• Medication interactions
• Bone health
• Treatment response

Patients should tell every healthcare professional about their immune-suppressing medicines, especially before surgery, vaccination, dental procedures, or treatment for an infection.

Infusion Therapy

Some rheumatology medicines are given through an intravenous infusion rather than as tablets or self-administered injections.

Infusion therapy may be considered for selected patients with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, osteoporosis, vasculitis, or another inflammatory condition.

Before an infusion, the clinical team may review:

• Current symptoms
• Recent infections
• Vaccination status
• Medication use
• Laboratory results
• Previous infusion reactions
• Pregnancy status when relevant
• Changes in general health

Patients should report fever, infection symptoms, antibiotic use, or planned surgery before attending an infusion appointment.

The length and frequency of treatment depend on the medicine and medical condition.

Who May Benefit From Seeing Dr. Malani

A consultation may be appropriate for adults who:

• Have continuing joint pain
• Experience repeated joint swelling
• Have morning stiffness lasting longer than expected
• Have a positive autoimmune test
• Need rheumatoid arthritis care
• Have been diagnosed with lupus
• Experience repeated gout attacks
• Have unexplained muscle weakness
• Need osteoporosis treatment
• Have psoriasis with joint symptoms
• Have inflammatory back pain
• Need specialist medication monitoring
• Are considering infusion therapy
• Want another opinion about an autoimmune diagnosis
• Have symptoms involving several body systems

Patients searching for another healthcare professional can use the Doctiplus directory to find doctors by specialty.

What Patients Can Expect During an Appointment

The consultation usually begins with a detailed discussion of symptoms, medical history, medication, and previous testing.

Dr. Malani may ask:

• When did the symptoms begin?
• Which joints are affected?
• Is swelling present?
• How long does morning stiffness last?
• Do symptoms improve with movement?
• Are there rashes or skin changes?
• Is there unusual fatigue?
• Have the eyes or mouth become dry?
• Is there muscle weakness?
• Have fevers or weight changes occurred?
• Does autoimmune disease run in the family?
• Which treatments have already been tried?

The physical examination may assess:

• Joint swelling
• Tenderness
• Range of motion
• Muscle strength
• Skin changes
• Nail changes
• Tendon pain
• Walking pattern
• Signs of fluid retention
• Areas of nerve involvement

The next step may include laboratory testing, imaging, medication, physical therapy, monitoring, infusion treatment, or referral to another specialist.

Preparing for the Appointment

Patients can prepare by bringing:

• A complete medication list
• Medication dosages
• Supplement information
• Allergy details
• Previous rheumatology records
• Laboratory results
• X-rays
• MRI or CT reports
• Bone density results
• Hospital records
• A symptom timeline
• Photographs of visible swelling or rashes
• Insurance and referral information
• Written questions

Photographs can be useful when a rash or swollen joint improves before the appointment.

Patients should also note how long morning stiffness lasts and which daily activities have become difficult.

Questions to Ask Dr. Malani

Patients may consider asking:

• What is the likely cause of my symptoms?
• Do my test results support an autoimmune diagnosis?
• Are more tests needed?
• Could another condition be causing these symptoms?
• Is joint damage already present?
• What treatment options are available?
• How long may treatment take to work?
• What side effects should I monitor?
• Will I need regular blood tests?
• Should I change any activity?
• Is physical therapy appropriate?
• Are vaccines needed before treatment?
• What should I do if I develop an infection?
• How often should I return?
• Which symptoms require urgent care?

Patients should ask for a written medication plan when several treatments are being used.

Practice and Appointment Information

Dr. Malani provides care through the Arthritis Clinic of Cypress and Katy.

Katy Office

2630 North Mason Road, Suite A2
Katy, TX 77449

Cypress Office

27160 US 290 Frontage Road, Suite 205
Cypress, TX 77433

Humble Office

9816 Memorial Boulevard, Suite 209
Humble, TX 77338

Appointment phone:
281-712-8360

Dr. Malani is affiliated with Memorial Hermann Cypress Hospital and Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital.

Office schedules vary by location. Patients should confirm the correct clinic, appointment time, and current availability before traveling.

Languages and Communication

Dr. Malani is listed as speaking:

• English
• Hindi
• Sindhi

Additional language support may be available through the practice. Patients who need an interpreter should request assistance when scheduling.

Insurance and Appointment Planning

Insurance participation depends on the patient’s exact plan and network.

Before scheduling, patients should ask:

• Is Dr. Malani included in my network?
• Is a referral required?
• Are laboratory tests completed in the office?
• Are imaging services billed separately?
• Does infusion therapy require prior authorization?
• Is the infusion facility in network?
• Are specialty medicines covered?
• Are new patients being accepted?
• Which records should be sent before the appointment?
• Is telehealth available for the appointment type?

Biologic and infusion medicines may require separate approval from the insurance company. Patients should ask which pharmacy or infusion provider must be used under their plan.

When Symptoms Need Urgent Care

Patients should not wait for a routine rheumatology appointment when symptoms are severe or rapidly worsening.

Urgent assessment may be needed for:

• Sudden vision loss
• New severe weakness
• Major breathing difficulty
• Chest pain
• Coughing blood
• A hot, swollen joint with fever
• Severe allergic reaction after medication
• New confusion
• Fainting
• Heavy bleeding
• Severe abdominal pain
• Signs of a serious infection while taking immune-suppressing medicine
• Rapidly worsening symptoms affecting normal function

Patients can review guidance about when immediate medical attention may be necessary, but serious symptoms should be assessed without delay.