Dr. Anika Alarakhia, MD

Dr. Anika Alarakhia, MD is a Rheumatologist practicing at her clinic in Orlando, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Rheumatologic care. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). General Rheumatologists are your primary partners in preventing joint damage and preserving quality of life, expertly diagnosing and managing arthritis and autoimmune diseases through long-term health plans, coordinated screenings, and comprehensive wellness management to control inflammation and empower you to live your best life. She serves individuals of all ages experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or symptoms suggestive of arthritis or autoimmune conditions. Dr. Alarakhia is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey; please call (407) 730-3270 to schedule.

With over 15 years of dedicated experience in Rheumatologic care, Dr. Alarakhia brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from St. George's University School of Medicine in 2005 and completed residency training in Rheumatology at Allegheny General Hospital in 2008, followed by a fellowship in Oschner Clinic in 2012, further specializing her expertise. She is Board Certified in Rheumatology by the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons. Dr. Alarakhia is affiliated with AdventHealth Orlando and Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center, and she is experienced in Osteoporosis & Screening. She is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Anika Alarakhia provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Anika Alarakhia is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Anika Alarakhia can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Anika Alarakhia provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Vasculitis: Understanding your risk factors for vasculitis and seeking prompt medical attention can help prevent serious complications and ensure effective management.
• Osteoarthritis of Knee: Osteoarthritis in the knee can be better managed through regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and seeking medical attention for pain relief and to prevent joint deformity.
• Scleroderma: Protecting your health from the damaging effects of scleroderma involves understanding your risk factors and seeking medical attention at the first sign of symptoms to prevent irreversible organ damage.
• Osteoarthritis of Shoulder: Protecting your shoulder joints from the damaging effects of osteoarthritis starts with understanding your risk factors and seeking medical attention if you experience persistent pain or stiffness; early intervention is key.
• Osteoarthritis of Hand: Hand osteoarthritis can limit your daily activities, but proactive steps like regular exercise and managing risk factors can significantly reduce pain and maintain hand function.
• Juvenile Chronic Arthritis: Because juvenile chronic arthritis can significantly impact joint health, preventative care through close monitoring and timely intervention is crucial for children's well-being.
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): Managing polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) effectively through medication and lifestyle changes minimizes inflammation and prevents further complications, helping you enjoy life to the fullest.
• Granulomatosis: Granulomatosis is a group of rare diseases where abnormal immune cell clumps (granulomas) form in organs, and early diagnosis is crucial for preventing serious organ damage.
• Polymyositis: Polymyositis is an inflammatory condition that can weaken your muscles; proactive management, including medication and physical therapy, can help prevent the disease from progressing and maintain your strength and independence.
• Arthritis of the Neck: Protecting your neck from further damage caused by arthritis starts with early diagnosis and a proactive approach to managing inflammation and pain.
• Seropositive Rheumatoid Arthritis: A seropositive rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis means you have the disease confirmed by blood tests, highlighting the need for a customized treatment plan to manage inflammation and prevent irreversible joint destruction.
• Lupus: Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can be managed effectively with early diagnosis and treatment, helping prevent long-term joint damage and other complications.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Anika Alarakhia offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Arthrocentesis: Taking a proactive step towards better joint health, arthrocentesis helps diagnose the cause of joint swelling and pain by analyzing fluid from the affected area, enabling early intervention and preventing long-term complications.
• Bone Density Scan: A bone density scan is a quick and painless test that helps measure the strength of your bones, allowing for early detection of osteoporosis and helping prevent fractures.
• Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Scan: For individuals with arthritis or autoimmune diseases, a DEXA scan is an important tool to assess bone health and take steps to prevent fractures, a common complication.
• Infusion Therapy: Infusion therapy delivers powerful medications directly into your bloodstream, helping to control inflammation and slow the progression of arthritis and autoimmune diseases.
• Joint Drainage: By draining fluid from an affected joint, we can analyze its contents to better understand and treat your arthritis or other inflammatory condition.
• Joint Fluid Test: Early detection of inflammatory conditions is key; a joint fluid test can assist in this early diagnosis of arthritis, helping to preserve joint function and prevent long-term disability.
• Steroid Injection: To ease severe joint pain and stiffness, a steroid injection offers targeted relief, helping prevent further joint damage and improve your quality of life.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Rheumatology in Florida.

Dr. Anika Alarakhia is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By understanding their risk factors for vasculitis and proactively managing their health, a patient felt empowered to prevent potential complications and maintain a healthier lifestyle. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and ensured effective management of their condition.
• By following a personalized exercise plan and maintaining a healthy weight, a patient significantly reduced their risk of knee osteoarthritis, promoting long-term joint health and mobility.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Rheumatologic care with Dr. Anika Alarakhia:

What is a rheumatologist and how can they help me?

A rheumatologist is a doctor specializing in musculoskeletal diseases and systemic autoimmune conditions. They are a crucial partner in managing chronic conditions, preventing further joint damage, and improving your overall well-being. We work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan.

What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease where cartilage breaks down over time, often due to wear and tear. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, causing inflammation and damage. Dr. Alarakhia will accurately diagnose the cause to ensure the correct treatment plan is followed.

How is psoriatic arthritis different from psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition causing rashes and scales, while psoriatic arthritis is a related condition that also involves joint inflammation. Not everyone with psoriasis develops arthritis, but it's a known risk. Dr. Alarakhia's practice screens for and treats psoriatic arthritis to prevent irreversible joint damage.

How does a rheumatologist use ultrasound in the office?

Dr. Alarakhia uses musculoskeletal ultrasound in our office to safely and quickly image joints and tendons in real time. This allows for precise diagnosis of inflammation and accurate guidance during injections, maximizing medication delivery.

What is Sjögren's Syndrome?

Sjögren's Syndrome is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the glands that produce moisture, primarily leading to extremely dry eyes and mouth. Management focuses on relieving symptoms to prevent potential complications like dental decay and eye damage.

Can you help with chronic back pain?

If your back pain is related to inflammatory arthritis, like ankylosing spondylitis, a rheumatologist like Dr. Alarakhia is the appropriate specialist. We differentiate this from mechanical back pain through a thorough diagnostic process. This process is crucial to ensure the right treatment is started to prevent long-term spinal fusion and stiffness.

What does it mean if my ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) test is positive?

A positive ANA can be a marker for an autoimmune disease, but it's not a diagnosis on its own. A rheumatologist will consider your full medical history, symptoms, and other test results to determine if you have an autoimmune condition. This ensures an accurate diagnosis and avoids unnecessary worry.

What is a DEXA scan and why might I need one?

A DEXA scan is a simple, painless, low-dose x-ray that measures bone density. It's the gold standard for screening for osteoporosis and helps assess your risk of fracture before it occurs, allowing for preventive treatment.

7328 Stonerock Cir
Orlando FL 32819
Phone: (407) 730-3270

Dr. Anika Alarakhia, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1154588945

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Rheumatology like Dr. Anika Alarakhia are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your rheumatology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.