Dr. Catalina Sanchez Alvarez, MD

Dr. Catalina Sanchez Alvarez, MD is a Rheumatology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her clinic in Gainesville, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is a trusted partner in preventive health, focusing on preventing joint damage and preserving quality of life. 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. Alvarez is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey; please call (352) 265-4846 to schedule.

Dr. Alvarez, an assistant professor within the division of rheumatology and clinical immunology at the University of Florida College of Medicine, brings extensive experience and a deep understanding of rheumatologic conditions. Having earned her medical degree from CES University School of Medicine in Medellin, Colombia, she completed internal medicine residency at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL, and a rheumatology fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Her clinical and research interests include vasculitis, myositis, connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease, osteoporosis, and ultrasound-guided procedures. Dr. Alvarez is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Rheumatology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Her commitment to patient well-being extends to language accessibility, as she is fluent in both English and Spanish and certified to provide care as a Spanish interpreter. Dr. Alvarez offers consultations in Spanish.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Catalina Alvarez 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. Catalina Alvarez 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. Catalina Alvarez 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:

• Classic Polyarteritis Nodosa: Classic polyarteritis nodosa is a rare disease causing inflammation of blood vessels, and early diagnosis with prompt treatment is crucial to prevent serious organ damage and improve your long-term health.
• Dermatomyositis: Managing dermatomyositis effectively means working closely with your doctor to control inflammation and muscle damage, preserving your mobility and quality of life.
• 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.
• Psoriatic Arthritis: Catching psoriatic arthritis early through regular health checks and recognizing its symptoms can significantly reduce the risk of irreversible joint damage and improve your quality of life.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis of Hand: Hand pain and stiffness could be signs of rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that can severely damage your hands over time; proactive management, including medication and lifestyle changes, can greatly minimize joint damage and maintain your hand's mobility.
• Osteopenia: Osteopenia is a warning sign of potential bone fragility; addressing it through diet, exercise, and medication when needed can prevent serious bone fractures.
• Osteoarthritis of Hand or Wrist: Managing osteoarthritis in your hands and wrists involves a proactive approach to reduce pain and inflammation, thereby preserving your hand function and preventing future limitations.
• Vasculitis: Protecting your blood vessels from inflammation through early diagnosis and treatment of vasculitis is crucial for preventing long-term health problems.
• Bursitis: Bursitis, the painful inflammation of the small sacs around your joints, can be significantly improved with early intervention, reducing long-term limitations.
• Osteoporosis: Don't let osteoporosis steal your strength – regular bone density screenings and a proactive approach to bone health can help prevent fractures and maintain your independence.
• Gout: Understanding your risk factors for gout, such as diet and family history, allows for preventive measures to reduce your chances of developing this painful condition.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis of Ankle Foot: Protecting your ankle and foot from the effects of rheumatoid arthritis starts with understanding the condition. Early detection and a proactive approach to management are crucial for preventing irreversible joint damage.

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. Catalina Alvarez offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Bone Density Scan: As part of your overall health plan, a bone density scan provides valuable information about your bone health, allowing for proactive measures to prevent fractures and maintain mobility.
• Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Scan: Protecting your joints starts with knowing your bone health. A DEXA scan provides valuable information about bone density, aiding in the early diagnosis and management of conditions like osteoporosis which can affect your joints.
• Joint Drainage: Joint drainage is a procedure that helps remove excess fluid from your joints, relieving pain and potentially identifying the cause of inflammation.
• Joint Fluid Test: This simple test analyzes fluid from your affected joint, providing crucial information to diagnose arthritis and autoimmune conditions, leading to faster treatment and better outcomes.
• Steroid Injection: A steroid injection can be a proactive step to reduce inflammation and pain in your joints, helping you manage your arthritis symptoms and maintain mobility.
• Synovial Biopsy: To better understand the inflammation in your joint and guide treatment, your doctor may recommend a synovial biopsy, helping prevent further joint damage and preserve your mobility.
• Tendon and Bursa Injection: To ease joint pain and inflammation, a tendon and bursa injection can deliver medication directly to the source, helping you stay active and prevent further damage.

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. Catalina Alvarez 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 diligently following a proactive health plan, a patient significantly reduced the risk of serious organ damage associated with Classic Polyarteritis Nodosa, gaining peace of mind and a healthier future.
• By working closely with a rheumatologist to manage inflammation and muscle damage, a patient successfully maintained mobility and a high quality of life, preventing further complications from dermatomyositis.

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. Catalina Alvarez:

What is a rheumatologist and how can they help me?

Dr. Alvarez is a medical doctor specializing in rheumatic diseases, which include musculoskeletal and autoimmune conditions. She can help diagnose and treat these conditions, working with you to manage your symptoms, prevent further joint damage, and improve your overall well-being.

What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, often called "wear and tear," where cartilage breaks down over time. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. Dr. Alvarez will accurately diagnose the cause to ensure appropriate treatment and prevent further damage.

What does a joint aspiration (arthrocentesis) do?

A joint aspiration, or arthrocentesis, is a procedure where a specialist removes excess fluid from a swollen joint using a needle. This provides immediate pain relief from the pressure and allows the fluid to be analyzed to identify the cause of the swelling, which is crucial for diagnosis and preventing future problems.

Are steroid injections into a joint safe?

Yes, corticosteroid injections into a joint, performed by a rheumatologist, are generally safe and effective. They rapidly reduce inflammation and pain, allowing for better participation in physical therapy and daily activities. These injections are used judiciously to manage flare-ups.

What is lupus and what are its common symptoms?

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect many parts of the body, including joints, skin, kidneys, and heart. Common symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, and a butterfly-shaped facial rash. Early diagnosis and management are key to preventing organ damage.

What is infusion therapy?

Infusion therapy involves receiving medication directly through an IV, in a comfortable and medically supervised setting. This method is highly effective for many advanced biologic medications, ensuring the body receives the full dose needed to control disease and prevent flares.

What causes a gout flare, and how can I prevent one?

Gout flares are caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in a joint. Common triggers include red meat, shellfish, and alcohol. Prevention involves medication to lower uric acid levels and lifestyle changes to manage these triggers, helping to avoid painful attacks and long-term joint damage.

How is an autoimmune disease diagnosed?

Diagnosing an autoimmune disease is like solving a puzzle, combining a review of your symptoms, a physical exam, and specific blood tests to look for autoantibodies and markers of inflammation. This crucial first step helps us understand the disease process and prevent its progression.

1549 Gale Lemerand Dr # 3
Gainesville FL 32610
Phone: (352) 265-4846

Dr. Catalina Sanchez Alvarez, 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): 1619350519

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. Catalina Alvarez 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.