Dr. Catherine Kowal, MD

Dr. Catherine Kowal, MD is a Rheumatology specialist practicing at her clinic in Naples, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Rheumatologic care. 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. 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. While currently not accepting new patients, please call (239) 596-5220 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.

Dr. Catherine Kowal, MD is a rheumatologist in Naples, FL with extensive experience in Osteoporosis & Screening. Affiliated with Lee Memorial Hospital and Cape Coral Hospital, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her practice. Dr. Kowal completed rigorous medical training at recognized institutions, followed by a residency in Rheumatology at Med College Of Pa And Hospital, and University Pa Health Sys Presby M C. This specialized training equips her to provide comprehensive medical care for individuals experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or symptoms suggestive of arthritis or autoimmune conditions. Her approach to care is collaborative and evidence-based, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Kowal provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Sarcoidosis: Because sarcoidosis can cause joint pain and inflammation, early detection and prompt treatment can help prevent the development of chronic arthritis and disability.
• Gout: Regular checkups and monitoring uric acid levels are key to preventing gout flares and minimizing the long-term effects of this common arthritis.
• Arthropathy Associated With Reiters Disease: Reactive arthritis, sometimes linked to infections like chlamydia, can damage joints if not diagnosed and treated early, highlighting the importance of preventive healthcare.
• Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis: Regular health monitoring and prompt medical attention when experiencing persistent joint pain are vital for managing seronegative rheumatoid arthritis and reducing the risk of progressive joint destruction.
• 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.
• Psoriatic Arthritis: Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic condition, but consistent treatment and lifestyle modifications can help minimize its impact, keeping your joints healthy and maintaining your mobility.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis: Protecting your spine and overall health requires understanding ankylosing spondylitis: early diagnosis allows for effective management and prevention of severe long-term complications like spinal deformity.
• Osteoarthritis of Spine: Managing spinal osteoarthritis proactively through regular checkups and appropriate treatment can help reduce inflammation and slow the progression of joint damage, improving long-term health.
• 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.
• Pyogenic Arthritis: Pyogenic arthritis is a serious joint infection that needs immediate treatment to prevent permanent joint damage and disability, highlighting the importance of prompt medical attention for any sudden joint pain or swelling.
• Polymyositis: By understanding the symptoms of polymyositis, a serious muscle disorder, and seeking prompt medical care, you can reduce your risk of long-term complications like severe muscle weakness and respiratory problems.
• Osteoarthritis of Foot: Foot osteoarthritis can significantly impact your daily life, but proactive management, including regular check-ups and appropriate exercise, can help maintain mobility and reduce long-term 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. Catherine Kowal 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: Take a proactive step towards bone health with a DEXA scan – it's a simple test that can identify weakening bones, crucial for managing arthritis and preventing future complications.
• 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: By getting a joint fluid test, you're taking charge of your health. It helps determine the type of arthritis you may have and guides your doctor in choosing the most effective treatment strategy.
• Steroid Injection: As part of your arthritis management plan, a steroid injection provides a powerful, short-term way to control inflammation, enabling you to participate more fully in daily activities.
• Viscosupplementation With Hyaluronate: As a proactive step in managing your arthritis, viscosupplementation with hyaluronate involves injections to improve the joint's shock-absorbing capacity, reducing inflammation and improving function.
• Diet Counseling: Discover how a tailored nutrition plan can support your body's natural ability to fight inflammation and improve your overall well-being in managing arthritis.

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. Catherine Kowal 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 adhering to a proactive screening and treatment plan, a patient significantly reduced the risk of developing chronic arthritis associated with sarcoidosis, allowing them to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• By diligently monitoring uric acid levels and following a personalized plan, a patient experienced fewer gout flares and significantly reduced the risk of long-term joint damage. This proactive approach allowed them to maintain a more active and comfortable lifestyle.

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. Catherine Kowal:

What is a rheumatologist and how can they help me?

Dr. Kowal is a medical doctor specializing in musculoskeletal and autoimmune conditions. She works with patients to diagnose and treat these issues, often chronic, helping prevent further joint damage and improve overall well-being. She is a long-term partner in your care.

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. Dr. Kowal will accurately diagnose the cause to ensure the correct treatment plan and prevent further damage.

Can diet and exercise really help my arthritis?

Absolutely. While diet and exercise won't cure arthritis, they're powerful tools for prevention. An anti-inflammatory diet can help manage symptoms, and low-impact exercise, like swimming or cycling, strengthens muscles supporting joints, preventing further strain and improving mobility.

How can I prevent osteoporosis or slow it down?

Dr. Kowal and her team can assess your risk factors and use a DEXA scan to screen for bone loss. Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, regular weight-bearing exercise, and avoiding smoking are important lifestyle choices to help prevent or slow osteoporosis. Early intervention can prevent fractures.

What are biologic medications and how do they work?

Biologic medications are a modern class of advanced medications derived from living sources. They work by targeting very specific parts of the immune system that cause inflammation, rather than suppressing the whole system, which is a powerful tool to prevent joint damage and preserve function.

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

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by uric acid crystals forming in a joint. Common triggers include red meat, shellfish, and alcohol. Preventing flares involves a partnership between medication to lower uric acid levels and lifestyle changes to manage these triggers, thereby preventing painful attacks and long-term joint damage.

What is vasculitis?

Vasculitis is a group of rare diseases causing inflammation of the blood vessels. Symptoms vary widely depending on the affected vessels. Prompt diagnosis and treatment by a rheumatologist are critical to prevent organ damage.

What does a joint aspiration (arthrocentesis) do?

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 in a lab, helping diagnose the cause of the swelling, which is vital for developing a treatment plan and preventing future problems.

1855 Veterans Park Dr
Naples FL 34109
Phone: (239) 596-5220

Dr. Catherine Kowal, 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): 1013909332

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. Catherine Kowal 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.