Dr. Cheree Padilla, MD

Dr. Cheree Padilla, MD is a Sports Medicine physician 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's committed to partnering with individuals of all ages, from youth to senior athletes, and active people to create a long-term health plan focused on prevention. Your Sports Medicine physician is your primary partner in creating a long-term health plan, coordinating preventative screenings, and managing your overall wellness to keep you active and injury-free. Please call (352) 273-5139 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Cheree Padilla, MD is a sports medicine specialist in Gainesville, FL, affiliated with UF Health Shands Hospital. She earned her medical degree from the University of South Florida and is Board Certified in Family Practice and Sports Medicine by the American Board of Family Medicine. Her approach to care is rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Cheree Padilla provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Chondromalacia: Managing chondromalacia through proper exercise and weight management can significantly reduce pain and prevent the cartilage damage from progressing.
• Meniscus Tear: Early detection of a meniscus tear through regular check-ups with your doctor can help prevent further damage and preserve your knee's long-term health.
• Osteochondritis Dissecans: Osteochondritis dissecans, a problem affecting the bone and cartilage, is easier to manage and treat when caught early, making regular health screenings and prompt medical attention essential.
• Repeated Shoulder Dislocation: Preventing further shoulder dislocations requires understanding your risk factors and actively managing them through physical therapy and proper conditioning.
• Tibial Fracture: Proper conditioning, appropriate training techniques, and warming up before exercise can significantly reduce your risk of experiencing a tibial fracture, enabling you to maintain an active lifestyle.
• Wrist Sprain or Strain: Proper management of a wrist sprain or strain, including rest, ice, and compression, is crucial for preventing further damage and promoting faster healing.
• Tendon Disorders: Addressing tendon pain promptly and following a tailored treatment plan helps you avoid chronic tendon issues and maintain an active lifestyle.

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

• Musculoskeletal Function Test: A musculoskeletal function test is a valuable assessment to understand your current physical capabilities and identify potential risks for future musculoskeletal problems.
• Musculoskeletal Tumor Surgery: Addressing suspicious lumps or pain in your bones or joints? Musculoskeletal tumor surgery helps identify and treat these issues promptly, minimizing potential long-term effects.
• Non-Cosmetic Botox® Injection: Protect your active lifestyle by utilizing non-cosmetic Botox injections; this treatment can alleviate muscle stiffness and pain, helping you stay in the game.
• Patellar and Quadriceps Tendon Repairs: Protect your knees and jump back into action sooner with patellar and quadriceps tendon repairs, addressing tears to restore strength and function.
• Tendon and Bursa Injection: Prevent chronic joint issues by utilizing a tendon and bursa injection; it provides targeted pain relief and helps identify the root cause of your discomfort.
• Hand and Wrist Osteoarthrotomy: Hand and wrist osteoarthrotomy is a surgical procedure that can help restore proper joint alignment and function, preventing further pain and disability.
• Hip Labrum Repair: Ensure your hip remains strong and functional for years to come; hip labrum repair effectively addresses underlying damage to reduce the risk of arthritis and other complications.

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 Sports Medicine in Florida.

Dr. Cheree Padilla is dedicated to partnering with Coaches and Athletic Trainers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Athlete's life:

• By following a personalized exercise program and maintaining a healthy weight, a young athlete significantly reduced knee pain and prevented further cartilage damage, allowing them to continue their sport without limitations.
• By attending regular check-ups and listening to their body, a young athlete proactively managed their knee health, significantly reducing the risk of a meniscus tear and maintaining their active 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 Sports Medicine care with Dr. Cheree Padilla:

What is the difference between a Sports Medicine Physician and an Orthopedic Surgeon?

Sports Medicine Physicians, often from family medicine or physical medicine and rehabilitation, are trained to diagnose and treat sports injuries, frequently with non-surgical methods. Orthopedic Surgeons are surgical specialists for the musculoskeletal system, and are consulted when necessary. We work together as partners to provide the best care for your needs.

What is a stress fracture?

A stress fracture is a tiny crack in a bone, often from repetitive use or overuse. It's different from an acute fracture, which is caused by a single impact. Proper diagnosis and rest are critical to prevent the crack from worsening.

What is arthroscopic surgery?

Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive technique using a small camera and tiny instruments inserted through small incisions to repair joint damage. It offers less pain, faster recovery, and quicker return to activity compared to traditional open surgery.

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by pressure on the median nerve at the wrist, often leading to numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand. Early intervention with bracing and therapy can often prevent the need for surgery.

When is a joint replacement surgery recommended?

Joint replacement surgery is considered when arthritis pain and stiffness significantly limit daily activities, and less invasive treatments are no longer helpful. This decision is made in partnership with your orthopedic surgeon to restore function and prevent a life limited by pain.

What is a rotator cuff tear?

A rotator cuff tear is damage to one or more of the four muscles and tendons that stabilize your shoulder joint, often caused by overuse or a sudden injury. Treatment focuses on reducing pain and restoring function to prevent long-term weakness and arthritis.

What is the goal of physical therapy after an injury or surgery?

Physical therapy is a critical part of your recovery, focusing on reducing pain, restoring range of motion, improving strength and stability, and retraining your body for safe movement. This is essential to prevent re-injury and ensure a successful, long-lasting return to activity.

Do I need an MRI for my joint pain?

An MRI isn't always necessary. A thorough examination and X-rays are often sufficient to diagnose joint pain. An MRI might be considered if a diagnosis remains unclear or a soft tissue injury is suspected.

280 Fletcher Dr
Gainesville FL 32611
Phone: (352) 273-5139

Dr. Cheree Padilla, 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): 1134382039

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. Sports Medicine like Dr. Cheree Padilla 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 sports medicine about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.