Dr. Christopher Mesa, MD

Dr. Christopher Mesa, MD is a Rheumatologist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Rheumatologic care. He practices at Dr. Christopher Mesa MD in Miami, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing 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. He serves individuals of all ages experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or symptoms suggestive of arthritis or autoimmune conditions, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (561) 559-8273 to schedule.

Dr. Christopher Mesa, MD is a rheumatologist in Miami, FL with over 35 years of experience in the medical field. He brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. His extensive experience in Osteoporosis & Screening, combined with his dedication to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creates a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Mesa earned his medical degree from Damascus University School of Medicine Damascus Syria in 1989 and completed an internship at Cleveland Clinic Foundation Cleveland Oh (1990), followed by residency training in Rheumatology at Cleveland Clinic Foundation - Cleveland Oh (1993), and fellowship training in St. Vincent Hospital - Indianapolis In, and Loyola University - Maywood Il (1996) to further specialize. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is affiliated with HCA Florida Kendall Hospital and HCA Florida Aventura Hospital and is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Christopher Mesa provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Rheumatoid Arthritis of Ankle Foot: Rheumatoid arthritis in your ankle and foot can cause significant pain and damage, but early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent long-term joint problems and maintain mobility.
• Lupus: Early detection and consistent management of lupus are key to preventing the inflammation and joint damage that can significantly impact your quality of life.
• 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.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis: Managing ankylosing spondylitis effectively through medication and lifestyle changes helps prevent spinal stiffness, fusion, and significant pain, preserving mobility and quality of life.
• Osteoarthritis of Shoulder: Understanding and managing risk factors for shoulder osteoarthritis, such as repetitive movements or injury, can help prevent or delay the onset of this painful condition and preserve your shoulder's health.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis of Hand: Protecting your hand joints from the debilitating effects of rheumatoid arthritis starts with understanding the risks and seeking medical attention promptly; early diagnosis and treatment can significantly slow disease progression and preserve hand function.
• Chondrocalcinosis: Chondrocalcinosis is the presence of calcium crystals in your cartilage, which can lead to arthritis if left unmanaged, highlighting the importance of regular check-ups to catch and manage it early.
• 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.
• Juvenile Chronic Arthritis: Juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA) is a childhood autoimmune disease where early diagnosis and treatment can prevent lasting joint damage and improve quality of life.
• Dermatomyositis: Dermatomyositis can cause significant muscle weakness and skin changes, but proactive management with medication and lifestyle adjustments helps prevent further damage and disability.
• Rheumatoid Lung Disease: Rheumatoid lung disease is a serious complication of rheumatoid arthritis that can be prevented or slowed with early diagnosis and proper management of your RA.
• Spondylitis: To prevent the progression of spondylitis and potential complications, such as spinal deformity, it's vital to work closely with your rheumatologist and follow their recommendations.

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. Christopher Mesa 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: 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.
• Joint Fluid Test: Taking the proactive step of a joint fluid test can help your doctor identify the underlying cause of your arthritis, leading to a personalized treatment plan and better long-term joint health.
• 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.
• Ultrasound-Guided Injection: By accurately targeting inflamed areas, an ultrasound-guided injection helps reduce pain and swelling, preserving your joint function and quality of life.
• Biopsy: Taking a proactive step, a biopsy can help confirm a suspected diagnosis, allowing for early intervention and prevention of further joint damage.
• Stress Management: Reduce the risk of joint damage and improve your quality of life by actively managing stress through proven relaxation methods.

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. Christopher Mesa 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 actively participating in a proactive health plan, a patient successfully managed early signs of potential rheumatoid arthritis in their ankle and foot, preserving mobility and preventing long-term joint damage. This proactive approach allowed them to maintain an active and pain-free lifestyle.
• By diligently following the proactive management plan, a patient experienced a significant reduction in lupus-related inflammation, ensuring a healthier and more comfortable life. This preventative approach allowed them to confidently engage in activities they love.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He 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. Christopher Mesa:

What is a rheumatologist and how can they help me?

Dr. Mesa is a medical doctor specializing in rheumatic diseases, which affect the joints, muscles, and connective tissues. He can help diagnose and treat these conditions, and work with you to manage them long-term, preventing further damage and improving your quality of life.

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. Mesa's role is to accurately diagnose the specific cause to ensure the correct treatment plan is followed, preventing further damage.

What is Sjögren's Syndrome?

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

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. Preventing flares involves a partnership between medication to lower uric acid and lifestyle changes to manage triggers, thus preventing painful attacks and long-term joint damage.

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 specific parts of the immune system that cause inflammation, rather than suppressing the whole system, making them a powerful tool to prevent joint damage and preserve function.

Can diet and exercise really help my arthritis?

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

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 considered the gold standard for osteoporosis screening. The scan helps assess your risk of fracture, allowing us to recommend preventive treatment before a problem occurs.

How does a rheumatologist use ultrasound in the office?

Dr. Mesa uses musculoskeletal ultrasound in the office to safely and quickly image joints and tendons. This real-time imaging helps precisely diagnose inflammation and guide injections, ensuring medication reaches the precise area for optimal results.

Dr. Christopher Mesa MD
2510 SW 27th Ave Ste 101
Miami FL 33133
Phone: (561) 559-8273

Dr. Christopher Mesa, 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): 1598150542

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. Christopher Mesa 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.