Dr. Diala Alawneh, MB BS

Dr. Diala Alawneh, MB BS is a Rheumatologist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive rheumatologic care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she practices at her clinic in Gainesville, 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. She serves individuals of all ages experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or symptoms suggestive of arthritis or autoimmune conditions. Please call (352) 265-4846 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Diala Alawneh, MB BS is a rheumatologist in Gainesville, FL. She is affiliated with UF Health Shands Hospital and is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine. She 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. Dr. Diala BS strives to create a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health, recognizing the importance of patient education and shared decision-making. She provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Diala BS 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. Diala BS 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. Diala BS 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: Vasculitis is an inflammation of your blood vessels that, if caught early, can be managed to prevent serious organ damage and improve your quality of life.
• Bursitis: Understanding your risk factors for bursitis, such as repetitive movements or underlying conditions, is key to prevention and maintaining joint health.
• Classic Polyarteritis Nodosa: Because polyarteritis nodosa affects blood vessels, early detection and treatment are essential to minimize the risk of life-threatening complications and maintain your well-being.
• Gout: Managing gout effectively through lifestyle changes and medication helps control inflammation, reducing pain and protecting your joints from long-term harm.
• Arthritis: Managing arthritis effectively involves understanding the disease, adopting preventive strategies, and seeking timely medical attention—WePrevent provides the information you need to achieve this.
• Osteoarthritis of Foot: Early diagnosis of foot osteoarthritis is crucial, as prompt treatment can help minimize pain, inflammation, and the need for more extensive interventions later.
• Ankylosing Vertebral Hyperostosis: Ankylosing vertebral hyperostosis affects the spine, causing bone overgrowth. Preventive strategies focus on maintaining good posture and managing any associated pain to avoid long-term limitations.
• Osteoarthritis of Knee: Protecting your knee joints from osteoarthritis involves understanding your risk factors and taking steps to manage your weight and activity levels to avoid further damage.
• 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.
• Seropositive Rheumatoid Arthritis: Seropositive rheumatoid arthritis, confirmed by blood markers, emphasizes the urgency of working closely with your doctor to control inflammation and reduce the risk of severe joint damage, preserving your quality of life.
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): Don't let the pain of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) control your life; proactive healthcare and early treatment can help control symptoms and prevent long-term health problems.
• Psoriatic Arthritis: Managing psoriatic arthritis effectively, with the help of your doctor, involves controlling inflammation to protect your joints and prevent long-term pain and stiffness.

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

• Steroid Injection: Taking a proactive approach to managing your autoimmune disease, a steroid injection can temporarily reduce inflammation, reducing discomfort and protecting your joints.
• Disability Evaluation: Understanding your current functional abilities through a disability evaluation ensures you receive the right support and resources to manage your condition and prevent further limitations.
• Non-Surgical Pain Management: Discover non-surgical ways to alleviate arthritis pain and improve your quality of life, empowering you to stay active and engaged.
• Nutritional Counseling: Empower yourself to better manage your arthritis symptoms by understanding how nutrition impacts inflammation and joint health through personalized dietary guidance.
• Physical Therapy: Early intervention with physical therapy can significantly improve your quality of life by addressing joint pain and stiffness associated with autoimmune conditions.
• Biopuncture: Biopuncture involves tiny injections to help identify and treat inflammatory conditions, potentially preventing further joint damage and preserving your mobility.
• Prolozone® Injections: As a step towards managing chronic joint pain, Prolozone® injections aim to reduce inflammation and improve the structural integrity of your joints.

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. Diala BS 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 personalized preventative plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of vasculitis complications, allowing them to embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle.
• By understanding their risk factors for bursitis and modifying their activities, a patient significantly reduced their likelihood of developing painful joint inflammation, leading to improved joint health and overall well-being.

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. Diala BS:

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 your long-term partners in managing these chronic conditions, preventing joint damage, and improving your overall 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. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. Dr. Diala BS will accurately diagnose the cause to ensure the appropriate treatment plan is followed.

What is infusion therapy?

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

Can you help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Diala and her team can help determine if your back pain is related to inflammatory arthritis, like ankylosing spondylitis. This is different from mechanical back pain, and a proper diagnosis is key to starting the right treatment to prevent long-term spinal fusion and stiffness.

What does a joint aspiration (arthrocentesis) do?

Arthrocentesis is a procedure where a specialist removes excess fluid from a swollen joint using a needle. This provides immediate pain relief and allows lab analysis of the fluid to diagnose the cause of swelling, which is essential for preventing future problems.

How does a rheumatologist use ultrasound in the office?

Dr. Diala BS uses musculoskeletal ultrasound in the office as a safe, real-time imaging tool. This allows for precise diagnosis of joint and tendon inflammation, and accurate guidance for injections, maximizing medication delivery.

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 psoriatic arthritis, but it's a known risk. Dr. Diala BS and her team screen for and treat psoriatic arthritis to prevent irreversible joint 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 leading to dry eyes and mouth. Management focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications such as dental decay and eye damage.

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

Dr. Diala Alawneh, MB BS 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): 1255836573

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. Diala BS 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.