Dr. Eric Sheldon, MD

Dr. Eric Sheldon, MD is a Rheumatologist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Rheumatologic care at his clinic in Hollywood, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices 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. Please call (305) 799-9032 to confirm if Dr. Sheldon is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Eric Sheldon, MD is a rheumatologist in Hollywood, FL with over 30 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from Tulane University Of Louisiana in 1991. With over 30 years of dedicated experience in Rheumatologic care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. His 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. Sheldon provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Tenosynovitis: Tenosynovitis is an inflammation of the tendon lining that, if caught early, can be effectively managed to prevent lasting joint damage and pain.
• Arthritis of the Elbow: Regular checkups and prompt treatment of elbow arthritis are key to minimizing joint damage and preserving the function of your elbow joint, improving your overall well-being.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis: Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease; proactive healthcare and regular monitoring are crucial for early intervention and preventing irreversible joint damage.
• Joint Space Disease: Joint space disease is a serious concern, but with proactive care, including lifestyle changes and medication, you can control inflammation, reduce pain, and maintain your independence.
• Stiffness: Don't let joint stiffness limit your activities. Early intervention with appropriate management can significantly reduce inflammation and improve your quality of life.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis of Hip: Early detection of rheumatoid arthritis in the hip is key to preventing long-term disability and improving your overall health and well-being.
• Dermatomyositis: Dermatomyositis can cause significant muscle weakness and skin changes, but proactive management with medication and lifestyle adjustments helps prevent further damage and disability.

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. Eric Sheldon 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: 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: Early detection of inflammatory conditions is key; a joint fluid test can assist in this early diagnosis of arthritis, helping to preserve joint function and prevent long-term disability.
• Cortisone Injection: For fast-acting relief from the inflammation and pain of arthritis flares, a cortisone injection can help you regain mobility and improve your overall quality of life.
• Chronic Pain Management: Don't let chronic pain limit you – learn about various treatment options and pain management techniques to improve your quality of life and regain mobility.
• Soft Tissue Injections: As a proactive step in your arthritis care, consider soft tissue injections to alleviate pain and stiffness, preventing further joint damage.
• Immunosuppressive Therapy for Psoriatic Arthritis: Proactive management of psoriatic arthritis often includes immunosuppressive medications to lessen joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, improving your overall quality of life.

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. Eric Sheldon 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 recognizing the early signs of inflammation and diligently following a personalized treatment plan, a patient successfully avoided the potential for long-term joint pain and damage associated with tenosynovitis.
• By attending regular checkups and addressing early signs of elbow discomfort, a patient significantly reduced the risk of developing arthritis, maintaining a full range of motion and enjoying their favorite activities.

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. Eric Sheldon:

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 skilled at diagnosing and treating these conditions, often chronic, to help prevent joint damage and improve quality of life. We are a long-term partner in your health management.

What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition 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. Sheldon will accurately diagnose the cause to ensure the appropriate treatment plan is followed.

How can I prevent osteoporosis or slow it down?

Dr. Sheldon's practice emphasizes lifestyle choices like adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, regular weight-bearing exercise, and smoking cessation to help prevent or slow osteoporosis. A rheumatologist can assess individual risk factors, perform a DEXA scan, and provide tailored strategies for early intervention to prevent fractures.

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 very dry eyes and mouth. Management focuses on relieving symptoms to prevent complications like dental decay and eye damage.

Are steroid injections into a joint safe?

Yes, corticosteroid injections into a joint are safe when performed by a rheumatologist. They are a highly effective way to rapidly reduce inflammation and pain, allowing for better participation in physical therapy and daily life. 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 causes a gout flare, and how can I prevent one?

Gout is a type of arthritis 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 these triggers, helping prevent painful attacks and long-term joint damage.

What is infusion therapy?

Infusion therapy involves receiving medication directly into your bloodstream through an IV in a comfortable, 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.

7261 Sheridan St
Hollywood FL 33024
Phone: (305) 799-9032

Dr. Eric Sheldon, 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): 1356338735

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. Eric Sheldon 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.