Dr. Eric Sobel, MD

Dr. Eric Sobel, MD is a Rheumatologist practicing at his clinic in Gainesville, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Rheumatologic care. 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. Dr. Sobel is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey and they should call (352) 265-4846 to schedule.

Dr. Eric Sobel, MD is a rheumatologist in Gainesville, FL and has over 40 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. Sobel has extensive experience in Osteoporosis & Screening. With over 40 years of dedicated experience in Rheumatologic care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Case Western Reserve University School Of Medicine in 1984. Following medical school, he undertook residency training in Rheumatology at University Of North Carolina Hospitals (graduated 1987), specializing in the comprehensive medical care of Individuals of all ages experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or symptoms suggestive of arthritis or autoimmune conditions. He 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. He is affiliated with UF Health Shands Hospital and is accepting new patients. Dr. Sobel provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Juvenile Chronic Arthritis: Because juvenile chronic arthritis can significantly impact joint health, preventative care through close monitoring and timely intervention is crucial for children's well-being.
• Seropositive Rheumatoid Arthritis: Having seropositive rheumatoid arthritis signifies your immune system is attacking your joints; proactive management with medication and lifestyle changes can slow progression and protect your mobility.
• Osteoarthritis of Hand: Don't let hand osteoarthritis take control of your life. Seeking timely medical care and adopting a preventive lifestyle can help manage symptoms and protect your hand joints from irreversible damage.
• Osteoarthritis of Hip and Thigh: Hip and thigh osteoarthritis can be effectively managed with early intervention; focusing on pain control and preserving joint function helps you maintain an active lifestyle and prevents further deterioration.
• Rheumatoid Lung Disease: Early detection and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis are vital to prevent the development of rheumatoid lung disease and preserve your respiratory health.
• Fibromyalgia: Preventing long-term disability from fibromyalgia is possible through early diagnosis and proactive management strategies like exercise, stress reduction, and medication if needed.
• Osteoarthritis of Shoulder: Don't let shoulder osteoarthritis limit your activities. Early detection and a tailored treatment plan, including physical therapy and medication, can significantly improve your shoulder function and prevent further deterioration.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis of Elbow: Regular check-ups and proactive management of rheumatoid arthritis in the elbow are crucial for preventing disability and ensuring your ability to perform everyday tasks without discomfort.
• Osteoporosis: Early diagnosis and management of osteoporosis are vital, as it's a condition that gradually weakens bones, increasing the risk of fractures. Preventative strategies can significantly improve bone strength and quality of life.
• Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a common joint disease where cartilage breaks down, causing pain and stiffness; early diagnosis and lifestyle changes can significantly slow its progression and prevent disability.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition causing joint inflammation and pain; proactive management, including lifestyle changes and medication, can effectively control symptoms and minimize future joint damage.
• Arthropathy Associated With Reiters Disease: Reiter's syndrome, causing joint inflammation (arthropathy), emphasizes the need for prompt medical attention to prevent long-term joint 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 Sobel 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: 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: Joint drainage is a procedure that helps remove excess fluid from your joints, relieving pain and potentially identifying the cause of inflammation.
• 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: Steroid injections are sometimes used to quickly reduce inflammation and pain in a specific joint, allowing for improved function and preventing long-term damage.
• Synovial Biopsy: To better understand the inflammation in your joint and guide treatment, your doctor may recommend a synovial biopsy, helping prevent further joint damage and preserve your mobility.
• Pain Medication Management: Partner with your rheumatologist to develop a personalized pain management strategy that helps preserve your 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 Sobel 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 proactive care plan, a family experienced significant relief from the potential impact of juvenile chronic arthritis, achieving a positive preventive outcome. Early detection and timely intervention, guided by the rheumatologist, provided peace of mind and empowered the family to focus on the child's overall well-being.
• By adhering to a personalized treatment plan and incorporating regular exercise into their routine, a patient effectively managed their seropositive rheumatoid arthritis, preserving their joint function and mobility.

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 Sobel:

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 a valuable partner in managing chronic conditions, preventing joint damage, and improving your overall well-being. We work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan.

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. Sobel will accurately diagnose the cause to ensure appropriate treatment and prevent further damage.

What is lupus and what are its common symptoms?

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect many parts of the body, including the 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.

Are steroid injections into a joint safe?

Yes, corticosteroid injections into a joint are generally safe when performed by a rheumatologist. They are a valuable tool to quickly reduce inflammation and pain, allowing for improved function and participation in physical therapy and daily activities. Our physicians use them judiciously to manage flare-ups.

How is an autoimmune disease diagnosed?

Diagnosing an autoimmune disease is like solving a puzzle. Dr. Sobel and his team review your symptoms, conduct a physical exam, and order specific blood tests to look for autoantibodies and markers of inflammation. This process is crucial to understanding your condition and preventing disease progression.

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 to prevent complications like dental problems and eye 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 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.

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 arthritis, but it's a known risk. Dr. Sobel's role is to screen for and treat the arthritis to prevent irreversible joint damage.

1549 Gale Lemerand Dr # 3
Gainesville FL 32610
Phone: (352) 265-4846

Dr. Eric Sobel, 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): 1417990789

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 Sobel 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.