Dr. Gary Sterba, MD

Dr. Gary Sterba, MD is a Rheumatology specialist practicing at Gary Sterba MD PA in Miami, FL. He is a dedicated partner in preventive health, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Sterba's practice is focused on empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Rheumatologic care. 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 (305) 918-7076 to schedule.

Dr. Gary Sterba, with over 50 years of experience in Rheumatologic care, brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from UCV in 1974 and completed residency training in Rheumatology at Jewish Hospital and Medical Center in 1977, followed by fellowship training at State University of New York Downstate Medical Center in 1979. His extensive experience encompasses a career spanning from Caracas, Venezuela, to prominent medical centers in the US, including positions as an assistant professor and clinical practice in internal medicine and rheumatology. He values the collaboration with primary care physicians and offers consultations in Spanish. His care philosophy prioritizes comprehensive management of inflammatory rheumatic diseases, utilizing cutting-edge approaches and considering all aspects of symptoms and signs, including internal medicine. He is eager to help patients understand their condition and develop personalized plans for optimal health outcomes.

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

• Osteoarthritis of Shoulder: Regular check-ups and proactive management of osteoarthritis in your shoulder can help control inflammation, slow the progression of joint damage, and maintain your mobility and quality of life.
• Joint Pain: Persistent joint pain may signal an autoimmune disease. Regular checkups and prompt treatment can help control inflammation and prevent joint destruction.
• 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.
• Scleroderma: Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect the skin and internal organs, making early diagnosis and proactive management crucial for preventing serious complications and preserving your quality of life.
• Rheumatoid Nodulosis: Careful management of rheumatoid arthritis, including medication and lifestyle changes, helps reduce the risk of developing rheumatoid nodulosis and its associated discomfort and potential complications.
• Osteoarthritis: Protecting your joints from the wear and tear of osteoarthritis involves understanding your risk factors, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly to prevent further damage.
• Arthritis of the Elbow: Early diagnosis and management of elbow arthritis can significantly reduce pain and prevent irreversible joint damage, preserving your ability to perform daily tasks.
• Rheumatoid Vasculitis: Rheumatoid vasculitis is a serious complication of rheumatoid arthritis that involves inflammation of blood vessels, and early diagnosis with proactive management is crucial to prevent organ damage and improve long-term health.
• 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.
• Osteoarthritis of Knee: Osteoarthritis of the knee is a common joint condition where cartilage breaks down, causing pain and stiffness; early diagnosis and management can help slow its progression and prevent severe disability.
• Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus: Regular check-ups with a rheumatologist and diligent monitoring of your skin for changes can help detect cutaneous lupus erythematosus early, allowing for effective intervention to prevent scarring and flares.
• Fibromyalgia: Recognizing fibromyalgia's symptoms like widespread pain and sleep disturbances, and seeking timely medical care can help you prevent the escalation of pain and fatigue.

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

• Bursa Injection: As a proactive measure for managing arthritis, a bursa injection can significantly reduce pain and swelling, allowing you to stay active.
• Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Scan: Protecting your joints starts with knowing your bone health. A DEXA scan provides valuable information about bone density, aiding in the early diagnosis and management of conditions like osteoporosis which can affect your joints.
• Injection of Tendon: By addressing tendon inflammation early with an injection, you can help prevent long-term joint damage and maintain mobility.
• 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.
• Soft Tissue Injections: Early intervention with soft tissue injections can help diagnose the cause of your joint pain and reduce inflammation before it leads to lasting damage.
• Infusion Therapy: As a proactive measure, infusion therapy provides concentrated medication to effectively manage your autoimmune disease symptoms and improve your quality of life.
• Ultrasound-Guided Injection: To pinpoint the source of your joint pain and inflammation, an ultrasound-guided injection allows for precise medication delivery, helping prevent further joint damage.

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. Gary Sterba 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 proactively managing their shoulder health through regular check-ups and lifestyle modifications, a patient successfully slowed the progression of osteoarthritis, maintaining their desired level of daily activity.
• By attending regular appointments and proactively managing inflammation, a patient experienced significant relief from persistent joint pain, and was empowered to maintain an active lifestyle.

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. Gary Sterba:

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, and work with you to manage your disease, prevent further joint damage, and improve your overall well-being.

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. Sterba's role is to accurately diagnose the specific type of arthritis to ensure the most appropriate treatment plan is followed.

Can you help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Sterba and his team can help determine if your back pain is related to inflammatory arthritis, like ankylosing spondylitis. This differs from mechanical back pain, and a thorough diagnostic process is essential to ensure the right treatment is started, preventing long-term spinal fusion and stiffness.

What is fibromyalgia and how is it treated?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and sleep problems. Treatment is multi-faceted, focusing on preventing flare-ups through a combination of medication, gentle exercise, stress management, and improved sleep hygiene.

How does a rheumatologist use ultrasound in the office?

Dr. Sterba uses musculoskeletal ultrasound in our office to safely and quickly image joints and tendons in real time. This allows for precise diagnosis of inflammation and accurate guidance of injections, maximizing medication delivery.

Are steroid injections into a joint safe?

Yes, corticosteroid injections into a joint, when performed by a specialist like Dr. Sterba, are generally safe and effective for rapidly reducing inflammation and pain. They are carefully used to manage flare-ups, allowing for improved participation in physical therapy and daily activities.

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 medication to lower uric acid and lifestyle changes to manage triggers, helping prevent painful attacks and long-term joint damage.

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.

Gary Sterba MD PA
20820 W Dixie Hwy
Miami FL 33180
Phone: (305) 918-7076

Dr. Gary Sterba, 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): 1942504832

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. Gary Sterba 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.