Dr. Gina Prakash, MD

Dr. Gina Prakash, MD 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 Plant City, 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.

Dr. Gina Prakash, MD is a rheumatologist in Plant City, FL. Dr. Prakash has extensive experience in Osteoporosis & Screening and is affiliated with St. Joseph's Hospital. She is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments, and welcomes you to begin your proactive health journey. Please call (813) 588-4201 to schedule. 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. Prakash's approach to care is deeply collaborative and evidence-based, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She offers consultations in Hindi.

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

• Sarcoidosis: Understanding your risk factors for sarcoidosis and seeking medical attention at the first sign of symptoms can significantly impact your ability to manage the disease and protect your joints.
• 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.
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory condition affecting the muscles, but with proper management, you can significantly reduce pain and stiffness, and improve your overall well-being.
• 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.
• Psoriatic Arthritis: Psoriatic arthritis is a form of inflammatory arthritis that can damage joints if left untreated, so early diagnosis and proactive management are crucial for preventing long-term disability.
• Osteoporosis: Protecting your bone health is crucial as osteoporosis, a disease causing weak bones, can be managed effectively through regular checkups and preventative measures to reduce the chance of painful breaks.
• Systemic Vasculitis: Systemic vasculitis, an inflammatory condition affecting blood vessels, requires careful management to reduce inflammation and prevent serious consequences like organ damage or disability.
• Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition causing widespread pain and fatigue, and early diagnosis with a rheumatologist helps manage symptoms and prevent disability.
• Arthritis: Arthritis is a group of conditions causing joint pain and inflammation, and early diagnosis with WePrevent can help manage symptoms and prevent irreversible joint damage.
• Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis: Regular health monitoring and prompt medical attention when experiencing persistent joint pain are vital for managing seronegative rheumatoid arthritis and reducing the risk of progressive joint destruction.
• Osteoarthritis of Shoulder: Protecting your shoulder joints from the damaging effects of osteoarthritis starts with understanding your risk factors and seeking medical attention if you experience persistent pain or stiffness; early intervention is key.
• Vasculitis: Vasculitis, an inflammation of blood vessels, can be effectively managed with the right care, preventing further damage and preserving your quality of life.

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. Gina Prakash 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: 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.
• Joint Drainage: This procedure helps determine whether joint pain and swelling are caused by infection, crystals, or an autoimmune disease, guiding your treatment plan.
• 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.
• Steroid Injection: To ease severe joint pain and stiffness, a steroid injection offers targeted relief, helping prevent further joint damage and improve your quality of life.
• Synovial Biopsy: A synovial biopsy is a small tissue sample taken from your joint lining to help doctors diagnose and manage arthritis or other joint conditions early, potentially preventing long-term damage.
• Biopuncture: Biopuncture involves tiny injections to help identify and treat inflammatory conditions, potentially preventing further joint damage and preserving your mobility.

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. Gina Prakash 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 understanding their risk factors for sarcoidosis and proactively seeking medical attention at the first sign of symptoms, a patient felt empowered to manage their condition and protect their overall well-being.
• By diligently following the proactive health plan, a patient significantly reduced the risk of long-term joint damage associated with lupus, fostering a sense of confidence and 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. Gina Prakash:

What is a rheumatologist and how can they help me?

Dr. Prakash is a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the joints, muscles, and connective tissues, including autoimmune diseases. She can help manage your condition long-term, 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. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. Dr. Prakash will carefully diagnose the underlying cause to ensure the appropriate treatment plan is followed.

What does a joint aspiration (arthrocentesis) do?

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

Can you help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Prakash and our team can help determine if your back pain is related to inflammatory arthritis, such as ankylosing spondylitis. A proper diagnosis is key to distinguishing this from mechanical back pain and ensuring the right treatment is started to prevent long-term spinal fusion and stiffness.

How is an autoimmune disease diagnosed?

Diagnosing an autoimmune disease is like solving a puzzle. Dr. Prakash carefully reviews your symptoms, performs a physical exam, and orders specific blood tests to look for autoantibodies and inflammation markers. This crucial first step helps prevent disease progression.

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. Prakash screens for and treats psoriatic arthritis to prevent irreversible joint 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 to prevent painful attacks and long-term joint damage.

How can I prevent osteoporosis or slow it down?

To prevent or slow osteoporosis, focus on adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, regular weight-bearing exercise, and smoking cessation. Dr. Prakash can assess your risk factors, perform a DEXA scan, and develop a personalized plan for early intervention to prevent fractures.

1601 W Reynolds St Ste 102
Plant City FL 33563
Phone: (813) 588-4201

Dr. Gina Prakash, 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): 1659639573

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. Gina Prakash 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.