Dr. Joel Silverfield, MD

Dr. Joel Silverfield, MD is a Rheumatology specialist practicing at his clinic in Tampa, 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. While he is not currently accepting new patients, you can call (813) 840-3526 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.

Dr. Joel C. Silverfield, MD, Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, brings over 45 years of dedicated experience in Rheumatologic care. He earned his medical degree from Emory University School of Medicine in 1976 and completed an internship at Mayo Clinic. His residency training in Rheumatology was at Emory Affil Hosps, followed by a fellowship at Mayo Clinic Rochester, further specializing his expertise in the comprehensive medical care of individuals experiencing joint issues. Dr. Silverfield is a Fellow of the American College of Rheumatology and a member of several esteemed professional organizations. His experience extends to research in clinical trials involving various rheumatic conditions, and he has authored numerous publications in prominent medical journals. He has also been recognized for his leadership, receiving the "Leader of the Year" award from The Arthritis Foundation. Dr. Silverfield provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Fibromyalgia: Understanding fibromyalgia's risk factors and proactively managing stress and sleep can help prevent the worsening of symptoms and improve your quality of life.
• Osteoarthritis: While osteoarthritis can't be cured, its symptoms and progression can be controlled through a combination of medication, physical therapy, and healthy habits, protecting your joints from further deterioration.
• Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis silently weakens bones, increasing fracture risk, but proactive steps like diet, exercise, and medication, when needed, can help you maintain strong bones and prevent complications.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis of Hand: Rheumatoid arthritis in the hand is a chronic condition where the immune system attacks the joints, causing pain and potentially leading to irreversible damage if left untreated; early diagnosis and proper management are crucial for preventing long-term disability.
• 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.
• Spondylitis: Spondylitis can cause significant pain and stiffness in the spine; proactive management through regular doctor visits and adherence to treatment plans can greatly improve your quality of life.
• Spondylosis: Early detection of spondylosis is key; recognizing symptoms like stiffness or pain can lead to timely interventions to manage the condition and preserve mobility.
• Sciatica: While sciatica isn't always preventable, early intervention with treatments like physical therapy can significantly reduce inflammation, pain, and prevent more serious complications.
• Rheumatoid Carditis: Protecting your heart is crucial if you have rheumatoid arthritis; rheumatoid carditis, an inflammation of the heart, can be prevented or managed with proactive monitoring and treatment.
• Gout: Regular checkups and monitoring uric acid levels are key to preventing gout flares and minimizing the long-term effects of this common arthritis.
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): Catching polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) early through regular checkups helps prevent significant joint and muscle damage, ensuring you can maintain an active lifestyle.
• Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus: Cutaneous lupus erythematosus is a type of lupus that primarily affects the skin; recognizing its symptoms early and taking proactive steps to manage it can help you prevent disfigurement and other long-term issues.

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. Joel Silverfield 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: A DEXA scan is a quick and painless X-ray that helps measure bone density, allowing for early detection of osteoporosis and helping prevent fractures related to arthritis and autoimmune diseases.
• Joint Drainage: Joint drainage helps relieve pressure and inflammation, allowing for a more comfortable life and potentially preventing long-term joint damage.
• Joint Fluid Test: This simple test analyzes fluid from your affected joint, providing crucial information to diagnose arthritis and autoimmune conditions, leading to faster treatment and better outcomes.
• Steroid Injection: As part of your arthritis management plan, a steroid injection provides a powerful, short-term way to control inflammation, enabling you to participate more fully in daily activities.
• Trigger Point Injection: For proactive management of chronic pain related to arthritis or autoimmune diseases, trigger point injections can help reduce discomfort and improve overall function.
• Viscosupplementation With Hyaluronate: Viscosupplementation with hyaluronate is a proactive treatment that lubricates and cushions your joints, helping to reduce pain and improve mobility by restoring the joint fluid.

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. Joel Silverfield 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 fibromyalgia's potential triggers and proactively managing stress and sleep, a patient significantly reduced symptom severity and improved their overall well-being. This proactive approach allowed them to confidently plan for a future free from debilitating pain.
• By following a personalized plan that included regular exercise and a healthy diet, a patient significantly reduced their risk factors for osteoarthritis, gaining confidence in their ability to maintain joint health. This proactive approach provided them with peace of mind about managing their long-term well-being.

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. Joel Silverfield:

What is a rheumatologist and how can they help me?

Dr. Silverfield is a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the joints, muscles, and connective tissues. He works with patients to manage these chronic conditions, prevent further damage, and improve their overall well-being. He's committed to being a long-term partner in your health journey.

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

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 from pressure and allows lab analysis of the fluid to diagnose the cause of swelling, which is crucial for preventing future problems.

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 risk. Dr. Silverfield 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 uric acid crystals forming 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 triggers, preventing painful attacks and long-term joint damage.

Can diet and exercise really help my arthritis?

Absolutely. While diet and exercise can't cure arthritis, they're powerful tools for prevention. An anti-inflammatory diet can help manage symptoms, and low-impact exercise strengthens supporting muscles, preventing further strain and improving mobility.

Can you help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Silverfield and our team can help determine if your back pain is related to inflammatory arthritis, like ankylosing spondylitis. We differentiate this from mechanical back pain through a thorough diagnostic process, ensuring the right treatment is started to prevent long-term spinal fusion and stiffness.

How can I prevent osteoporosis or slow it down?

Dr. Silverfield's practice emphasizes lifestyle choices to prevent or slow osteoporosis. Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, regular weight-bearing exercise, and smoking cessation are key. A rheumatologist can assess individual risk factors, order a DEXA scan for bone density screening, and develop a tailored prevention plan.

4612 N Habana Ave Fl 1
Tampa FL 33614
Phone: (813) 840-3526

Dr. Joel Silverfield, 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): 1770695728

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. Joel Silverfield 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.