Dr. John Szczesny, MD

Dr. John Szczesny, MD is a Rheumatologist practicing at his clinic in Tallahassee, FL, and is 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. Please call (850) 877-3191 to confirm if Dr. Szczesny is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. John Szczesny, MD is a rheumatologist in Tallahassee, FL and has over 45 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in 1976. With over 45 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 emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. His commitment to proactive care is a cornerstone of his practice.

Dr. John Szczesny provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. John Szczesny 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. John Szczesny 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. John Szczesny 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 Hip and Thigh: Osteoarthritis in your hip and thigh can be a debilitating condition, but proactive lifestyle choices and medical interventions can help you control pain, reduce inflammation, and preserve your mobility and quality of life.
• Spondylitis: Spondylitis is an inflammatory arthritis affecting the spine, and early diagnosis with prompt treatment can help prevent permanent joint damage and disability.
• Osteoarthritis of Hand or Wrist: Hand and wrist osteoarthritis can be effectively managed to prevent further joint deterioration and maintain function; regular check-ups with a rheumatologist are crucial for early detection and appropriate treatment.
• Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis can be managed effectively to prevent severe joint pain and loss of function; regular checkups with your doctor and proactive treatment can help you maintain mobility and quality of life.
• Scleroderma: Recognizing the symptoms of scleroderma early can significantly reduce long-term health problems, as prompt treatment helps control inflammation and protect your organs.
• Systemic Vasculitis: Managing systemic vasculitis effectively involves regular monitoring and timely treatment to prevent further inflammation, protect your organs, and maintain your overall well-being.
• Osteoarthritis of Spine: Managing spinal osteoarthritis proactively through regular checkups and appropriate treatment can help reduce inflammation and slow the progression of joint damage, improving long-term health.
• Osteoarthritis of Knee: Don't let knee pain sideline you; early detection and treatment of knee osteoarthritis are crucial for preserving joint function and improving your quality of life.
• Psoriatic Arthritis: Catching psoriatic arthritis early through regular health checks and recognizing its symptoms can significantly reduce the risk of irreversible joint damage and improve your quality of life.
• 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.
• Polymyositis: Polymyositis is a rare muscle disease where your immune system mistakenly attacks your muscles, causing weakness and pain; early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent permanent muscle damage and preserve your mobility.
• Bursitis: Managing bursitis effectively through rest, ice, and sometimes medication prevents the condition from worsening and causing chronic pain.

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

• Joint Drainage: Joint drainage is a procedure that helps remove excess fluid from your joints, relieving pain and potentially identifying the cause of inflammation.
• 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.
• Chronic Pain Management: A comprehensive chronic pain management program can help you understand your pain, develop coping mechanisms, and find relief to live a more fulfilling life.
• Knee Joint Aspiration and Injection: This procedure helps your rheumatologist determine the underlying cause of your knee pain, allowing for targeted treatment to prevent further joint damage and maintain your mobility.
• Biopuncture: To prevent long-term joint problems, consider biopuncture. It's a valuable tool that allows your doctor to more accurately assess the inflammatory response in your affected areas.
• Ultrasound, Musculoskeletal: Don't wait for joint pain to become unbearable; a musculoskeletal ultrasound offers a non-invasive way to assess the health of your joints and discover any potential problems early.
• Disability Evaluation: By proactively undergoing a disability evaluation, you'll gain a clearer picture of your condition's impact, helping you access necessary resources and improve 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. John Szczesny 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 following a personalized exercise program and maintaining a healthy weight, a patient significantly reduced the risk factors for osteoarthritis in their hip and thigh, promoting lasting joint health and mobility.
• By diligently following a proactive treatment plan, a patient successfully managed their spondylitis, preventing further joint damage and maintaining a fulfilling, 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. John Szczesny:

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, and can help manage chronic issues, prevent joint damage, and improve your quality of life. We work with you as 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. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. Dr. Szczesny's role is to accurately diagnose the cause to ensure the correct treatment plan is followed.

How is an autoimmune disease diagnosed?

Diagnosing an autoimmune disease is like solving a puzzle. We carefully review your symptoms, conduct a thorough physical exam, and order specific blood tests to identify autoantibodies and markers of inflammation. This process is crucial for determining the best course of action and preventing disease progression.

What is vasculitis?

Vasculitis is a group of rare diseases where inflammation affects the blood vessels. Symptoms can vary greatly depending on which blood vessels are involved. Prompt diagnosis and treatment by a rheumatologist are essential to prevent potential damage to vital organs.

How does a rheumatologist use ultrasound in the office?

Dr. Szczesny uses musculoskeletal ultrasound in the office as a safe, real-time imaging tool. This allows for precise diagnosis of joint and tendon inflammation, and accurate guidance for injections, maximizing medication delivery.

Can diet and exercise really help my arthritis?

Absolutely. While diet and exercise won't cure arthritis, they are 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.

What is infusion therapy?

Infusion therapy involves receiving medication directly into your bloodstream through an IV in a comfortable and medically supervised setting. This method is used for many advanced biologic medications, ensuring the body receives the full dose needed to control your condition and prevent flares. It's a highly effective way to manage your disease.

What does it mean if my ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) test is positive?

A positive ANA can be a marker for an autoimmune condition, but it's not definitive. A rheumatologist will consider this result alongside your symptoms and other tests to determine if you have an autoimmune disease, avoiding unnecessary worry or misdiagnosis.

1630 Riggins Rd
Tallahassee FL 32308
Phone: (850) 877-3191

Dr. John Szczesny, 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): 1376567578

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. John Szczesny 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.