Dr. Kathryn Lawson, DO

Dr. Kathryn Lawson, DO is a Rheumatology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Rheumatologic care. She practices at her clinic in Jacksonville, 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. Lawson is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey; please call (904) 292-4111 to schedule.

Dr. Kathryn Lawson, DO is a rheumatologist in Jacksonville, FL, with extensive experience in Osteoporosis & Screening. She is affiliated with Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville and Hudson Hospital & Clinic, and is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Lawson earned her medical degree from Nova Southeastern University and is Board Certified in Rheumatology by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine. Her approach to care emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Lawson provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Kathryn Lawson 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. Kathryn Lawson 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. Kathryn Lawson 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 Hand or Wrist: Managing osteoarthritis in your hands and wrists involves a proactive approach to reduce pain and inflammation, thereby preserving your hand function and preventing future limitations.
• Polymyositis: Protecting your muscle health involves recognizing the signs of polymyositis, an autoimmune condition causing muscle inflammation and weakness, which, if left untreated, can lead to significant disability.
• 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.
• Spondylitis: Managing spondylitis effectively through medication and lifestyle changes is key to controlling inflammation and protecting your spine's long-term health.
• 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.
• Systemic Vasculitis: By recognizing the signs of systemic vasculitis and working closely with your doctor, you can take steps to control the disease and prevent it from progressing, preserving your quality of life.
• Chondrocalcinosis: Chondrocalcinosis, a condition involving calcium build-up in joint cartilage, emphasizes the need for proactive healthcare to minimize inflammation and protect your joints from damage.
• Joint Pain: Persistent joint pain may signal an autoimmune disease. Regular checkups and prompt treatment can help control inflammation and prevent joint destruction.
• Osteomalacia: By addressing vitamin D deficiency and ensuring sufficient calcium intake, we can prevent osteomalacia from progressing and causing significant bone pain and disability.
• Arthropathy Associated With Reiters Disease: By proactively addressing infections and seeking medical care for symptoms suggestive of Reiter's syndrome, you can actively prevent the development of serious joint problems.
• Osteopenia: Having osteopenia means your bone density is lower than average, making you more prone to breaks; proactive management can significantly reduce this risk.
• 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.

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. Kathryn Lawson 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: To prevent future bone problems, a bone density scan helps assess your risk of osteoporosis and other bone-thinning conditions, enabling timely intervention.
• Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Scan: For individuals with arthritis or autoimmune diseases, a DEXA scan is an important tool to assess bone health and take steps to prevent fractures, a common complication.
• 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: By getting a joint fluid test, you're taking charge of your health. It helps determine the type of arthritis you may have and guides your doctor in choosing the most effective treatment strategy.
• Steroid Injection: Taking a proactive approach to managing your autoimmune disease, a steroid injection can temporarily reduce inflammation, reducing discomfort and protecting your joints.
• Knee Injection: To proactively manage your arthritis, a knee injection can deliver medication directly to the source of inflammation, easing pain and improving mobility.
• 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.

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. Kathryn Lawson 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 dietary recommendations, a patient significantly reduced inflammation and pain in their hands and wrists, preserving their dexterity and enjoying daily activities without limitations.
• By diligently following a proactive health plan, a patient successfully managed the early signs of polymyositis, preventing further muscle weakness and maintaining an active lifestyle. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and empowered the patient to take control of their health journey.

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. Kathryn Lawson:

What is a rheumatologist and how can they help me?

A rheumatologist is a doctor specializing in musculoskeletal and autoimmune diseases. They work with you to manage your condition long-term, prevent further joint damage, and improve your overall well-being. Dr. Lawson is dedicated to providing comprehensive care and support.

What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition where cartilage breaks down, often due to wear and tear. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. Dr. Lawson will correctly diagnose the cause to ensure the right treatment plan is implemented.

What is lupus and what are its common symptoms?

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect many parts of the body, including joints, skin, kidneys, and heart. Common symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, and sometimes a characteristic butterfly-shaped facial rash. Early diagnosis and management are key to preventing organ damage.

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 the fluid to be analyzed in a lab to identify the cause of the swelling, which is essential for developing a treatment plan and 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 known risk. Dr. Lawson 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 levels and lifestyle changes to manage these triggers, helping to avoid painful attacks and long-term joint damage.

How does a rheumatologist use ultrasound in the office?

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

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

A positive ANA can be a sign of an autoimmune condition, but it's not a diagnosis on its own. A rheumatologist will consider your complete medical history, symptoms, and other test results to determine the cause and avoid unnecessary worry.

13241 Bartram Park Blvd Unit 2105
Jacksonville FL 32258
Phone: (904) 292-4111

Dr. Kathryn Lawson, DO 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): 1609962679

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. Kathryn Lawson 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.