Dr. Keshia Ferguson, MD

Dr. Keshia Ferguson, MD is a Rheumatologist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Rheumatologic care at her clinic in Fort Myers, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is a vital partner in preventive health, focusing on the long-term well-being of individuals experiencing joint-related concerns. 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. Ferguson, MD is a rheumatologist in Fort Myers, FL, affiliated with Ben Taub Hospital and CHRISTUS Southeast Texas-Saint Elizabeth. 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. 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. Please call (239) 343-9633 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Keshia Ferguson provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Keshia Ferguson 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. Keshia Ferguson 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. Keshia Ferguson 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.
• Rheumatoid Lung Disease: Early detection and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis are vital to prevent the development of rheumatoid lung disease and preserve your respiratory health.
• 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.
• Spondylitis: Recognizing the symptoms of spondylitis early and seeking medical attention can help slow disease progression, reducing long-term pain and disability associated with this condition.
• Gout: Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, and early diagnosis and treatment can prevent permanent joint damage and recurring attacks.
• 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.
• Vasculitis: Understanding your risk factors for vasculitis and seeking prompt medical attention can help prevent serious complications and ensure effective management.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition causing joint inflammation and pain; proactive management, including lifestyle changes and medication, can effectively control symptoms and minimize future joint damage.
• Arthritis of the Elbow: Regular checkups and prompt treatment of elbow arthritis are key to minimizing joint damage and preserving the function of your elbow joint, improving your overall well-being.
• 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.
• Dermatomyositis: Dermatomyositis is a rare autoimmune disease where your immune system mistakenly attacks your muscles and skin, making early diagnosis crucial for preventing muscle weakness and skin damage.
• Seropositive Rheumatoid Arthritis: Having seropositive rheumatoid arthritis signifies your immune system is attacking your joints; proactive management with medication and lifestyle changes can slow progression and protect your mobility.

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

• Prolozone® Injections: Prolozone® injections are a potential treatment approach that may help to reduce the need for more invasive procedures by supporting natural healing processes in your joints.
• 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.
• Biopsy: A biopsy helps your rheumatologist differentiate between various types of arthritis and autoimmune diseases, guiding treatment choices for optimal outcomes.
• Infusion Therapy: As a proactive measure, infusion therapy provides concentrated medication to effectively manage your autoimmune disease symptoms and improve your quality of life.
• 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.
• Synovial Biopsy: For accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment of inflammatory joint conditions, a synovial biopsy helps identify the underlying issue, assisting in preventing worsening symptoms and protecting your quality of life.
• Steroid Treatment: Steroid treatment is a proactive approach to managing the inflammation caused by autoimmune diseases, helping you maintain mobility and avoid long-term 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. Keshia Ferguson 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 risk factors and proactively managing stress and sleep, a patient significantly reduced their symptoms, improving their overall well-being and quality of life.
• By diligently adhering to a proactive health plan, including regular checkups and screenings, a patient significantly reduced the risk of developing rheumatoid lung disease, ensuring a healthier future. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and empowered the patient to confidently manage their rheumatoid arthritis.

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. Keshia Ferguson:

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 your long-term partners in managing chronic conditions, preventing joint damage, and improving your overall quality of life.

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. Ferguson's role is to accurately diagnose the cause of joint pain to ensure the appropriate treatment plan is followed.

Can you help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Ferguson and our team can help determine if your back pain is related to inflammatory arthritis, such as ankylosing spondylitis. This differs from mechanical back pain, and a proper diagnosis is key to starting the right treatment to prevent long-term spinal fusion and stiffness.

Can diet and exercise really help my arthritis?

Absolutely. While diet and exercise can'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.

How can I prevent osteoporosis or slow it down?

Dr. Ferguson and her team can help assess your risk factors for osteoporosis and screen for bone loss using a DEXA scan. Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, regular weight-bearing exercise, and avoiding smoking are important lifestyle choices. Early intervention can prevent fractures.

What is Sjögren's Syndrome?

Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the glands that produce moisture, primarily leading to dry eyes and mouth. Management focuses on relieving symptoms to prevent potential complications like dental problems and eye damage.

What does a joint aspiration (arthrocentesis) do?

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 important for effective treatment and preventing future problems.

What are biologic medications and how do they work?

Biologic medications are a modern class of advanced medications derived from living sources. They work by targeting very specific parts of the immune system that cause inflammation, rather than suppressing the whole system, making them a powerful tool to prevent joint damage and preserve function.

8960 Colonial Center Dr Ste 302
Fort Myers FL 33905
Phone: (239) 343-9633

Dr. Keshia Ferguson, 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): 1013265222

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. Keshia Ferguson 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.