Dr. Less Shrestha, MD

Dr. Less Shrestha, MD is a Rheumatology specialist practicing at his clinic in Tallahassee, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Rheumatologic care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and adheres to 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. Dr. Shrestha is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (850) 431-3867 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Less Shrestha, MD is a rheumatologist in Tallahassee, FL, with extensive experience in Osteoporosis & Screening. He is affiliated with Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare. He earned his medical degree from Manipal College Of Medical Sciences and completed residency training in Rheumatology at Saint Barnabas Hospital, followed by fellowship training in University Of Oklahoma, Health Sciences Center, further specializing his expertise. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Shrestha is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health management. He provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Less Shrestha 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. Less Shrestha 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. Less Shrestha 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: Preventing long-term disability from fibromyalgia is possible through early diagnosis and proactive management strategies like exercise, stress reduction, and medication if needed.
• Arthritis of the Neck: Regular checkups and mindful attention to neck pain can lead to early detection of arthritis, reducing the severity of symptoms and the risk of long-term complications.
• Allergic Arthritis: Allergic arthritis is a type of arthritis triggered by an allergic reaction, and early diagnosis with prompt treatment can help prevent lasting joint damage.
• Osteoarthritis of Hip and Thigh: Protecting your hip and thigh joints from osteoarthritis involves understanding your risk factors and taking steps like maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in regular, low-impact exercise to prevent joint damage.
• Arthropathy of Spinal Facet Joint: Protecting your spine's health is crucial; facet joint arthropathy, a condition affecting these joints, can be managed to slow its progression and prevent severe pain and stiffness.
• Joint Pain: Persistent joint pain may signal an autoimmune disease. Regular checkups and prompt treatment can help control inflammation and prevent joint destruction.
• Scleroderma: Recognizing the symptoms of scleroderma early can significantly reduce long-term health problems, as prompt treatment helps control inflammation and protect your organs.
• Infective Arthritis: Infective arthritis is a joint infection that, if caught early and treated promptly, can prevent permanent joint damage and preserve your mobility.
• Osteoarthritis of Knee: Osteoarthritis of the knee is a common joint condition where cartilage breaks down, causing pain and stiffness; early diagnosis and management can help slow its progression and prevent severe disability.
• Gout: Managing gout effectively through lifestyle changes and medication helps control inflammation, reducing pain and protecting your joints from long-term harm.
• 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.
• Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis: Seronegative rheumatoid arthritis is a type of arthritis where blood tests don't show the typical rheumatoid factor, highlighting the importance of comprehensive evaluation for early diagnosis and proactive management to protect your joints.

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. Less Shrestha 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: Take a proactive step towards bone health with a DEXA scan – it's a simple test that can identify weakening bones, crucial for managing arthritis and preventing future complications.
• 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: Taking a proactive approach to managing your autoimmune disease, a steroid injection can temporarily reduce inflammation, reducing discomfort and protecting your joints.
• Trigger Point Injection: To actively manage your arthritis pain, trigger point injections can target specific muscle knots, reducing inflammation and improving your range of motion.
• Viscosupplementation With Hyaluronate: As a proactive step in managing your arthritis, viscosupplementation with hyaluronate involves injections to improve the joint's shock-absorbing capacity, reducing inflammation and improving function.

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. Less Shrestha 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 proactively managing stress and incorporating regular exercise into their routine, a patient significantly reduced their risk factors for developing fibromyalgia, achieving lasting relief and improved quality of life.
• By attending regular checkups and addressing any neck pain promptly, a patient significantly reduced the risk of arthritis developing and experienced a noticeable improvement in their overall well-being. This proactive approach allowed them to maintain a healthy, 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. Less Shrestha:

What is a rheumatologist and how can they help me?

A rheumatologist is a doctor specializing in musculoskeletal and autoimmune diseases. They can help manage chronic conditions, prevent joint damage, and improve your overall well-being by providing long-term care.

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, causing inflammation and damage. Dr. Shrestha's role is to accurately diagnose the cause so that the appropriate treatment can be initiated and the right kind of damage is prevented.

How does a rheumatologist use ultrasound in the office?

Dr. Shrestha 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.

How can I prevent osteoporosis or slow it down?

Preventing or slowing osteoporosis involves adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, regular weight-bearing exercise, and avoiding smoking. Dr. Shrestha can assess your risk factors and use a DEXA scan to screen for bone loss, allowing for early intervention to prevent fractures.

What is infusion therapy?

Infusion therapy involves receiving medication directly through an IV, in a comfortable and medically supervised setting. This method is highly effective for delivering advanced biologic medications, ensuring your body receives the full dose needed to control disease and prevent flares.

How is an autoimmune disease diagnosed?

Diagnosing an autoimmune disease is like solving a puzzle. We review your symptoms, perform a physical exam, and order specific blood tests, like those looking for autoantibodies and inflammation markers. This process is crucial to understanding the disease and preventing its progression.

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.

What is a DEXA scan and why might I need one?

A DEXA scan is a simple, painless, low-dose x-ray that measures bone density. It's the gold standard for screening for osteoporosis, helping us assess your risk of fracture before it happens, allowing for preventive treatment.

3900 Esplanade Way
Tallahassee FL 32311
Phone: (850) 431-3867

Dr. Less Shrestha, 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): 1114111507

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. Less Shrestha 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.