Dr. Marielys Figueroa Sierra, MD

Dr. Marielys Figueroa Sierra, MD is a Rheumatologist committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her clinic in Estero, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she understands the importance of preventative measures in managing rheumatic conditions. 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. Please call (239) 343-9633 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Marielys Figueroa Sierra, MD is a rheumatologist in Estero, FL. Dr. Figueroa Sierra has extensive experience in Vasculitides and Osteoporosis & Screening. She is affiliated with medical facilities such as Lee Memorial Hospital and Naples Community Hospital. 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. Dr. Sierra's approach to care is collaborative and evidence-based, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Cryoglobulinemia: Preventing long-term health issues associated with cryoglobulinemia relies on early diagnosis and consistent treatment to control the abnormal proteins that trigger inflammation and potential joint damage.
• Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus: Protecting your skin from sun exposure and seeking medical attention for any unexplained rashes can help prevent the progression of cutaneous lupus erythematosus and its long-term effects.
• Joint Pain: Managing joint pain effectively, through lifestyle changes and/or medication, is key to preventing further deterioration and disability associated with arthritis.
• Osteoarthritis of Spine: Spinal osteoarthritis doesn't have to limit your activity. Preventive measures, including maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in regular physical therapy, can significantly impact your comfort and mobility.
• Classic Polyarteritis Nodosa: Managing polyarteritis nodosa effectively helps prevent further inflammation and blood vessel damage, protecting your organs and improving your overall quality of life.
• 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.
• Dermatomyositis: Dermatomyositis can cause significant muscle weakness and skin changes, but proactive management with medication and lifestyle adjustments helps prevent further damage and disability.
• Bursitis: Managing bursitis effectively through rest, ice, and sometimes medication prevents the condition from worsening and causing chronic pain.
• 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.
• Sarcoidosis: Understanding your risk factors for sarcoidosis and seeking medical attention at the first sign of symptoms can significantly impact your ability to manage the disease and protect your joints.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis of Hand: Rheumatoid arthritis affecting your hands can lead to significant joint destruction if not properly managed; focusing on early detection, appropriate medication, and regular check-ups are vital for preventing long-term complications and preserving 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.

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

• 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.
• Viscosupplementation With Hyaluronate: To protect your joints from further damage and maintain their health, viscosupplementation using hyaluronate injections can replenish the natural cushioning, easing pain and stiffness.
• 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.
• Immune Suppressant Therapy: Taking charge of your arthritis or autoimmune condition starts with immune suppressant therapy, a treatment that helps prevent inflammation and slow the progression of disease.
• Pain Management: Proactive pain management is crucial for early arthritis intervention, minimizing future disability and improving long-term health.
• Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT): For a holistic approach to managing your autoimmune disease, Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) may help improve your body's natural healing processes and reduce pain, improving your quality of life.
• Soft Tissue Injections: Soft tissue injections provide targeted relief from painful inflammation in your joints and surrounding tissues, helping you stay active and engaged.

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. Marielys Sierra 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 adhering to a proactive treatment plan, a patient effectively managed their cryoglobulinemia, minimizing the risk of long-term joint issues and ensuring a healthier quality of life.
• By diligently protecting their skin from the sun and promptly addressing any new rashes, a patient successfully prevented the progression of cutaneous lupus erythematosus, maintaining a healthy and comfortable quality of life.

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. Marielys Sierra:

What is a rheumatologist and how can they help me?

Dr. Sierra is a medical doctor specializing in rheumatic diseases, which include musculoskeletal conditions and systemic autoimmune disorders. She can help you by providing accurate diagnoses, developing personalized treatment plans, and managing your condition over the long term, helping to prevent further joint damage and improve your overall well-being.

What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease where cartilage breaks down over time, often due to wear and tear. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. Dr. Sierra will accurately diagnose the cause to ensure the appropriate treatment plan is followed.

What is fibromyalgia and how is it treated?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and sleep problems. Treatment is multi-faceted, focusing on preventing flare-ups through a combination of medication, gentle exercise, stress management, and improved sleep hygiene.

What causes a gout flare, and how can I prevent one?

Gout flares are caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in a joint. Common triggers include red meat, shellfish, and alcohol. Preventing flares involves medication to lower uric acid levels and lifestyle changes to manage these triggers, helping to avoid painful attacks and long-term joint damage.

How can I prevent osteoporosis or slow it down?

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

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.

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 butterfly-shaped facial rash. Early diagnosis and management are key to preventing organ damage.

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. Sierra screens for and treats psoriatic arthritis to prevent irreversible joint damage.

3501 Health Center Blvd Ste 2220
Estero FL 34135
Phone: (239) 343-9633

Dr. Marielys Figueroa Sierra, 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): 1669834883

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. Marielys Sierra 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.