Dr. Martha Hernandez-Illas, MD

Dr. Martha Hernandez-Illas, MD is a Rheumatologist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Rheumatologic care at her clinic in South Miami, FL. She 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. She serves individuals of all ages experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or symptoms suggestive of arthritis or autoimmune conditions. Please call (305) 722-2098 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Martha Hernandez-Illas, MD is a rheumatologist in South Miami, FL and has over 25 years of experience in the medical field. With over 25 years of dedicated experience in Rheumatologic care, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from Ponce Health Sciences University School Of Medicine in 1999. 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. Hernandez-Illas is affiliated with Holy Cross Hospital, and is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering 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. Martha Hernandez-Illas 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. Martha Hernandez-Illas 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. Martha Hernandez-Illas 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 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.
• Osteopenia: Osteopenia is a condition where your bones are weaker than normal, increasing your risk of fractures, so early detection and lifestyle changes can help prevent future problems.
• Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis weakens your bones, making them fragile and prone to fractures, but early detection and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk and protect your skeletal health.
• Crohn's Disease: Because Crohn's disease is linked to arthritis in some individuals, proactive monitoring and treatment can help minimize joint inflammation and protect against future damage.
• Transient Osteoporosis of Hip: Transient osteoporosis of the hip, while temporary, requires prompt medical attention to manage pain and prevent potential fractures or lasting hip problems.
• Lyme Disease: By understanding and managing Lyme disease effectively through medical guidance, you can prevent serious long-term effects on your joints and maintain a better quality of life.
• Scleroderma, Diffuse: Preventing irreversible damage from diffuse scleroderma requires early detection and consistent monitoring of symptoms like skin thickening and joint pain, enabling prompt treatment to control inflammation and preserve organ function.

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. Martha Hernandez-Illas 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: Protecting your joints starts with knowing your bone health. A DEXA scan provides valuable information about bone density, aiding in the early diagnosis and management of conditions like osteoporosis which can affect your joints.
• 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.
• Immune Suppressant Therapy: To protect your joints and improve your quality of life, immune suppressant therapy works by calming your immune system's overactive response, reducing pain and inflammation.
• 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.
• Injection of Tendon: To proactively manage tendon pain and protect your joints, this injection may reduce inflammation and promote healing.
• Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection (PRP): To actively combat joint damage, PRP injections use concentrated platelets from your blood to stimulate tissue repair and potentially delay or prevent the need for more invasive treatments.

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. Martha Hernandez-Illas 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 scheduling regular checkups and following a personalized treatment plan, a patient effectively managed potential spinal osteoarthritis, maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. This proactive approach significantly reduced the risk of long-term joint damage.
• By proactively managing their osteopenia risk through tailored lifestyle changes and regular check-ups, a patient gained the peace of mind to confidently pursue their active lifestyle goals.

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. Martha Hernandez-Illas:

What is a rheumatologist and how can they help me?

A rheumatologist is a doctor specializing in musculoskeletal diseases and systemic autoimmune conditions. They work with you to manage your chronic condition, prevent further joint damage, and improve your overall quality of life. We are your long-term partners in 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. Dr. Hernandez-Illas will accurately diagnose the cause to guide the best treatment plan and prevent the wrong kind of 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 considered the gold standard for osteoporosis screening. The scan helps us assess your risk of fracture, allowing for preventive treatment before a problem occurs.

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 medication to lower uric acid and lifestyle changes to manage these triggers, which helps prevent painful attacks and long-term joint damage.

Are steroid injections into a joint safe?

Yes, corticosteroid injections into a joint are generally safe and effective when performed by a rheumatologist. They are a valuable tool to quickly reduce inflammation and pain, allowing for improved participation in physical therapy and daily activities. We use them judiciously to manage flare-ups.

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 pressure and allows the fluid to be tested in a lab, helping diagnose the cause of the swelling and guide treatment for preventing future problems.

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 symptom relief to prevent complications like dental problems and eye damage.

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

A positive ANA can sometimes indicate an autoimmune condition, but it's not definitive. A rheumatologist will consider your complete medical history, symptoms, and other test results to determine the cause and avoid unnecessary worry.

6280 Sunset Dr Ste 600
South Miami FL 33143
Phone: (305) 722-2098

Dr. Martha Hernandez-Illas, 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): 1972517464

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. Martha Hernandez-Illas 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.