Dr. Natalie Faith, MD

Dr. Natalie Faith, MD is a Rheumatologist practicing at her clinic in Tampa, FL. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Rheumatologic care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she recognizes that 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, Dr. Faith empowers 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. Faith is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey; please call (813) 782-1234 to schedule.

Dr. Faith, born and raised in Tampa, FL, is married and an accomplished pianist. She enjoys classical music, cooking, and spending time with family and friends. With over 20 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 University Of South Florida Morsani College Of Medicine in 2003, followed by an internship at the same institution. Her residency training in Rheumatology was also at University Of South Florida Morsani College Of Medicine, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of Individuals of all ages experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or symptoms suggestive of arthritis or autoimmune conditions. Dr. Faith 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. She 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. Dr. Natalie Faith provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Protecting your joints from the long-term effects of rheumatoid arthritis starts with understanding the condition: RA is an autoimmune disease causing inflammation, and early intervention with proper management is key to preventing disability.
• Osteoarthritis of Foot: Don't let foot osteoarthritis limit your activity! By actively managing your condition with your doctor, you can reduce pain and stiffness, keeping your feet healthy and active for years to come.
• Osteoarthritis of Shoulder: Osteoarthritis of the shoulder, a common type of arthritis, can be managed effectively through early diagnosis and lifestyle changes to protect your joint health and prevent long-term disability.
• Osteoarthritis: Protecting your joints from the wear and tear of osteoarthritis involves understanding your risk factors, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly to prevent further damage.
• Fibromyalgia: Since fibromyalgia can significantly impact daily life, seeking early medical attention to develop a personalized management plan is crucial to prevent further complications.
• Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus: Cutaneous lupus erythematosus is a type of lupus that primarily affects the skin; recognizing its symptoms early and taking proactive steps to manage it can help you prevent disfigurement and other long-term issues.
• Lupus: Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can be managed effectively with early diagnosis and treatment, helping prevent long-term joint damage and other complications.
• Scleroderma: Protecting your health from the damaging effects of scleroderma involves understanding your risk factors and seeking medical attention at the first sign of symptoms to prevent irreversible organ damage.
• 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.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis: Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease; proactive healthcare and regular monitoring are crucial for early intervention and preventing irreversible joint damage.
• Dermatomyositis: Managing dermatomyositis effectively means working closely with your doctor to control inflammation and muscle damage, preserving your mobility and quality of life.
• Sarcoidosis: Sarcoidosis is a disease where abnormal collections of inflammatory cells form lumps in various organs, and early diagnosis is crucial for preventing long-term organ damage.

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. Natalie Faith 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: Protecting your bones from age-related decline, a bone density scan is a vital screening tool for identifying early signs of osteoporosis and facilitating timely treatment.
• 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: By draining fluid from an affected joint, we can analyze its contents to better understand and treat your arthritis or other inflammatory condition.
• Joint Fluid Test: Early detection of inflammatory conditions is key; a joint fluid test can assist in this early diagnosis of arthritis, helping to preserve joint function and prevent long-term disability.
• 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: For proactive management of chronic pain related to arthritis or autoimmune diseases, trigger point injections can help reduce discomfort and improve overall function.
• Viscosupplementation With Hyaluronate: For long-term joint health, viscosupplementation with hyaluronate injections can help restore the natural cushioning in your joints, preventing further damage and improving your quality of life.

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. Natalie Faith 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 the early warning signs of rheumatoid arthritis and adhering to a proactive management plan, a patient significantly reduced the risk of long-term joint damage, enabling them to maintain a fulfilling and active lifestyle.
• By working with a rheumatologist on a proactive care plan, a patient significantly reduced pain and stiffness in their feet, allowing them to maintain an active lifestyle and enjoy their favorite activities.

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. Natalie Faith:

What is a rheumatologist and how can they help me?

Dr. Faith is a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the joints, muscles, and connective tissues. She can help manage chronic rheumatic diseases, prevent further joint damage, and improve your overall well-being. She's committed to being a long-term partner in your health journey.

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. Faith will accurately diagnose the specific cause to ensure the correct treatment plan is followed.

How can I prevent osteoporosis or slow it down?

Dr. Faith 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 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.

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 definitive diagnosis on its own. A rheumatologist will consider your complete medical history, symptoms, and other lab results to determine if you have an autoimmune disease or if the ANA is present due to other factors. This comprehensive approach helps avoid unnecessary worry and ensures an accurate diagnosis.

How does a rheumatologist use ultrasound in the office?

Dr. Faith uses musculoskeletal ultrasound in our office to safely and quickly image joints and tendons in real time. This allows us to precisely diagnose inflammation and accurately guide injections, ensuring medications reach the precise treatment area for optimal results.

Can diet and exercise really help my arthritis?

Absolutely. While diet and exercise won't cure arthritis, they are powerful tools for prevention. An anti-inflammatory diet can help manage symptoms, and low-impact exercise like swimming or cycling strengthens muscles supporting joints, preventing further strain and improving mobility.

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 lab analysis of the fluid to diagnose the cause of swelling, which is crucial for developing a treatment plan and preventing future problems.

4012 N Florida Ave
Tampa FL 33603
Phone: (813) 782-1234

Dr. Natalie Faith, 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): 1114185808

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. Natalie Faith 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.