Dr. Pamela Freeman, MD

Dr. Pamela Freeman, MD is a Rheumatologist practicing at her clinic in Orlando, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Rheumatologic care. She is a registered provider 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. Dr. Freeman is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey and encourages you to call (407) 859-4540 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Pamela Freeman, MD is a rheumatologist in Orlando, FL with over 45 years of experience in the medical field. With this extensive experience in Osteoporosis & Screening, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She graduated from the University of Washington School of Medicine in 1977 and completed an internship at Barnes - Jewish Hospital in 1978. Further specializing, she pursued fellowship training at University of Michigan Hospitals in 1982, deepening her expertise in rheumatologic care. Dr. Freeman is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by both the American Board of Internal Medicine and the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons, and Board Certified in Rheumatology by both organizations as well. She is affiliated with AdventHealth Orlando and Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center. She is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Freeman provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Pamela Freeman 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. Pamela Freeman 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. Pamela Freeman 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 Shoulder: Regular check-ups and proactive management of osteoarthritis in your shoulder can help control inflammation, slow the progression of joint damage, and maintain your mobility and quality of life.
• Osteoarthritis of Foot: Foot osteoarthritis can significantly impact your daily life, but proactive management, including regular check-ups and appropriate exercise, can help maintain mobility and reduce long-term complications.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease where your immune system mistakenly attacks your joints, leading to pain and damage—early diagnosis and treatment can significantly slow its progression and prevent irreversible joint destruction.
• 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.
• Chondrocalcinosis: Chondrocalcinosis, a condition involving calcium build-up in joint cartilage, emphasizes the need for proactive healthcare to minimize inflammation and protect your joints from damage.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis of Knee: Experiencing persistent knee pain and stiffness? Early detection of rheumatoid arthritis in your knee is crucial for preventing irreversible joint damage and maintaining mobility.
• Osteoarthritis of Hand: Osteoarthritis in your hands may seem minor initially, but managing it through lifestyle changes and medical interventions prevents future pain and preserves hand strength and dexterity.
• Dermatomyositis: Protecting your health from dermatomyositis involves understanding its symptoms like muscle weakness and skin rash, as early detection and treatment significantly reduce long-term complications.
• Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis: Even without the classic rheumatoid factor, seronegative rheumatoid arthritis can still cause significant joint inflammation; effective treatment strategies focus on controlling symptoms and preventing irreversible joint damage.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis: Managing ankylosing spondylitis effectively through medication and lifestyle changes helps prevent spinal stiffness, fusion, and significant pain, preserving mobility and quality of life.
• Osteoarthritis of Knee: Don't let knee pain sideline you; early detection and treatment of knee osteoarthritis are crucial for preserving joint function and improving your quality of life.
• Osteoarthritis of Hand or Wrist: Osteoarthritis of the hand or wrist is a common condition causing joint pain and stiffness, and early diagnosis with your doctor allows for proactive management to slow its progression and prevent significant disability.

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. Pamela Freeman 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: A DEXA scan is a quick and painless X-ray that helps measure bone density, allowing for early detection of osteoporosis and helping prevent fractures related to arthritis and autoimmune diseases.
• 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: For proactive management of chronic pain related to arthritis or autoimmune diseases, trigger point injections can help reduce discomfort and improve overall function.
• Aspiration (Removal of Substance from Body): Aspiration is a valuable tool in confirming the cause of joint swelling, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment of underlying conditions such as arthritis or infection.
• Joint Fluid Therapy: Early detection is key to managing arthritis effectively. Joint fluid therapy helps your doctor pinpoint the specific type of arthritis you have, leading to the right treatment strategy and preserving your joint health.

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. Pamela Freeman 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 consistently attending check-ups and following a personalized management plan, a patient effectively slowed the progression of shoulder osteoarthritis, maintaining their daily activities and overall well-being.
• By following a personalized exercise plan and attending regular check-ups, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing foot osteoarthritis, maintaining their active lifestyle and preventing future discomfort.

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. Pamela Freeman:

What is a rheumatologist and how can they help me?

Dr. Freeman is a medical doctor specializing in rheumatic diseases, which are musculoskeletal and systemic autoimmune conditions. She can help you by diagnosing and treating these conditions, developing a long-term management plan, and working with you 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, 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. Freeman will accurately diagnose the cause to ensure the correct 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 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 extremely dry eyes and a dry mouth. Management focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications like dental decay and eye damage.

Can you help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Freeman and our team can help determine if your back pain is related to inflammatory arthritis, such as ankylosing spondylitis. We differentiate this from mechanical back pain through a thorough diagnostic process. Early diagnosis ensures the right treatment is started, preventing long-term spinal fusion and stiffness.

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

A positive ANA can be a marker for an autoimmune disease, but it's not a diagnosis on its own. A rheumatologist will consider your complete medical history, symptoms, and other test results to determine if you have an autoimmune condition. This comprehensive approach helps avoid unnecessary worry and ensures an accurate diagnosis.

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.

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 levels and lifestyle changes to manage these triggers, ultimately preventing painful attacks and long-term joint damage.

3160 Southgate Commerce Blvd Ste 30
Orlando FL 32806
Phone: (407) 859-4540

Dr. Pamela Freeman, 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): 1831147412

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. Pamela Freeman 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.