Dr. Paul Mendoza, MD

Dr. Paul Mendoza, MD is a Rheumatologist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at his clinic in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), he understands the crucial role of prevention in managing joint conditions and preserving quality of life. 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, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (561) 626-9696 to schedule.

Dr. Paul Mendoza, MD is a rheumatologist in Palm Beach Gardens, FL with over 15 years of experience in the medical field. With a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, he brings a deep understanding of Vasculitides and Osteoporosis & Screening to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine in 2007, followed by an internship at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas in 2008. Further specializing, he pursued fellowship training in the University of Alabama at Birmingham (2013), deepening his expertise in Rheumatology. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology by the American Board of Internal Medicine and affiliated with Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital and Good Samaritan Medical Center. Dr. Mendoza offers consultations in Spanish and is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. His care philosophy is detailed on his website: www.arapb.com.

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

• Gout: Understanding your risk factors for gout, such as diet and family history, allows for preventive measures to reduce your chances of developing this painful condition.
• Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis: Early detection of seronegative rheumatoid arthritis is crucial, as managing this condition promptly can help prevent long-term joint damage and disability, preserving your mobility and quality of life.
• Systemic Chondromalacia: Early diagnosis of cartilage damage, even if widespread, is crucial for slowing its progression and preventing significant joint pain and disability later on.
• Chondrocalcinosis: Chondrocalcinosis is the presence of calcium crystals in your cartilage, which can lead to arthritis if left unmanaged, highlighting the importance of regular check-ups to catch and manage it early.
• Juvenile Chronic Arthritis: Juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA) is a childhood autoimmune disease where early diagnosis and treatment can prevent lasting joint damage and improve quality of life.
• Bursitis: Protecting your joints from overuse and repetitive motions can help prevent bursitis, a painful condition affecting the cushioning sacs around your joints.
• Churg-Strauss Syndrome: Managing Churg-Strauss syndrome effectively through medication and monitoring helps control inflammation, protecting your organs and joints from lasting harm.
• 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.
• 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.
• Osteoarthritis of Knee: Managing osteoarthritis of the knee proactively, with a focus on pain control and physical therapy, can help you stay active and prevent the need for more intensive treatments later.
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): Catching polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) early through regular checkups helps prevent significant joint and muscle damage, ensuring you can maintain an active lifestyle.
• Fibromyalgia: Preventing long-term disability from fibromyalgia is possible through early diagnosis and proactive management strategies like exercise, stress reduction, and medication if needed.

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

• Arthrocentesis: Taking a proactive step towards better joint health, arthrocentesis helps diagnose the cause of joint swelling and pain by analyzing fluid from the affected area, enabling early intervention and preventing long-term complications.
• Bone Density Scan: As part of your overall health plan, a bone density scan provides valuable information about your bone health, allowing for proactive measures to prevent fractures and maintain mobility.
• 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.
• Injection of Tendon: This injection targets specific tendon issues, providing pain relief and potentially preventing the need for more invasive treatments.
• Joint Drainage: Joint drainage is a procedure that helps remove excess fluid from your joints, relieving pain and potentially identifying the cause of inflammation.
• Joint Fluid Test: By getting a joint fluid test, you're taking charge of your health. It helps determine the type of arthritis you may have and guides your doctor in choosing the most effective treatment strategy.
• 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: As part of your proactive arthritis care plan, trigger point injections can alleviate pain in the muscles surrounding your joints, supporting a better quality of life.
• Viscosupplementation With Hyaluronate: Take charge of your joint health with viscosupplementation. This treatment uses hyaluronate injections to replace depleted joint fluid, easing pain and increasing joint comfort.

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. Paul Mendoza 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 their family history and dietary triggers, a patient proactively reduced their risk factors for gout, achieving peace of mind and a healthier lifestyle.
• By diligently following a proactive health plan guided by a rheumatologist, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing seronegative rheumatoid arthritis, ensuring a healthier, more active future.

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. Paul Mendoza:

What is a rheumatologist and how can they help me?

Dr. Mendoza is a medical doctor specializing in musculoskeletal and autoimmune diseases. He works with patients to diagnose, treat, and manage these conditions, often chronic, to prevent further joint damage and improve quality of life. He is 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. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. Dr. Mendoza's role is to accurately diagnose the cause to ensure the correct treatment strategy is implemented.

How does a rheumatologist use ultrasound in the office?

Dr. Mendoza uses musculoskeletal ultrasound in the office as a safe, real-time imaging tool. It allows for precise diagnosis of inflammation in joints and tendons, and helps guide injections for optimal medication delivery.

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

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 definitive. Our rheumatologists will interpret this result along with your symptoms and other tests to determine if you have an autoimmune condition, avoiding unnecessary worry or misdiagnosis.

Are steroid injections into a joint safe?

Yes, corticosteroid injections into a joint are generally safe when performed by a rheumatologist. They are a powerful tool to quickly reduce inflammation and pain, allowing for better participation in physical therapy and daily activities. Our team uses them judiciously to manage flare-ups.

How can I prevent osteoporosis or slow it down?

To prevent or slow osteoporosis, focus on adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, regular weight-bearing exercise, and avoiding smoking. Dr. Mendoza can assess your risk factors, perform a DEXA scan to screen for bone loss, and develop a personalized plan for early intervention to prevent fractures.

What is vasculitis?

Vasculitis is a group of rare diseases causing inflammation of the blood vessels. Symptoms vary greatly depending on which vessels are affected. Prompt diagnosis and treatment by a rheumatologist are crucial to prevent organ damage.

7108 Fairway Dr Ste 300
Palm Beach Gardens FL 33418
Phone: (561) 626-9696

Dr. Paul Mendoza, 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): 1659577831

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. Paul Mendoza 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.