Dr. Shanthi Dhaduvai, MD

Dr. Shanthi Dhaduvai, MD is a Rheumatologist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her clinic in Jacksonville, 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. Dr. Dhaduvai serves individuals of all ages experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or symptoms suggestive of arthritis or autoimmune conditions. She is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey and encourages you to call (904) 308-6590 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Shanthi Dhaduvai, MD is a rheumatologist in Jacksonville, FL, with extensive experience in Osteoporosis & Screening. She is affiliated with Ascension St. Vincent's Southside Hospital and Ascension St Vincent's Riverside. She is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Dhaduvai earned her medical degree from St. Georges University School Of Medicine and 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. Her approach to care is deeply collaborative and evidence-based, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Dhaduvai provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Chondrocalcinosis: Understanding your risk factors for chondrocalcinosis and seeking timely medical care can help prevent or slow the progression of related arthritis, improving your long-term quality of life.
• Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis can be managed effectively to prevent severe joint pain and loss of function; regular checkups with your doctor and proactive treatment can help you maintain mobility and quality of life.
• Dermatomyositis: Managing dermatomyositis effectively means working closely with your doctor to control inflammation and muscle damage, preserving your mobility and quality of life.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition causing joint inflammation and pain; proactive management, including lifestyle changes and medication, can effectively control symptoms and minimize future joint damage.
• Psoriatic Arthritis: If you have psoriasis, being aware of the signs of psoriatic arthritis and seeking medical attention promptly helps in preventing its progression and preserving joint health.
• Scleroderma: Scleroderma's impact on your body can be lessened with diligent medical monitoring and timely treatment, preventing further joint stiffness, organ damage, and debilitating complications.
• Osteoarthritis of Hip and Thigh: Protecting your hip and thigh joints from osteoarthritis involves understanding your risk factors and taking steps like maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in regular, low-impact exercise to prevent joint damage.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis of Hand: Rheumatoid arthritis in the hand is a chronic condition where the immune system attacks the joints, causing pain and potentially leading to irreversible damage if left untreated; early diagnosis and proper management are crucial for preventing long-term disability.
• Vasculitis: Early detection and management of vasculitis are key to reducing inflammation and protecting your organs from potential harm, preserving your overall health.
• Osteoarthritis of Hand: Hand osteoarthritis can limit your daily activities, but proactive steps like regular exercise and managing risk factors can significantly reduce pain and maintain hand function.
• Granulomatosis: Early detection of granulomatosis is key to preventing irreversible damage to your organs, enabling timely intervention and better long-term health management.
• 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.

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. Shanthi Dhaduvai 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: Regular DEXA scans can be a vital part of your arthritis management plan, providing insights into bone density and helping you and your doctor create a strategy to maintain strong bones and prevent fractures.
• Joint Drainage: Taking a proactive step with joint drainage can help diagnose underlying conditions like arthritis and infections causing joint pain and swelling.
• 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.
• Arthrocentesis: Arthrocentesis is a procedure where a small amount of fluid is removed from your joint to help doctors diagnose the cause of your joint pain and inflammation, guiding the most effective treatment plan.
• Non-Surgical Pain Management: Protect your joints and enhance your well-being by exploring our comprehensive approach to non-surgical pain management for arthritis and autoimmune conditions.

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. Shanthi Dhaduvai 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 risk factors for chondrocalcinosis and proactively managing their condition, a patient felt empowered to prevent further joint pain and maintain a fulfilling lifestyle.
• By following a proactive treatment plan and attending regular checkups, a patient successfully managed their osteoarthritis, maintaining a high quality of life and avoiding severe joint pain.

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. Shanthi Dhaduvai:

What is a rheumatologist and how can they help me?

A rheumatologist is a doctor specializing in musculoskeletal and autoimmune diseases. They work with you to manage your condition, prevent further joint damage, and improve your overall well-being. We are 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. Dhaduvai's role is to accurately diagnose the cause of joint pain to ensure the appropriate treatment is given.

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

What is fibromyalgia and how is it treated?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition causing widespread pain, fatigue, and sleep problems. Treatment is multifaceted, focusing on preventing flare-ups through 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 causing extremely dry eyes and dry mouth. Management focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications like dental decay and eye damage.

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

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 infusion therapy?

Infusion therapy is a safe and effective way to receive medications directly into your bloodstream through an IV. It's a comfortable, medically supervised process used to deliver many advanced biologic medications. This method ensures you receive the full dose needed to effectively control your condition and prevent flares.

3 Shircliff Way Ste 333
Jacksonville FL 32204
Phone: (904) 308-6590

Dr. Shanthi Dhaduvai, 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): 1740448695

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. Shanthi Dhaduvai 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.