Dr. Swati Shah, MD

Dr. Swati Shah, MD is a Rheumatologist practicing at her clinic in Jacksonville, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Rheumatologic care. As a partner in preventive health on weprevent.org, 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 (904) 396-8656 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Swati Shah, MD is a rheumatologist in Jacksonville, FL with over 20 years of experience in the medical field. With this wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, she brings a commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She earned her medical degree from Smt Nhl Municipal Medical College, Gujarat University in 2001 and is Board Certified in Rheumatology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Shah has extensive experience in Vasculitides, Autoimmune Diseases, and Osteoporosis & Screening. She is affiliated with medical facilities such as Baptist Medical Center Beaches and Baptist Medical Center Nassau. She is accepting telehealth appointments. She offers consultations in Guarani.

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

• 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.
• Classic Polyarteritis Nodosa: Classic polyarteritis nodosa is a rare disease causing inflammation of blood vessels, and early diagnosis with prompt treatment is crucial to prevent serious organ damage and improve your long-term health.
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): Managing polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) effectively through medication and lifestyle changes minimizes inflammation and prevents further complications, helping you enjoy life to the fullest.
• 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.
• Granulomatosis: Understanding your risk factors for granulomatosis and seeking prompt medical attention if symptoms arise can significantly reduce the severity of this condition.
• Joint Pain: Experiencing persistent joint pain? Don't delay seeking medical attention; proactive management can significantly reduce inflammation and preserve your joint health.
• Juvenile Chronic Arthritis: Managing juvenile chronic arthritis effectively helps protect children from chronic pain, disability, and other serious complications later in life.
• Arthritis of the Neck: Neck arthritis, if caught early and managed properly, can help prevent significant pain and stiffness, preserving your ability to move freely and comfortably.
• Osteoarthritis of Hand or Wrist: Don't let hand or wrist osteoarthritis limit your daily activities; early intervention with appropriate treatment strategies, such as physical therapy and medication, can significantly improve your quality of life and prevent joint damage.
• Systemic Chondromalacia: Protecting your joints from further damage caused by systemic chondromalacia is possible through early intervention and a comprehensive management plan that focuses on pain control and lifestyle changes.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis of Knee: Managing rheumatoid arthritis affecting your knee involves a long-term commitment to treatment to prevent further joint deterioration and maintain your ability to move freely.
• Dermatomyositis: Managing dermatomyositis effectively means working closely with your doctor to control inflammation and muscle damage, preserving your mobility and quality of life.

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. Swati Shah 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: 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: 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 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: 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: Steroid injections are sometimes used to quickly reduce inflammation and pain in a specific joint, allowing for improved function and preventing long-term damage.
• 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: As a proactive step in managing your arthritis, viscosupplementation with hyaluronate involves injections to improve the joint's shock-absorbing capacity, reducing inflammation and improving function.

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. Swati Shah 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 and implementing a personalized plan, a patient proactively reduced their risk of osteoporosis, gaining peace of mind about their bone health.
• By diligently adhering to the proactive health plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of serious complications from Classic Polyarteritis Nodosa, gaining peace of mind and a positive outlook for their future.

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. Swati Shah:

What is a rheumatologist and how can they help me?

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

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. Shah will accurately diagnose the cause to ensure the right treatment plan is followed.

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 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 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.

How is an autoimmune disease diagnosed?

Diagnosing an autoimmune disease is like solving a puzzle. We carefully review your symptoms, perform a physical exam, and order specific blood tests to look for autoantibodies and inflammation markers. This process is crucial for understanding your condition and preventing disease progression.

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

What does a joint aspiration (arthrocentesis) do?

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, crucial for preventing future problems.

Can you help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Shah and her team can help determine if your back pain is related to inflammatory arthritis, like ankylosing spondylitis. Differentiating this from other causes of back pain is key to the correct diagnosis and treatment plan, which will prevent long-term spinal issues like fusion and stiffness.

1660 Prudential Dr Ste 310
Jacksonville FL 32207
Phone: (904) 396-8656

Dr. Swati Shah, 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): 1144424722

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. Swati Shah 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.