Dr. Esther Jimenez-Encarnacion, MD is a Rheumatologist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Rheumatologic care for older adults (65 and over) at her clinic in Largo, FL. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). General Rheumatologists possess specialized expertise in diagnosing and managing complex rheumatic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and lupus common in seniors, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other healthcare providers to ensure optimal care. Dr. Jimenez-Encarnacion is committed to creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions, utilizing evidence-based medicine in her practice.
With over 15 years of dedicated experience in Rheumatologic care, Dr. Jimenez-Encarnacion brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from Autonomous University Of Guadalajara School Of Medicine in 2006 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. Dr. Jimenez-Encarnacion is affiliated with medical facilities such as Lee Memorial Hospital and Lakewood Ranch Medical Center and is currently welcoming new patients. She is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments, and offers consultations in Spanish. Please call (727) 584-7706 to schedule an appointment.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Esther Jimenez-Encarnacion is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Jimenez-Encarnacion is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive rheumatologic care with a focus on understanding individual needs. She expertly diagnoses and manages complex rheumatic conditions, collaborating closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to ensure a holistic and personalized treatment plan. This collaborative approach prioritizes the well-being and comfort of seniors, enabling them to maintain their independence and quality of life.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Esther Jimenez-Encarnacion can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Cigna
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- Humana
- LocalPlus
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Select HMO
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Esther Jimenez-Encarnacion provides expert, compassionate care for a range of conditions common in older adults, with a focus on managing symptoms and maintaining function. Common areas of focus include:
- Fibromyalgia: Characterized by persistent muscle pain and tenderness, fibromyalgia affects many seniors, yet effective pain management strategies, such as exercise and medication, can significantly improve daily functioning.
- Osteoarthritis of Foot: With osteoarthritis in your foot, the joints become less flexible and painful due to cartilage loss; however, treatment options like physical therapy and medication can improve your comfort and ability to walk.
- Seropositive Rheumatoid Arthritis: In seropositive rheumatoid arthritis, specific antibodies are present in your blood, indicating a more aggressive form of the disease; however, effective medications can help control inflammation and prevent long-term joint damage.
- Sarcoidosis: Sarcoidosis is a rare disease where tiny clumps of inflammatory cells form in different organs, sometimes affecting the lungs, skin, or joints, and is often manageable with medication and close monitoring to maintain a good quality of life.
- Vasculitis: If you have vasculitis, it means your blood vessels are inflamed, sometimes causing symptoms such as fever, rash, or joint pain; working closely with your doctor on medication and lifestyle adjustments can significantly ease symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.
- Chondrocalcinosis: If you've been diagnosed with chondrocalcinosis, which involves calcium buildup in your joint cartilage, your doctor can create a plan to manage any pain or stiffness, enhancing your overall quality of life.
- Arthritis of the Neck: Stiffness and aching in your neck could be due to arthritis, making activities of daily living like dressing or grooming more challenging; a consultation with your doctor can lead to a suitable treatment strategy to relieve pain, improve flexibility, and maintain your independence.
- Muscle Weakness: Feeling weaker in your muscles is a common concern as we age, but many treatments, including lifestyle changes and medication, can significantly improve muscle strength and overall well-being.
- Chronic Pain: Living with chronic pain can be challenging, but various pain management strategies, including medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes, can help you live a more fulfilling life.
- Lupus: Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues and organs, causing inflammation and pain, which can be managed with medication and lifestyle adjustments to maintain a good quality of life.
- Joint Pain: Joint pain doesn't have to limit your activities; many effective treatments, including pain relievers and joint-protective exercises, are available to help seniors stay active and enjoy life to the fullest.
- Osteoarthritis of Spine: Osteoarthritis in your spine can cause discomfort and make daily tasks challenging, but it's treatable! Doctors can offer options to manage your pain and improve your range of motion, helping you maintain your quality of life.
This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional based on your specific health history.
To provide comprehensive and person-centered care, Dr. Esther Jimenez-Encarnacion offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Bone Density Scan: A bone density scan is a quick and painless X-ray that helps measure the strength of your bones, which is important for preventing fractures and managing conditions like osteoporosis.
- Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Scan: This quick and easy DEXA scan helps diagnose osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and increases fracture risk, allowing for early intervention and prevention.
- Joint Drainage: Joint drainage assists in managing symptoms of certain rheumatic diseases by reducing pressure and inflammation within the affected joint.
- Joint Fluid Test: By analyzing the fluid from your affected joint, your doctor can better understand the type of arthritis you have, tailoring your care plan to your specific needs.
- Musculoskeletal Function Test: A musculoskeletal function test helps your doctor understand how well your muscles and joints are working, guiding treatment for conditions like arthritis.
- Myofascial Trigger Point Injection: As part of a comprehensive pain management plan, trigger point injections can specifically target muscle knots and reduce discomfort associated with various rheumatic conditions.
- Steroid Injection: Steroid injections can help diagnose the source of joint pain in seniors, as the response to the injection can help distinguish between different types of arthritis.
- Trigger Point Injection: As part of a comprehensive pain management plan, trigger point injections can help seniors pinpoint the source of their muscle discomfort and provide targeted treatment.
- Viscosupplementation With Hyaluronate: Viscosupplementation is a non-surgical option to alleviate osteoarthritis pain and improve joint health, offering a supportive step in your overall care plan.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Rheumatology in Florida.
Dr. Esther Jimenez-Encarnacion is dedicated to partnering with older adults and their families to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how compassionate care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- With the guidance of a rheumatologist, a senior woman found relief from persistent muscle pain, allowing her to once again enjoy her favorite activities, like knitting and spending time with her grandchildren.
- With osteoarthritis in her foot better managed through a combination of physical therapy and medication, a woman could once again comfortably walk her dog in the park, a cherished activity she had put aside due to pain.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
3801 E Highway 98 Ste 100100, Port St. Joe, FL, 32456
Phone: (850) 229-5752
View on Map
- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Internal Medicine)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Rheumatology)
Here are answers to some common questions about Rheumatologic care with Dr. Esther Jimenez-Encarnacion:
- What is a Rheumatologist?
- Dr. Jimenez-Encarnacion is a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating arthritis and other diseases of the joints, muscles, and bones. She is skilled in managing complex conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, focusing on pain reduction and improved quality of life.
- What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?
- Osteoarthritis is a "wear and tear" condition where cartilage in the joints breaks down over time. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, causing inflammation. Dr. Jimenez-Encarnacion is an expert in diagnosing and treating both conditions.
- I have joint pain. Should I see a rheumatologist or an orthopedic surgeon?
- Dr. Jimenez-Encarnacion, a rheumatologist, specializes in diagnosing and treating arthritis and joint pain, often with medications, injections, and non-surgical options. Orthopedic surgeons focus on surgical procedures, like joint replacements. While they sometimes collaborate, a rheumatologist is usually the best first step for evaluating unexplained joint pain.
- What is vasculitis?
- Vasculitis is inflammation of the blood vessels. This inflammation can cause the vessel walls to thicken, weaken, or narrow, restricting blood flow and potentially damaging organs. It's a rare group of diseases, so a specialist like Dr. Esther Jimenez-Encarnacion is needed for accurate diagnosis and treatment with medications to control the inflammation.
- What is a joint injection and does it hurt?
- A joint injection is a procedure where medication, often a powerful anti-inflammatory, is placed directly into the painful joint space. This helps provide rapid relief from pain and swelling. The area is numbed beforehand, and while there might be a moment of pressure, the procedure is quick and generally well-tolerated.
- What are biologic medications or 'infusion therapy' for rheumatoid arthritis?
- Biologic medications are a newer, advanced class of treatments very effective in managing rheumatoid arthritis. Unlike general anti-inflammatories, they target specific parts of the immune system causing inflammation. Some of these medications are given as infusions in a clinic or infusion center.
- Can you help with fibromyalgia?
- Yes, we can help with fibromyalgia. It's a complex chronic pain condition, but rheumatologists are key specialists in managing its symptoms. Treatment focuses on a multi-faceted approach, including gentle exercise, stress management techniques, and specific medications to reduce pain and improve sleep.
- What is gout and how is it treated?
- Gout is a very painful form of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in a joint, most commonly the big toe. Treatment focuses on relieving the immediate pain flare-up with anti-inflammatory medications and preventing future attacks with medications that lower uric acid levels.
1301 2nd Ave SW
Largo FL 33770
Phone: (727) 584-7706
Dr. Esther Jimenez-Encarnacion, 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): 1346490059
Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by infoaging.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with healthcare partners for yourself or a loved one. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Rheumatology like Dr. Esther Jimenez-Encarnacion are skilled in helping seniors and their families navigate their health journey. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.