Dr. Farrukh Zaidi, MD is a Rheumatology specialist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults (65 and over) at his clinic in Port Richey, FL. He 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. Zaidi is committed to a patient-centered approach, emphasizing open communication and shared decision-making.
Dr. Zaidi, Board Certified in Rheumatology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, welcomes new patients. He has over 35 years of experience in rheumatologic care, building on his medical degree from Sindh Medical College in 1978, and extensive training, including internships, residencies, and fellowships at esteemed institutions. This experience has equipped him with a deep understanding of the unique needs of older adults. His dedication to evidence-based medicine and collaborative care ensures that patients and their families feel empowered and supported throughout their healthcare journey. Telehealth visits are available, and you can schedule an appointment by calling (727) 849-1232. Dr. Zaidi offers consultations in Urdu.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Farrukh Zaidi is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Zaidi is a dedicated partner in your senior health journey, offering comprehensive rheumatologic care with a compassionate touch. His expertise in diagnosing and managing rheumatic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, combined with his collaborative approach involving primary care physicians and other specialists, ensures a personalized and coordinated plan for optimal well-being. He prioritizes understanding each patient's individual needs and goals, fostering a supportive environment for maintaining independence and comfort.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Farrukh Zaidi can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Aetna
- Aetna HMO
- Anthem
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna HMO
- Cigna PPO
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- LocalPlus
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Open Access Plus
- Preferred PPO
- Select HMO
- Tampa Bay HUMx HMOx
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Farrukh Zaidi 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:
- Systemic Vasculitis: Systemic vasculitis is a condition where inflammation in blood vessels can affect organs throughout the body, and managing it involves medications to reduce inflammation and protect organ function, improving overall health and well-being.
- Spondylitis: Spondylitis, a type of arthritis, affects the spine's joints, leading to discomfort. However, treatment such as medication and lifestyle adjustments can help you live a full and active life despite this condition.
- Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is characterized by significant pain and stiffness, primarily in the shoulder and hip areas, but treatment can effectively control the inflammation and improve your ability to carry out everyday tasks.
- Osteoarthritis of Shoulder: Experiencing pain and stiffness in your shoulder? It may be due to osteoarthritis, a type of joint wear and tear that's common with age, but thankfully, there are ways to manage it effectively, helping you remain active and enjoy your hobbies.
- Scleroderma: Scleroderma affects the body's connective tissues, causing symptoms like stiff skin and joint pain, but with careful management, seniors can maintain their independence and comfort.
- Osteoarthritis: For seniors with osteoarthritis, a tailored treatment plan that combines medication, exercise, and lifestyle changes can significantly ease symptoms and improve daily life.
- Osteoarthritis of Hip and Thigh: With osteoarthritis in your hip and thigh, the protective cartilage cushioning your joints wears away, causing pain and making movement difficult. However, many strategies, such as exercise, weight management, and medication, can significantly ease discomfort and help you maintain your independence.
- Osteoarthritis of Foot: Osteoarthritis in the foot can make everyday tasks like walking and standing difficult, but with appropriate care, including pain management and supportive footwear, you can maintain your independence and continue enjoying your favorite activities.
- Muscle Weakness: Muscle weakness can be frustrating, but it's important to know that many conditions causing this can be effectively managed with a combination of therapies tailored to your specific needs.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term condition causing painful joint swelling and stiffness, but with proper medical care, many seniors can manage their symptoms and maintain their independence.
- Osteoarthritis of Spine: Experiencing back pain due to osteoarthritis of the spine is common, but it doesn't have to control your life. Appropriate treatment focusing on pain management and increasing flexibility can significantly improve your well-being.
- Sarcoidosis: Sarcoidosis is a disease where inflammation develops in organs, and while it can sometimes affect joints, causing discomfort, treatments help reduce symptoms and help people live full, active lives.
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. Farrukh Zaidi offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Bone Density Scan: To assess your risk of fractures and guide treatment decisions for conditions such as osteoporosis, a bone density scan helps measure the mineral density in your bones.
- Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Scan: As part of your comprehensive care plan, a DEXA scan provides valuable information about your bone health, enabling your doctor to tailor medication and lifestyle advice to your specific needs.
- Joint Drainage: As part of your senior care plan, joint drainage can help relieve pain and swelling caused by conditions like arthritis by removing excess fluid.
- Joint Fluid Test: To ensure your treatment plan is as effective as possible, a joint fluid test aids in distinguishing between various joint diseases, such as gout and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Musculoskeletal Function Test: This assessment provides important information about your musculoskeletal health, helping your doctor diagnose problems and suggest ways to improve your quality of life.
- Myofascial Trigger Point Injection: This procedure helps diagnose the source of muscle pain by injecting a solution into specific points, confirming whether trigger points are contributing to a senior's discomfort.
- Steroid Injection: As part of a comprehensive care plan, steroid injections help manage flare-ups of conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, offering seniors targeted symptom relief.
- Trigger Point Injection: For seniors with persistent muscle pain that limits daily activities, trigger point injections can offer temporary pain relief, allowing for increased participation in physical therapy or other treatments.
- Viscosupplementation With Hyaluronate: As part of your osteoarthritis management, viscosupplementation uses injections of hyaluronic acid to improve joint function and reduce your need for pain medication.
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. Farrukh Zaidi 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 medication carefully managed by a rheumatologist, a senior felt a noticeable decrease in the inflammation and fatigue associated with systemic vasculitis, allowing them to return to engaging in their favorite hobbies, like painting and gardening.
- With the guidance of a rheumatologist, a senior was able to resume their beloved weekly ballroom dancing, finding relief from the nagging back pain caused by spondylitis. The family felt a tremendous sense of joy and renewed vitality.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. He 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 (Rheumatology)
Here are answers to some common questions about Rheumatologic care with Dr. Farrukh Zaidi:
- What is a Rheumatologist?
- Dr. Zaidi is a rheumatologist, a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating arthritis and other diseases of the joints, muscles, and bones. He is skilled in managing complex conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and gout to help improve your 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. Zaidi is an expert in diagnosing and treating both conditions.
- I have joint pain. Should I see a rheumatologist or an orthopedic surgeon?
- Dr. Zaidi and other rheumatologists specialize in diagnosing and treating arthritis and joint pain, often with medications and non-surgical therapies. Orthopedic surgeons focus on surgical procedures like joint replacements. A rheumatologist is typically the best first step for evaluating unexplained joint pain.
- What is a joint injection and does it hurt?
- A joint injection is a procedure where medication, usually a powerful anti-inflammatory, is placed directly into the painful joint space. This provides rapid relief from pain and swelling. The area is numbed first, and while there might be a moment of pressure, the procedure is quick and generally well-tolerated.
- What is Sjögren's syndrome?
- Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune condition most commonly causing significant dry eyes and dry mouth, but can also be associated with fatigue and joint pain. Dr. Zaidi can help manage the systemic aspects of the disease and works with ophthalmologists and dentists to coordinate care and provide relief for the symptoms.
- 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 with anti-inflammatory medications and preventing future attacks with medications that lower uric acid levels.
- What are biologic medications or 'infusion therapy' for rheumatoid arthritis?
- Biologic medications are a newer, advanced class of treatments very effective for rheumatoid arthritis. Unlike general anti-inflammatories, they target specific parts of the immune system that cause inflammation. Some of these medications are given as an infusion in a comfortable clinic or infusion center setting.
- What is lupus?
- Lupus, or Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect many parts of the body. While it can be complex, Dr. Farrukh Zaidi can create a personalized treatment plan to manage symptoms, control inflammation, and minimize flare-ups.
8029 Washington St
Port Richey FL 34668
Phone: (727) 849-1232
Dr. Farrukh Zaidi, 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): 1346292414
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. Farrukh Zaidi 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.