Dr. Maria Farooq, MD is a Rheumatologist practicing at her clinic in Orlando, FL. She is dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Rheumatologic care for older adults (65 and over), registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing 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. Prospective patients should call (407) 266-3627 to confirm if the provider is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Maria Farooq, MD is a rheumatologist in Orlando, FL. She has extensive experience in Osteoporosis & Screening and is affiliated with AdventHealth Orlando. She is accepting telehealth appointments. Dr. Farooq earned her medical degree from Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, Christian Medical College. Her approach to care is rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. She offers consultations in Hindi.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Maria Farooq is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Farooq is a compassionate partner in navigating the complexities of senior health, offering comprehensive rheumatologic care. She expertly diagnoses and manages conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and lupus, working closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to ensure a holistic and personalized approach. Her dedication extends to understanding each patient's unique needs and goals, fostering collaboration with families to create a supportive and effective treatment plan that maximizes comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Maria Farooq can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- APCN Choice POS II
- AWH Orlando Health OAAS
- Aetna
- Aetna HMO
- Ambetter
- AvMed
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- BlueCard PPO
- BlueCare HMO
- BlueOptions
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Choice Care Network PPO
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice Large Group POS
- Choice POS
- Choice Plus POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- FL Medical Providers
- Florida Blue
- HMO Premier HMO
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- LocalPlus
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- Navigate HMO
- Navigate Plus POS
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO
- Options PPO
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Seamless HMO
- Select HMO
- Small Group Elect HMO
- Superior Health Plan
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Maria Farooq 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:
- Arthritis: Arthritis encompasses various diseases that affect your joints, leading to discomfort and reduced movement; however, with proper treatment, you can manage your symptoms and preserve your quality of life.
- Scleroderma: Scleroderma is a complex condition, but a tailored treatment plan, including medication and lifestyle changes, can significantly improve the overall comfort and well-being of seniors and allow them to live fulfilling lives.
- Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): If you experience persistent pain and stiffness in your shoulders and hips, it could be PMR, a condition that responds well to medication, helping you regain your independence and enjoy your activities again.
- Dermatomyositis: Dermatomyositis is a rare condition causing muscle weakness and a skin rash, and while it can be challenging, with proper medical care, you can manage your symptoms and maintain your independence.
- Ankylosing Vertebral Hyperostosis: As we age, some individuals develop AVH, characterized by bone spurs along the spine, and while it can cause stiffness, pain management focuses on comfort measures rather than aggressive treatments.
- Systemic Vasculitis: Systemic vasculitis is a condition where inflammation damages blood vessels, possibly affecting different parts of your body. With proper treatmentoften involving medicationwe can help manage the symptoms and improve your quality of life.
- Gout: Gout can be effectively controlled through medication and dietary adjustments, helping seniors to stay active and participate in the activities they love.
- 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 Spine: Osteoarthritis of the spine, a common type of arthritis, involves the breakdown of cartilage between the vertebrae, leading to pain and stiffness, but manageable with exercise, medication, and lifestyle changes to maintain comfort and mobility.
- Temporal Arteritis: Managing temporal arteritis involves prompt medical attention and taking prescribed medications to reduce inflammation in your blood vessels, significantly lowering the risk of vision loss and allowing you to maintain your independence.
- Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis: If you have seronegative rheumatoid arthritis, it's like having a form of rheumatoid arthritis that doesn't show up in standard blood tests, but its impact on your joints can be addressed effectively with medications and therapies to preserve your independence and reduce discomfort.
- Chronic Pain: Many conditions, such as arthritis, can cause chronic pain, but with proper medical care and lifestyle adjustments, seniors can often find relief and maintain their independence.
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. Maria Farooq 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: To help manage your arthritis and prevent falls, a DEXA scan helps reveal how strong your bones are, guiding treatment decisions to improve bone health.
- Joint Drainage: To ensure a comprehensive approach to your arthritis care, your doctor might use joint drainage to obtain a sample of fluid for lab tests to guide treatment decisions.
- Joint Fluid Test: This simple procedure involves examining fluid from a joint to identify infections, crystals, or inflammatory cells, helping manage conditions like 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: 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: For seniors with inflammatory joint conditions, steroid injections are a treatment option that can help decrease swelling and stiffness, making daily activities easier.
- 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.
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. Maria Farooq 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 arthritis symptoms significantly reduced, a senior couple could now enjoy evening walks in the park together, a cherished activity that had been challenging for years.
- With tailored medication and lifestyle adjustments, a senior with scleroderma found relief from debilitating symptoms, enabling her to resume knitting, a cherished hobby. The family felt a renewed sense of security knowing their loved one could manage the condition effectively.
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)
Here are answers to some common questions about Rheumatologic care with Dr. Maria Farooq:
- What is a Rheumatologist?
- Dr. Farooq and her team are specialists in diagnosing and treating arthritis and other diseases of the joints, muscles, and bones. They are experts in managing complex conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and gout, focusing on reducing pain and improving 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. Farooq is an expert in diagnosing and treating both conditions.
- I have joint pain. Should I see a rheumatologist or an orthopedic surgeon?
- A rheumatologist, like Dr. Farooq, diagnoses and treats arthritis and joint pain, often with medications and non-surgical approaches. An orthopedic surgeon focuses on surgical procedures, such as joint replacements. While they may collaborate, a rheumatologist is usually 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. It's used to quickly relieve pain and swelling. The area is numbed first, and while there might be some pressure, the procedure is very quick and generally well-tolerated.
- What is Sjögren's syndrome?
- Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune condition that most commonly causes significant dry eyes and dry mouth. It can also be associated with fatigue and joint pain. Dr. Farooq 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 long-term medications that lower uric acid levels.
- What are biologic medications or 'infusion therapy' for rheumatoid arthritis?
- Biologic medications are a newer, advanced class of drugs very effective in treating 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 (IV) at our comfortable clinic or infusion center.
- 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, requiring a specialist like Dr. Maria Farooq for accurate diagnosis and treatment with medications to control inflammation.
9975 Tavistock Lakes Blvd Ste 160
Orlando FL 32827
Phone: (407) 266-3627
Dr. Maria Farooq, 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): 1346529088
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. Maria Farooq 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.