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Rheumatologist?
“Rheumatoid arthritis, gout and psoriatic arthritis are destructive diseases that,
left untreated, will eventually lead to some form of immobility. “
Aymen A. Kenawy M.D., Board-Certified Rheumatologist
What is a
You may have asked yourself, “What is a
Rheumatologist?” Rheumatologists are internists
who specialize in the treatment of
arthritis, osteoporosis, musculoskeletal pain
disorders and certain autoimmune diseases.
There are over 100 types of these diseases,
which include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis,
gout, lupus, psoriatic arthritis,
Sjogren’s, osteoporosis, bursitis and tendonitis,
just to name a few.
It’s crucial to make an accurate diagnosis
prior to receiving treatment. So what are the
symptoms to look for? “Rheumatoid arthritis
typically has a symmetrical distribution,
while gout and psoriatic arthritis have an
asymmetrical distribution. All three primarily
involve small-to-intermediate joints, such
as those in the wrists, hands, ankles, and feet.
The three primary signs of arthritis are pain,
swelling, and stiffness. Pain is your body’s
natural response to inflammation. If a person
experiences any of these three symptoms, he
or she should be evaluated by a rheumatologist,”
states Dr. Kenawy.
Dr. Kenawy brings a wealth of clinical experience
and training from the University of
Florida and Shands Hospital, where he completed
his residency in internal medicine, and
fellowship in rheumatology. He feels that
training in one of the nation’s top medical
centers has allowed him to provide his patients
with the most advanced, accurate and
up-to-date treatment available for rheumatic
diseases.
“Treatments for rheumatic diseases have advanced
drastically over the past 10 years,”
explains Dr. Kenawy. “Oral, self-injection,
and intravenous (IV) medications are currently
available. Depending on the aggressiveness
and severity of the disease, single
or combination therapy may be used. The
patient’s preference should always be taken
into consideration when it comes to treatment.
When indicated, IV infusion therapy is
typically a more effective treatment and associated
with quicker response rates.”
Rheumatoid arthritis, Gout, and Psoriatic Arthritis
are three of the most common inflammatory
arthritides in the United States. It is
estimated that around 6 million people in the
United States report having experienced gout
at some point in their lives. Gout is the most
common form of inflammatory arthritis in
men over the age of 40.
About 1% of the US population (women 3
times more often than men) is afflicted by
rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic, systemic autoimmune
inflammatory disorder that can affect
many tissues and organs, but principally
attacks joints.
Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis that often
is accompanied by psoriasis. Psoriasis is a
common, chronic skin condition that causes
red, scaly patches on the body. About 1 in 20
people with psoriasis will develop psoriatic
arthritis. In most cases, psoriasis comes before
the arthritis. The arthritis may be mild
and involve only a few joints, especially
those at the end of the fingers or toes. In some
people, the disease may be severe and affect
many joints, including the spine. Pitting and
splitting of the fingernails are also commonly
found in patients with psoriatic arthritis.
The addition of diagnostic and procedural
musculo-skeletal ultrasonagraphy has propelled
the field of rheumatology and drastically
advanced the archaic approach to diagnosing,
treating and monitoring rheumatic
diseases.
In addition to Board Certification in Rheumatology
and Internal Medicine, Dr. Aymen A.
Kenawy is also the area’s only Rheumatologist
to be certified by the Ultrasound School
of North American Rheumatologist (USO-
NAR) in diagnostic and procedural musculoskeletal
ultrasonagraphy. He has achieved
Fellow status with the American College of
Rheumatology and Internal Medicine.
If Dr. Kenawy seems right at home in Panama
City, it’s because he grew up here. In
fact, some of his patients remember him as
a kid working in the Olive Leaves Nutrition
Center, his father’s business. Dr. Kenawy
believes that his experience working with
his father gives him insight into integrative
medicine.
“Growing up in Panama City has taught me
the importance of giving back to my community.
After completing my training at the
University of Florida and Shand’s Hospital,
I decided to move back home to provide
quality care in the field of Rheumatology,”
remarks Dr. Kenawy.
“The medications and diagnostic tests available
to rheumatologist have advanced dramatically
over the past decade,” says Dr.
Kenawy. “Accurate diagnosis and early
treatment are important in preventing joint
damage, immobility, and preserving quality
of life. Early detection and treatment can halt
disease progression.”
Dr. Kenawy brings the latest technologies
and knowledge for the treatment of joint and
muscle disorders to our area including diagnosis
with Ultrasound technology and other
cutting-edge medicinal strategies.
As the area’s only Board-Certified Rheumatologist,
Dr. Kenawy looks forward to helping
his patients live arthritis-free!
v v v
(850) 215-6400 DrKenawy.com
46 THE CIRCUIT September/October 2012