Rheumatologist? “Rheumatoid arthritis, gout and psoriatic arthritis are destructive diseases that, left untreated, will eventually lead to some form <strong>of</strong> 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 <strong>of</strong> arthritis, osteoporosis, musculoskeletal pain disorders and certain autoimmune diseases. There are over 100 types <strong>of</strong> 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 <strong>of</strong> arthritis are pain, swelling, and stiffness. Pain is your body’s natural response to inflammation. If a person experiences any <strong>of</strong> these three symptoms, he or she should be evaluated by a rheumatologist,” states Dr. Kenawy. Dr. Kenawy brings a wealth <strong>of</strong> clinical experience and training from the University <strong>of</strong> Florida and Shands Hospital, where he completed his residency in internal medicine, and fellowship in rheumatology. He feels that training in one <strong>of</strong> 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 <strong>of</strong> 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 <strong>of</strong> 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 <strong>of</strong> inflammatory arthritis in men over the age <strong>of</strong> 40. About 1% <strong>of</strong> the US population (women 3 times more <strong>of</strong>ten 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 <strong>of</strong> arthritis that <strong>of</strong>ten 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 <strong>of</strong> the fingers or toes. In some people, the disease may be severe and affect many joints, including the spine. Pitting and splitting <strong>of</strong> the fingernails are also commonly found in patients with psoriatic arthritis. The addition <strong>of</strong> diagnostic and procedural musculo-skeletal ultrasonagraphy has propelled the field <strong>of</strong> 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 <strong>of</strong> North American Rheumatologist (USO- NAR) in diagnostic and procedural musculoskeletal ultrasonagraphy. He has achieved Fellow status with the American College <strong>of</strong> Rheumatology and Internal Medicine. If Dr. Kenawy seems right at home in <strong>Panama</strong> <strong>City</strong>, it’s because he grew up here. In fact, some <strong>of</strong> 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 <strong>Panama</strong> <strong>City</strong> has taught me the importance <strong>of</strong> giving back to my community. After completing my training at the University <strong>of</strong> Florida and Shand’s Hospital, I decided to move back home to provide quality care in the field <strong>of</strong> 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 <strong>of</strong> life. Early detection and treatment can halt disease progression.” Dr. Kenawy brings the latest technologies and knowledge for the treatment <strong>of</strong> 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
BAY COUNTY’S ONLY BOARD-CERTIFIED RHEUMATOLOGIST Dr. Aymen A. Kenawy, M.D., FACP, FACR THE CIRCUIT September/October 2012 47
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