expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Thomas Olenginski, M.D.

Rheumatologist

Dr. Thomas Olenginski is a rheumatologist practicing in Danville, PA. Dr. Olenginski specializes in the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases and systematic autoimmune conditions that can affect the bones, muscles or bones. Eventually, if not treated, these illnesses can also impact the skin, eyes, nervous system and internal organs. Dr. Olenginski treats diseases similar to orthopedists but does not perform surgery. Often times, research is conducted to find potential alternatives for the patients illness.
45 years Experience
Dr. Thomas Olenginski, M.D.
  • Danville, PA
  • Penn State University
  • Accepting new patients

Is ankle arthritis curable?

Again, there are many causes of ankle arthritis but most forms of arthritis are treated with symptom-based medication relief or more specific medications when the underlying problems READ MORE
Again, there are many causes of ankle arthritis but most forms of arthritis are treated with symptom-based medication relief or more specific medications when the underlying problems rheumatoid arthritis. Injuries and other instances where the joint is disrupted can lead to progressive osteoarthritis or post-traumatic arthritis. For progressive arthritis of the ankle, new surgical techniques are being developed and utilized. Unfortunately, we do not have any specific cures at this time.

Can hip pain from arthritis be fixed?

Hip pain from arthritis can be treated conservatively. Hip pain from rheumatoid arthritis is really treated specifically with drugs such as methotrexate and possibly biological READ MORE
Hip pain from arthritis can be treated conservatively. Hip pain from rheumatoid arthritis is really treated specifically with drugs such as methotrexate and possibly biological agents. Progressive hip pain and progressive hip arthritis can be effectively treated with surgery.

Question

it must be very frustrating to be going through this I think that you need to determine which physician he you trust the most the most and work with that physician. Importantly, READ MORE
it must be very frustrating to be going through this

I think that you need to determine which physician he you trust the most the most and work with that physician. Importantly, you may want to ask that physician if you should get a referral to a tertiary care hospital and or teaching hospital. I hope you get the answers that you need to feel better

How long does it take to recover from arthritis hand surgery?

again, because I am not a surgeon, specifically not a orthopedic hand surgeon, I really can not give you this answer Again I would refer you to an orthopedic hand surgeon or READ MORE
again, because I am not a surgeon, specifically not a orthopedic hand surgeon, I really can not give you this answer

Again I would refer you to an orthopedic hand surgeon or other hand specialist for that answer

Is it better to rest or exercise a frozen shoulder?

the typical approach to treating frozen shoulder is progressive mobilization usually with the help and expertise of a physical therapist and an ongoing home exercise program

What anesthesia is best for wrist surgery?

only an anesthesiologist or a skilled C.R.N.A. can answer this

Osteoporosis questions?

it is generally accepted that all women 65 and over should have a bone density test and similarly, all men 70 and over should have a baseline test. For women between 50 and 65 READ MORE
it is generally accepted that all women 65 and over should have a bone density test and similarly, all men 70 and over should have a baseline test. For women between 50 and 65 with risk factors such as a fragility fracture, family history of a parent who broke there hip, chronic use of prednisone, a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, or current smoking, a bone density should be performed. Importantly, many patients want to know what their bone density is at that point in time to help them develop a more proactive lifestyle to prevent further bone loss

For many younger than 70 with such risk factors, the same would hold

A diagnosis of osteoporosis is established in many ways
1. If someone has a clinical hip fracture or vertebral / spine fracture, a diagnosis is established
2. If somebody has a bone density study in their T-score is -2.5 or worse and they are over 50 and or postmenopausal, diagnosis is made
3. Patients with low bone mass ( T-score of -1.1 to -2.4 ) who have a fracture of the wrist, humerus or pelvis meet a clinical diagnosis of osteoporosis
4. patients with low bone mass who have FRAX scores of 20 percent for major osteoporosis risk or 3 percent for hip fracture risk meet the diagnosis. The FRAX tool was developed by the world health organization because we realized that patients with low bone mass can fracture as well as patients who have T-scores in the osteoporosis range
5. Patients were taking chronic prednisone therapy for 3 months or longer who meet criteria developed by the American College of Rheumatology also meet a diagnosis

Patients who have low bone mass need to have a FRAX calculation. The FRAX calculation takes into account other risk factors besides bone density and they include age, sex, height and weight, current smoking status, presence of rheumatoid arthritis, whether someone sustained fracture, and whether either parent fractured there hip

Again the FRAX tool gives 2 fracture probabilities, 1 called the major osteoporosis fracture risk which includes the risk of hip, wrist, spine or humerus fractures. The other fracture probability is the hip fracture risk

The important point his low bone mass needs to be carefully evaluated and many patients with low bone mass may meet criteria for treatment

The most common method used for response to therapy is repeat bone density testing. However, other physicians will sometimes use markers of biochemical turnover which are breakdown products of collagen and proteins that correlate with active bone loss or active bone formation. Most commonly use tests are CTX and P1NP

Can you live a normal life with rheumatoid arthritis?

The hope in 2023 is that the answer to this question is YES! It is important however to remember that accurate diagnosis and early effective treatment are necessary to give a patient READ MORE
The hope in 2023 is that the answer to this question is YES! It is important however to remember that accurate diagnosis and early effective treatment are necessary to give a patient the chance for the best outcome. Our newer medicines and newer treatment strategies can remarkably reduce physical signs and symptoms including pain stiffness and joint swelling; this approach can help patients remain in the workplace and or do what they want and or need to do large at whatever life stage they are at.

High Crp

I am sorry you are feeling this way and would encourage you to pursue your symptoms with your doctors. It is not uncommon to see a disconnect between the sed rate and the CRP READ MORE
I am sorry you are feeling this way and would encourage you to pursue your symptoms with your doctors. It is not uncommon to see a disconnect between the sed rate and the CRP with one been much more elevated than the other or vice versa. Given your symptoms, I would suggest that your thyroid be checked as well as liver chemistries. Again please hang in there with your medical team

When can I text normally after hand surgery?

this will depend on whether you are having surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome, release of a trigger finger or thumb tendinitis, or surgery on the base of your thumb, wrist for READ MORE
this will depend on whether you are having surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome, release of a trigger finger or thumb tendinitis, or surgery on the base of your thumb, wrist for some other reason, or other joints of the hand

Because I do perform any surgery, I think the best answer would come from an orthopedic hand surgeon

Voltaren gel?

the hip joint is much deeper and application of the gel is less likely to be effective here

ANA Tests

most typically, a patient with lupus will almost always express an ANA. However, medications have been reported to reduce ANA levels. I rarely recheck an ANA in someone who READ MORE
most typically, a patient with lupus will almost always express an ANA. However, medications have been reported to reduce ANA levels.

I rarely recheck an ANA in someone who I have clearly established a diagnosis of lupus. When I follow laboratories in such as setting, I am usually checking the blood count, kidney function, urine for blood or protein, complement levels and anti DNA level

How to help finger arthritis?

the most important factor here is determining what specific type of arthritis that you have. Typically if you have pain or stiffness or swelling or enlargement of the and knuckles READ MORE
the most important factor here is determining what specific type of arthritis that you have. Typically if you have pain or stiffness or swelling or enlargement of the and knuckles or the middle knuckles or the base of the thumb, you most likely have osteoarthritis. But again rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriatic arthritis, pseudogout, gouty arthritis and other forms of arthritis need to be differentiated . Treatment can include acetaminophen, topical diclofenac, a local steroid injection, or low doses of nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs. Having said this, I would advise you to see your doctor about this

Is it fatal?

There are several Herpes Viruses , one that causes "chicken pox" and this can later reactivate decades later and cause Shingles or Herpes Zoster. There is a Herpes Virus that can READ MORE
There are several Herpes Viruses , one that causes "chicken pox" and this can later reactivate decades later and cause Shingles or Herpes Zoster. There is a Herpes Virus that can be transmitted sexually . If patients with lupus require treatment with prednisone, methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, Rituximab, cellcept, Saphnelo or other immunosuppressant meds they are more likely to contract Shingles and they can be very sick with this infection Fortunately, there is a Shingles Vaccine that can be administered safely to such patients Importantly, patients with lupus should be up to date on vaccinations - including FLU, PNEUMONIA - Pneumoccal; Covid . And if they travel internationally, they should see an Infectious Disease Specialist to see if additional protective vaccines are necessary Dr Olenginski Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef>

positive ANA Antibodies and dsDNA

I am afraid that the answer is not as simple as one would like Every Rheumatologist needs to know what specific ANA test is performed at any laboratory that their patients use. READ MORE
I am afraid that the answer is not as simple as one would like Every Rheumatologist needs to know what specific ANA test is performed at any laboratory that their patients use. And additionally, one needs to know the specifics of the anti-DNA assay as well. ANA is a screening test and it is very sensitive but not specific; That is why there are specific auto antibodies, termed, anti-DNA, anti-SSA and SSB, and anti-RNP/SM. In addition to the ANA test, it is important that the rheumatologist knows all of the signs and symptoms that the patient has been experiencing, as well as Details of the physical examination The presence of a strongly detected anti-DNA is very supportive of a possible diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus Elevation of serum creatinine coupled with an abnormal urinalysis and determination of protein spilling into urine can relate to the ANA and DNA results. Certain medications can cause drug induced, lupus and detection of positive ANA can be seen in such circumstances. Additionally, Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an inflammatory autoimmune condition of the thyroid that can be associated with positive ANA I would recommend that you follow up with your physician and determine whether Rheumatology consultation should be performed Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef>

Carpal tunnel and arthritis?

Common causes of thumb pain can include osteoarthritis at base of thumb, trigger thumb and tendinitis From location of symptoms and description, sounds like base of thumb osteoarthritis READ MORE
Common causes of thumb pain can include osteoarthritis at base of thumb, trigger thumb and tendinitis From location of symptoms and description, sounds like base of thumb osteoarthritis Carpal tunnel syndrome will cause numbness of first 3 fingers Hope that helps.