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

Do I have anemia vs fibromyalgia?

Need to know specific signs and symptoms Need to know hemoglobin value, iron studies and ferritin levels over time charting and monitoring should allow your doctor to best determine READ MORE
Need to know specific signs and symptoms
Need to know hemoglobin value, iron studies and ferritin levels
over time charting and monitoring should allow your doctor to best determine cause

What exercises get rid of rounded shoulders?

My best advice is to see a physical therapist for 2-3 sessions and get a home program and be very diligent and you will see results!

Is there any way to predict arthritis flare-ups?

Arthritis can wax and wane, it can flare and raise its ugly head and it can react to changes in atmospheric pressure

Lungs

Lupus is a systemic disease and can affect skin, muscles and joints, kidneys, bone marrow, nervous system including brain, Gi tract, heart and lung There is no correlation to COPD READ MORE
Lupus is a systemic disease and can affect skin, muscles and joints, kidneys, bone marrow, nervous system including brain, Gi tract, heart and lung
There is no correlation to COPD but patients can get pleural effusions ( fluid on lung ) and lung inflammation and interstitial lung disease
CHF can be the result of lupus myocarditis

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Never say never when it comes to a possible drug side effect but excess seating and drowsiness would be exceptionally rare possible SE’s - In my experience, I can’t say that I READ MORE
Never say never when it comes to a possible drug side effect but excess seating and drowsiness would be exceptionally rare possible SE’s - In my experience, I can’t say that I have seen those SE’s from those 2 drugs

Antidepressants and fibromyalgia

Very sorry to hear about your troubles in 2022 at our national Rheumatology meeting, there was a review lecture on “cannabis and pain” - there are very few good studies that document READ MORE
Very sorry to hear about your troubles
in 2022 at our national Rheumatology meeting, there was a review lecture on “cannabis and pain” - there are very few good studies that document a true pain relieving effect, despite what patients read and hear
FDA approved Fibro meds
1) Cymbalta
2) Lyrica
3) Savella

Other meds we use - Gabapentin, amitriptyline, nortriptyline

Best wishes

My RA pain persists despite medication. What should I do?

Please see your rheumatologist and heed their advice Unfortunately RA is a lifelong disease, with up’s and downs but our new treatments are very effective and can prevent long READ MORE
Please see your rheumatologist and heed their advice
Unfortunately RA is a lifelong disease, with up’s and downs but our new treatments are very effective and can prevent long term complications

I can hear a crackling sound in my knee. What could this be?

At your young age, the most common cause of this noise ( we call it Crepitus ) is your kneecap as it rubs on the femur we call this Patellofemoral Syndrome and there are simple READ MORE
At your young age, the most common cause of this noise ( we call it Crepitus ) is your kneecap as it rubs on the femur

we call this Patellofemoral Syndrome and there are simple exercises one can do to help this

My joint pain is impacting my work productivity. Please help.

You need a Diagnosis and then treatment recommendations

Please consult your doctor for help

How can I prevent gout attacks?

Gout is a condition of Uric Acid Excess due to kidney not excreting enough or body producing too much. We eliminate uric acid in the stool or urine . Certain drugs can raise Uric READ MORE
Gout is a condition of Uric Acid Excess due to kidney not excreting enough or body producing too much. We eliminate uric acid in the stool or urine . Certain drugs can raise Uric Acid levels such as Diuretics
Once diagnosis is made and EHR more than 1 attack occurs, and I make definite Dx I recommend
1) weight control
2) exercise
3) Diet low in purines
4) avoid alcohol excess
5) uric acid lowering meds - allopurinol or febuxostat
6) goal uric acid 5.5 or lower

Is there anything we can do for my father's ankle?

Your father needs to be seen and evaluated to define the problem and best treatment

I have never had a back injury, then why do I have a constant back pain?

Here is the recipe for help 1) you need to see your doctor and explain how you are feeling 2) you need an exam 3) you may need an X-ray 4) you may need physical therapy 5) perhaps READ MORE
Here is the recipe for help
1) you need to see your doctor and explain how you are feeling
2) you need an exam
3) you may need an X-ray
4) you may need physical therapy
5) perhaps some medication - acetaminophen , aleve
6) Followup to determine next steps
hope you feel better!

Why am I being referred to a rheumatologist for fibromyalgia?

Rheumatologists are the most complete medical sub specialist and are usually the doctors who are asked to see the most complex cases in any medical community. Rheumatologists are READ MORE
Rheumatologists are the most complete medical sub specialist and are usually the doctors who are asked to see the most complex cases in any medical community.
Rheumatologists are asked to confirm a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia and make sure no other process is at play . Patients are referred back to primary care for long term management

Can rheumatoid arthritis affect my immunity?

Many of the treatments for RA do weaken the immune system - It is important to address vaccinations for influenza, pneumonia, Covid and Shingles. Prednisone use should be minimized READ MORE
Many of the treatments for RA do weaken the immune system - It is important to address vaccinations for influenza, pneumonia, Covid and Shingles. Prednisone use should be minimized but all of these things can be discussed and managed with your rheumatologist

Sexual Contact get Lupus?

Lupus is not a sexually transmitted disease so be reassured you will not pass lupus to your husband

Severe foot pain

I am confident that Humira will significantly help your pain!

How is polymyalgia rheumatica treated?

A diagnosis of PMR is a bit unusual in someone as young as you, age 52 It is associated with marked pain and stiffness in neck and shoulders and hips and pelvis It is treated with READ MORE
A diagnosis of PMR is a bit unusual in someone as young as you, age 52
It is associated with marked pain and stiffness in neck and shoulders and hips and pelvis
It is treated with prednisone in low to moderate doses and then prednisone is slowly tapered
Many patients can be tapered off but some need a low dose ongoing
over time some patients may develop giant cell or temporal arteritis
A new treatment called Sarilumab or Kevzara is available
Exercise is important in regard to muscle strength and conditioning
again, this is esp common in patients > 65

Can an 11 year old get lupus?

Lupus can affect people of all ages
Suggest an evaluation with Pediatric Rheumatologist
All the best!

Fibromyalgia

FDA approved meds for Fibromyalgia
1) Cymbalta
2) Lyrica
3) Savella

We also use gabapentin, amitriptyline, nortriptyline and trazodone

Can children get arthritis at 13?

Unfortunately Yes - Suggest seeing Pediatric Rheumatologist as there are many forms of childhood arthritis

Good Luck!