Karen S. Kolba, MD

Rheumatologist

Dr. Karen S. Kolba is a Rheumatologist in Santa Maria, CA with special training and skill in diagnosing, treating, and preventing disorders related to inflammation of the joints, muscles, and ligaments. As a Rheumatologist, Karen S. Kolba, MD performs physical examination, imaging, and testing for musculoskeletal and systemic autoimmune conditions, commonly called rheumatic diseases. Rheumatology is a medical specialty dedicated to treating diseases and disorders related to conditions that cause joint, muscle, and bone pain, stiffness, and deformity. Significant diseases and conditions treated by Rheumatologists include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, gout, chronic pain in the back, neck, knee, hip, or other joint, fibromyalgia, tendonitis, vasculitis, lupus, scleroderma, myositis, and antiphospholipid syndrome. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Rheumatologists include x-ray, MRI, and CT imaging, rheumatoid factor testing, c-reactive protein testing, synovial fluid testing, pain medication prescription, physical therapy referral, dietary recommendations, and referral to other specialists as needed.

An internist who treats diseases of joints, muscle, bones and tendons. This specialist diagnoses and treats arthritis, back pain, muscle strains, common athletic injuries and "collagen" diseases.