OrthoONE Surgeons integral in keeping Coloradoans active: Part one
Part one of our series about the most common conditions we treat: foot and ankle; joint replacement; and shoulder.
The secret it out: Life in Colorado is full of adventure, activity and adrenaline. Throughout the last decade, the state has seen a significant increase in adventure-loving, fitness-minded, outdoor enthusiasts flocking to live and work here. It should come as no surprise, either. With some of the nation’s best slopes to shred, nearly 60 14ers to summit and endless trails and parks to explore, Colorado is practically a magnet for the highly active. Unfortunately, all these popular activities come with risk of injury, especially to the musculoskeletal system. From traumatic tumbles on the slopes to overuse injuries from marathoning, all this fun can take a toll on your body. The team at OrthoONE at Swedish Medical Center understands the passion for an active lifestyle and is dedicated to treating patients to promote healing, recovery and return to their favorite activities with as little disruption as possible. Offering a full range of high-quality orthopedic services, the team is led by board-certified surgeons who have been providing specialized orthopedic care in the Denver area for nearly four decades.
This is part one of our series about the most common conditions we treat: foot and ankle; joint replacement; and shoulder.
Foot and ankle care
Meet John, a years-long athlete active in Nordic skiing, tennis, basketball, trail running and soccer. Also an urgent care physician assistant, John spends long hours on his feet. The combination of these things led to him becoming a 40-something dealing with chronic ankle pain.
Though John had become accustomed to tolerating a deep, aching pain in his ankle, last year he realized his knee was becoming affected by the instability in his ankle and decided to take action. As a PA, he’d referred many of his own patients to Gary Schmidt, MD, OrthoONE surgeon and a board-certified foot and ankle specialist. Dr. Schmidt diagnosed osteochondritis dissecans of the talus, also called OCD. The condition describes an area of abnormal, damaged cartilage and bone on top of the lower bone of the ankle joint (talus). After an outpatient procedure, rest and physical therapy, John was back to work and play within two months.
Stories like John’s are common for Dr. Schmidt. He uses advanced techniques to treat conditions of the foot and ankle as well as all post-traumatic reconstruction of the foot and ankle, foot and ankle deformity revision and athletic injuries. He also performs minimally invasive bunionectomies and total ankle replacement.
The OrthoONE at Swedish team believes in the importance of an active lifestyle. All our providers have dedicated their careers to helping you regain and maintain your desired level of activity. Whether you are taking on the Triple Bypass this summer or are just ready to enjoy a casual game of pickleball, we’re here to help you do what you love, without the pain. To learn more or make an appointment, visit us online or call (303) 789-2663.