Foot and ankle specialists

At the St. Charles Center for Orthopedics & Neurosurgery, our orthopedic physicians are experienced in all facets of foot and ankle injuries and degenerative conditions. If you have a foot or ankle problem and are deciding which type of provider to see, read this blog about the difference between a podiatrist and an orthopedic surgeon. Treatments for foot and ankle problems can range from a simple change of footwear to surgical repair of damaged bones or tendons.

When to see a foot and ankle specialist

The foot and ankle are highly specialized structures that are integral to human locomotion. The combination of mobile and stable joints allows us to adapt to any surface form. By supporting the weight of your body, the feet undergo a lot of wear and tear in the course of a normal lifetime and the complex interaction of muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and bones make this area highly susceptible to injuries.

When an injury occurs or these structures become weakened from chronic overuse or disease, it’s important to see a qualified orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon promptly to evaluate and treat the condition.

Schedule an appointment to explore what treatment path is right for you.

Six tips to maintain healthy feet

  • Replace your shoes: Replace your walking or exercise shoes every six months or 500 miles – whichever comes first. This will help you avoid foot pain as your shoes begin to wear down and lose support.
  • Maintain a healthy weight: Maintain a healthy weight by eating right and regular physical activity. Excess weight puts more pressure on your feet, which can lead to foot pain.
  • Stretch your feet: Stretch out your feet, ankles, and lower legs before and after exercising to avoid injury. This can help avoid other injuries such as shin splints and stress fractures as well.
  • Keep blood flowing: Keep the blood flowing to your feet to reduce circulation problems. Wiggle your toes, move your ankles, and avoid sitting with your legs crossed for long periods of time.
  • Keep feet dry: Keep your feet dry. Wear socks that wick away moisture and let your feet breathe. Always dry your feet well after getting them wet, especially between the toes where fungal infections can develop.
  • Trim toenails: Trim your toenails regularly and cut straight across the nail rather than into the corners – this is how ingrown toenails often develop.

Common conditions

Achilles Tendonitis

Ankle Fracture

Ankle Sprain

Anterior Tibialis Tendonitis

Bunions

Hallux Rigidus

Mallet, Hammer or Claw Toes

Neuroma

Peroneal Tendonitis

Plantar Fasciitis

Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction

Posterior Tibialis Tendonitis

Treatments

Ankle Replacement

Knee specialists

Our specialty trained knee doctors at the St. Charles Center for Orthopedics & Neurosurgery are recognized leaders in the diagnosis and treatment of knee injuries and conditions. Offering each patient individual attention, our board-certified knee surgeons are able to offer a thorough diagnostic evaluation and a variety of effective treatment options – from minimally invasive techniques to advanced knee surgery.

From sprains to arthroscopic surgery to total knee replacement, the orthopedic surgeons at the St. Charles Center are ready to get you back to being your best.

When to see a knee specialist

Knee pain can be debilitating, affecting your ability to do everyday activities. It can be caused by overuse, traumatic injury, or a degenerative condition, such as arthritis. Patients with knee problems report symptoms such as:

  • Unstable joint that is not able to support your weight when you walk or stand
  • Numbness or pain in knee joint
  • Popping or crunching sounds
  • Swelling and stiffness
  • Pain when extending leg

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be time to see one of our orthopedic surgeons. Treatment will first be approached from a nonsurgical standpoint. Should pain reach the point of disability for a patient and nonsurgical treatment is no longer effective, your doctor may recommend surgery to help restore function. Together you will discuss if surgery is right for you.

Common conditions

Hip specialists

Our hip surgeons are proficient in identifying the cause of your hip pain and determining the best treatment plan for you. Using the latest surgical methods, including minimally invasive techniques. When the pain of osteoarthritis prohibits you from performing and/or enjoying your normal activities of daily living, it is time to see a board certified orthopedic hip surgeon at the St. Charles Center for Orthopedics & Neurosurgery to discuss your treatment options.

When to see a hip specialist

People of all ages and lifestyles are susceptible to dozens of different hip conditions and diseases, including overuse injuries, osteoarthritis and bursitis. Osteoarthritis is perhaps the most common hip injury typically showing up later in life. This disease often presents as pain with normal activity that progressively becomes worse.

Treatment will first be approached from a nonsurgical standpoint. Should pain reach the point of disability for a patient and nonsurgical treatment is no longer effective, your doctor may recommend surgery to help restore function. Our hip surgeons are proficient in using the latest surgical methods, including minimally invasive techniques. When your hip pain prohibits you from performing and/or enjoying your normal activities of daily living, it is time to see a board-certified orthopedic hip surgeon at the St. Charles Center to discuss your treatment options.

Common causes of hip pain

Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is perhaps the most common hip injury typically showing up later in life. This condition often presents as discomfort with normal activity that progressively becomes worse. Resulting from wear and overuse due to aging, osteoarthritis of the hip can severely impact a person’s lifestyle. Symptoms include hip pain, tenderness, a grating sensation while walking, stiffness, and decreased range of motion.

Hip Bursitis: Bursitis is a condition caused by inflammation of one or both of the fluid-filled cushioning sacs of the hip bone. Hip bursitis can affect anyone, but is more common in women and middle-aged or elderly people. The pain is initially sharp and intense, and later becomes more of a dull ache and spreads across a larger area of the hip. It may become worse when walking, stair climbing, or after being seated for a prolonged period.

Hip Strains: Hip strains occur when one of the muscles supporting your hip joint stretches or tears. Depending on the severity of the injury, a severe strain can limit your ability to move your hip. Strains can be an acute injury resulting from a fall or overstretching. They are also caused by overuse where the muscle or tendon slowly weakens after repetitive movements.

Schedule an appointment to explore what treatment path is right for you.

Common conditions

Hand and wrist specialists

Our hand surgeons use conservative, evidence-based approaches to treat hand and wrist disorders like dupuytrens, carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, nerve injuries, arthritis and complex hand and wrist fractures. We use the latest diagnostic techniques and advanced treatment options to provide personalized care that is tailored to the needs of each individual patient. Our goal is to restore optimal function and eliminate or reduce pain. Our hand and upper extremity (arm below the shoulder) team of fellowship trained orthopedic surgeons and physician assistants work together to diagnose and treat conditions to get you back to what you love doing.

Treatment for hand and wrist pain

The treatment options for hand and wrist pain depend on the underlying cause of the pain. If the pain is due to an injury, rest, ice, compression, and elevation may help reduce swelling and pain. Over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can also provide relief. Physical therapy, including exercises and stretches, may help improve range of motion and strengthen the muscles in the hand and wrist. Wearing a brace or splint can help immobilize the affected area and promote healing.

In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be recommended to reduce inflammation and pain. Surgery may be necessary for more severe cases or when other treatments have been unsuccessful. It is important to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and to determine the most appropriate course of treatment.

When to see a hand and wrist specialist

The hand and wrist are made up of an extremely complex structure of joints, bones, and muscles and are engaged almost constantly in daily life. When function is limited by an injury or disease, it’s important to see an orthopedic hand specialist promptly to evaluate and treat the condition. Our hand specialists treat patients with a range of issues from nerve conditions and arthritis to sprains and sports-related injuries. Patients with hand and/or wrist pain and problems report symptoms such as:

  • Thumb pain that extends to the wrist
  • Swelling and stiffness
  • Pain while doing daily tasks, like opening a jar
  • Weakness when gripping or pinching
  • Tingling sensations

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be time to see one of our orthopedic hand surgeons.

Common conditions

Elbow specialists

A proper diagnosis from an orthopedic surgeon is important in order to obtain treatment to get you back to what you love doing. The St. Charles Center for Orthopedics & Neurosurgery provides comprehensive care for elbow injuries using the latest advances in elbow diagnosis, treatment, surgery and rehabilitation. Whether you’re looking to get back to playing tennis or simply carry a gallon of milk without pain, we’ll help you reach your goals.

When to see an elbow specialist

The elbow joint can withstand a lot of stress, but it is a common area for injuries, which can affect people of all ages and lifestyles. The most common cause of elbow pain is overuse, which can occur during sports, hobbies, or jobs. Common sports that affect the elbow include golf and tennis. Degenerative conditions, such as tendonitis, bursitis, or arthritis, as well as fractures, dislocations, or nerve irritations caused by accident, can also cause elbow pain.

Common conditions

Shoulder pain

The shoulder is an area comprised of three bones, several muscles, ligaments, and tendons, and is the most mobile joint in the human body. Providing a tremendous range of motion, its proper function is essential for daily activities. More than four million patients seek medical attention annually for shoulder injuries, suggesting shoulder pain as one of the largest orthopedic problems in the U.S. Shoulder pain or limited function can result from inflammation, instability, arthritis, or a fracture. 

The orthopedic specialists at the St. Charles Center are experts in treating shoulder conditions and injuries. Our board certified orthopedic physicians are skilled at providing an accurate diagnosis to help create an individual treatment plan for each patient. Treatment options may include conservative options, such as injections or physical therapy, or advanced surgery to restore function to this essential joint. If your shoulder is holding you back, make an appointment with one of our shoulder specialists at the St. Charles Center for Orthopedics & Neurosurgery so that we can help you get back to your active lifestyle.

Common conditions

Brain injuries and conditions 

The brain is the command center of your body, so it is critical to protect it and keep it healthy. Our neurosurgeons offer unparalleled expertise and are skilled in diverse surgical and minimally invasive techniques used to treat a broad range of neurological conditions. They use state of the art diagnostic tools to develop and implement care plans that are as individualized as the patients being treated. In addition, they have access to cutting edge research providing the best possible outcome for each patient.

The neurosurgeons at The Center make it a priority to clearly communicate complicated conditions so that patients and their families are well informed to make decisions about their head and spine injuries. When surgical treatment is necessary, we stay with you every step of the way, through any necessary rehabilitation and follow-up, providing ongoing care. For over 50 years, patients throughout Central Oregon have trusted our team to create surgical and non-surgical approaches with nationally renowned results. If you have a neurological condition, make an appointment with one of our neurosurgeons at The Center so that we can help you get back to what you love.

Common conditions

Back or neck pain

Back and neck pain are common complaints by millions of individuals of all ages and lifestyles. Over 80% of people experience at least one episode of back pain at some point in their life. The spine is one of the most important parts of your body. It helps you stand upright, move, and bend. Your spine is made up of small bones, called vertebrae, that stack up on each other with sponge-like jelly-filled disks between the bones, as well as muscles, ligaments, and nerves. There are many causes of back pain; from overuse to disk injury to degenerative disorders, like arthritis and osteoporosis. Back pain can vary from one person to the next, coming on suddenly or with a slow onset. The pain can be constant or intermittent. Regardless of the source of pain, our spine experts are here to help you regain the life that back pain took away from you.

Over 66% of people are affected by neck pain. Your neck, like your back, is made up of vertebrae. These support the head, brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Neck pain most often results from an injury or overuse.

Patients throughout Central Oregon trust our team of neurosurgeons and physiatrists to diagnose neck and back problems, and design treatment plans to meet each individuals goals. We leverage conservative methods such as injections, physical therapy, activity modification, and medication before considering surgical treatments.

Common conditions

Treatments

Find relief at our Center for Orthopedics & Neurosurgery

Not sure what’s causing your pain? Our "What Hurts" section helps you understand potential conditions affecting your bones, joints, muscles, and nerves. Simply select the area where you’re experiencing discomfort to learn more about common issues and possible treatment options from our expert orthopedic and neurosurgery team.

NOWcare is a service that is offered at our Neff Road clinic location that provides care without an appointment – on the same day whenever possible, or within the same week. This service is for patients with new or sudden injuries such as concussions, on-the-job injuries, sports injuries, sudden or severe musculoskeletal pain, and fractures or sprains.

  • Open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Expert care for all ages, including pediatrics and older adults
  • Concussion evaluation
  • Fracture care and casting
  • X-ray
  • Patients typically pay a regular office visit copay (if applicable)

If your pain or injury has been persistent or ongoing, please call 541-382-3344 to schedule an appointment with one of our providers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Due to a community-wide shortage of orthopedic providers, we’re currently experiencing increased volumes and can’t always provide care on the same day. If an evaluation from a specialist is not available, patients may be offered an appointment, on the same day or within the same week.

The providers at NOWcare specialize in injuries that are related to bones, joints, muscles, and their supporting structures. Urgent Care, on the other hand, is for all different types of illness or injuries requiring a same day evaluation including burns, colds, flu, allergic reactions, rash or skin irritations, mild asthma, etc. If you have a serious condition like stroke, heart attack, severe bleeding, or major trauma go to the emergency room or dial 911.

NOWcare appointments are staffed by our expertly trained orthopedic surgeons, physical medicine and rehabilitation doctors, and physician assistants (PAs). Most sudden onset injuries are evaluated and treated in a similar way. Your provider will determine if your injuries require further diagnostic care and treatment, such as x-ray, splinting, crutches, ice, post-concussion testing, or compression.

Providers at NOWcare have special training in musculoskeletal injuries and can treat them efficiently and effectively. If you are treated at an emergency room or urgent care for an orthopedic injury, they will typically have you follow up with an orthopedic office visit. Patients typically pay a regular office visit copay (if applicable).

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