Dr. Andrew Belis, DPM is a Podiatrist practicing at our Fort Myers, FL clinic, dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive podiatric care for older adults. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Belis understands the unique needs of seniors, focusing on the common foot and ankle problems that can affect mobility and overall well-being. General podiatrists provide expert care for seniors' common foot and ankle problems, including diabetic foot care, arthritis, and mobility issues, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists to prevent falls and maintain your overall health. He is committed to being a trusted partner in your health journey, serving older adults (65 years and older), and is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (239) 482-2663 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Andrew M. Belis, born and raised in Long Island, New York, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his practice. He earned his medical degree from Temple University in 1999, followed by an internship and residency in Podiatry Services at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center and Greater Baltimore Medical Center, respectively. With over 25 years of dedicated experience in podiatric care, Dr. Belis has honed his skills in comprehensive medical care of older adults (65 years and older). He is also an associate faculty member of the Florida State University Family Medicine Residency Program, a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and of the American College of Foot and Ankle Pediatrics, and active in his profession. Dr. Belis is fluent in Greek and also offers consultations in Spanish. His commitment to his patients is evident in his approach to care, which emphasizes clear communication, comprehensive treatment plans, and a commitment to keeping patients active and back on their feet.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Andrew Belis is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Belis is a compassionate podiatrist dedicated to providing comprehensive and person-centered care for seniors. He excels at addressing common foot and ankle concerns, including diabetic foot care, arthritis, and mobility issues, working collaboratively with other healthcare providers to create a personalized plan for maintaining overall health and preventing falls. His focus is on empowering seniors to live comfortably and independently.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Andrew Belis can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Assurant Health
WellPoint
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- AvMed
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Great West Healthcare-Cigna PPO
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Open Access
- Options PPO
- Select HMO
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Andrew Belis provides expert, compassionate care for a range of conditions common in older adults, with a focus on managing symptoms and maintaining function. Common areas of focus include:
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: Imagine a pinched nerve in your ankle causing discomfort; that's tarsal tunnel syndrome. Treatment often involves managing the pain and inflammation, enabling you to stay active and independent.
- Toe Fractures: Breaking a toe can be upsetting, but the good news is that most toe fractures heal well with conservative treatment. Your podiatrist will work with you to find the best approach to minimize pain and restore your ability to move freely.
- Heel Spur: Heel spurs, bony projections on the heel, are a common cause of heel pain in older adults, but with proper care, including supportive shoes, custom orthotics, and physical therapy, you can significantly reduce pain and improve your quality of life.
- Diabetic (Charcot) Foot: Charcot foot, a severe consequence of uncontrolled diabetes, causes damage to the bones and joints in the feet and can lead to serious complications, but prompt diagnosis, careful management of blood sugar, and specialized foot care can significantly reduce risk and protect your ability to walk.
- Onychomycosis: Dealing with toenail fungus (onychomycosis) can affect your mobility and confidence, but with the right medical care, you can get rid of the infection and enjoy more comfortable, pain-free walking.
- Injuries: Managing foot and ankle injuries is vital for seniors to maintain their quality of life. A podiatrist can develop a personalized care plan to reduce pain, improve healing, and restore mobility.
- Posterior Tibial Tendonitis: This condition affects the tendon behind your ankle bone, causing arch pain and stiffness; treatment, which may include custom orthotics, aims to restore comfortable walking and prevent further complications.
- Foot Fracture: Breaking a bone in your foot can be upsetting, but with the right medical attention, such as casting or surgery, you can heal and get back to enjoying your daily activities.
- Osteoarthritis of Foot: Osteoarthritis in the foot is a type of arthritis causing joint pain and stiffness, often making it difficult to walk comfortably, but treatments like pain relief and exercise can significantly improve mobility and reduce discomfort.
- Hammer Toe: Managing hammer toe may involve wearing wider shoes, using toe pads for cushioning and support, or undergoing simple surgery to correct the deformity and improve walking ability.
- Flat Foot: Flat feet, also known as pes planus, occur when the arch of your foot collapses, leading to a flat appearance, but often manageable with supportive footwear and orthotics improving comfort and balance.
- Metatarsalgia: Experiencing pain in the front part of your foot? This could be metatarsalgia, and thankfully, simple changes like wearing proper footwear and using orthotics can often significantly reduce the pain and improve your daily life.
This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional based on your specific health history.
To provide comprehensive and person-centered care, Dr. Andrew Belis offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Achilles Tenotomy: For seniors with limited ankle flexibility, an Achilles tenotomy might be considered as part of a comprehensive care plan to enhance their range of motion and reduce fall risk.
- Foot Dislocation Treatment: Accurate diagnosis and treatment of foot dislocations are vital in seniors to minimize recovery time and prevent further injury or development of chronic conditions.
- Flatfoot Correction: As part of a comprehensive care plan, flatfoot correction can alleviate pain and discomfort associated with arthritis and other foot conditions.
- Ligament Reconstruction: Ligament reconstruction surgery helps repair damaged ligaments in the foot or ankle, improving stability and reducing pain for seniors with mobility issues.
- Achilles Tendon Rupture Repair: This surgery is a treatment option for seniors who experience a complete or partial rupture of their Achilles tendon, significantly improving lower limb function.
- Foot Fracture Treatment Open: This surgical procedure addresses severe foot fractures, aiding in the restoration of function and preventing long-term complications in older adults.
- Ankle Arthroscopy: To better understand the source of your ankle pain, your podiatrist may recommend ankle arthroscopy, a procedure using a small camera to diagnose and treat internal ankle issues.
- Heel Bone Spur Removal: For seniors with debilitating heel pain from bone spurs, this surgical option can improve their ability to walk, stand and participate in daily activities.
- Nail Avulsion and Excision: As part of a comprehensive foot care plan for seniors, nail avulsion and excision addresses nail problems that could lead to serious complications, like infection or ulceration.
- Ankle Replacement: As part of a comprehensive care plan for seniors with debilitating ankle conditions, ankle replacement surgery aims to alleviate pain, enhance mobility, and prevent falls.
- Dupuytrens Contracture Foot Division: This procedure is a key element in a senior's foot care journey, allowing for the correction of contracture-related deformities and enhancing their ability to maintain independence.
- Hammer Toe Repair: Hammer toe repair surgery aims to improve the function and appearance of the affected toe, increasing confidence and independence.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Podiatry Services in Florida.
Dr. Andrew Belis is dedicated to partnering with older adults and their families to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how compassionate care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- After struggling with debilitating foot pain, a senior was able to resume her daily walks in the park, a cherished activity, thanks to a podiatry-led treatment plan. The management of her tarsal tunnel syndrome allowed her to regain her mobility and independence.
- After careful treatment for toe fractures, a senior felt a significant reduction in pain, allowing them to confidently navigate their home and enjoy their favorite hobby of gardening again.
- With the help of a podiatrist, a senior was able to resume walking her dog without the debilitating heel pain, a cherished activity once nearly impossible. The family felt a sense of relief and joy as their loved one regained mobility and independence.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
3801 E Highway 98 Ste 100100, Port St. Joe, FL, 32456
Phone: (850) 229-5752
View on Map
- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
Here are answers to some common questions about Podiatric care with Dr. Andrew Belis:
- What is a Podiatrist, and why is foot care so important for seniors?
- Dr. Andrew Belis is a podiatrist, a specialist in foot, ankle, and lower leg care. Healthy feet are vital for seniors, supporting mobility, balance, and independence. Dr. Belis is expert in managing age-related foot problems and preventing complications.
- I have diabetes. How often should I see a Podiatrist like Dr. Andrew Belis?
- Regular foot exams are crucial for seniors with diabetes. Dr. Belis recommends a comprehensive exam at least annually to detect potential problems like neuropathy and poor circulation, which can lead to serious foot complications like ulcers and even amputation.
- Does Medicare cover podiatry visits?
- Medicare Part B usually covers podiatric services needed to diagnose and treat foot problems, such as diabetic foot care. However, routine services like nail trimming are typically not covered unless related to a medical condition. Please contact Dr. Belis's office for specific coverage details.
- What are custom orthotics and how can they help?
- Custom orthotics are prescription medical devices worn inside shoes. They are individually crafted from a precise mold of your foot to correct biomechanical issues, provide support, and relieve pain associated with conditions like flat feet, plantar fasciitis, or arthritis.
- My feet are numb and tingling. Is that serious?
- Numbness and tingling in your feet are important symptoms that should be evaluated by a doctor. They can be a sign of neuropathy, often related to diabetes or other nerve issues. A proper diagnosis is key to managing the condition and preventing complications.
- What is hammertoe, and does it require surgery?
- Hammertoe is a bending or contracture of the smaller toes. In the early stages, it can often be managed with wider shoes and orthotics. Surgery is typically only considered when the toe becomes rigid and painful, making it difficult to wear shoes comfortably.
- What is involved in diabetic wound care?
- Dr. Belis's diabetic wound care service specializes in treating foot ulcers and preventing infections. This involves cleaning the wound, removing damaged tissue, applying specialized dressings, and developing strategies to reduce pressure on the affected area to promote healing.
- Can you help with heel pain or plantar fasciitis?
- Yes, heel pain, including plantar fasciitis, is one of the most common issues we treat. We offer management strategies like stretching exercises, supportive footwear, custom orthotics, and, if needed, injections to relieve inflammation and help you get back on your feet comfortably.
12670 Creekside Ln Ste 202
Fort Myers FL 33919
Phone: (239) 482-2663
Dr. Andrew Belis, DPM is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1053376061
Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by infoaging.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with healthcare partners for yourself or a loved one. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Podiatry Services like Dr. Andrew Belis are skilled in helping seniors and their families navigate their health journey. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.