Dr. Claudia Mallette, DPM is a Podiatry with a Focus on Foot & Ankle Surgery, dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Podiatric care for older adults at her clinic in Melbourne, FL. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring patients receive the highest quality of care. Dr. Mallette understands the unique needs of seniors, recognizing that foot and ankle problems can significantly impact 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. This area of practice focuses on the compassionate management of foot & ankle surgery to help patients maintain function and improve their quality of life. Dr. Mallette serves older adults (65 years and older) and is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. She is affiliated with medical facilities such as Holmes Regional Medical Center and Cape Canaveral Hospital. Dr. Claudia Mallette offers consultations in Portuguese. Prospective patients should call (321) 728-0117 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Claudia Mallette is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Claudia Mallette is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing compassionate and comprehensive podiatric care. She expertly addresses common foot and ankle concerns like diabetic foot care, arthritis, and mobility issues, collaborating with primary care physicians and specialists to prevent falls and maintain overall well-being. Dr. Mallette also provides expert foot and ankle surgical management, focusing on restoring function and improving quality of life.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Claudia Mallette can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Choice HMO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida
- Blue Preferred Patient Care PPO
- Blue Select PPO
- BlueOptions HMO
- Choice Care Network PPO
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice POS
- Choice Plus POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Florida Blue
- HMO Premier HMO
- Humana
- Inc. d/b/a Florida Blue
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- Medica Choice
- National POS
- Navigate HMO
- Navigate POS
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO
- Options PPO
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Claudia Mallette 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:
- Bunion: Managing a bunion often involves wearing wider shoes, using protective padding, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers. In some cases, surgery may be considered to correct the deformity and restore comfort.
- Metatarsalgia: If you're dealing with persistent pain in the area where your toes meet your foot, it might be metatarsalgia. Fortunately, treatments including medication, stretches, and special shoe inserts can often make a big difference to your comfort and mobility.
- Osteoarthritis of Foot: The painful stiffness and swelling in your foot joints caused by osteoarthritis can be significantly improved through various treatments such as physical therapy, joint injections, or even surgery, helping you maintain your ability to move around and enjoy life.
- Osteoarthritis of Ankle: Ankle osteoarthritis causes pain and stiffness due to the breakdown of the joint's cartilage, affecting your ability to walk and stand, but various treatments can help maintain independence.
- Foot Sprain: Experiencing pain and instability in your foot after a twist or awkward movement might indicate a sprain; with gentle stretching, physical therapy, and appropriate footwear, you can restore mobility and improve your comfort.
- Ankle Sprain and Achilles Tendon Sprain or Rupture: Experiencing ankle or Achilles pain? These injuries, ranging from mild sprains to serious ruptures, can significantly impact mobility, but appropriate treatment, including rest, ice, and possibly physical therapy, can help you get back on your feet and maintain your independence.
- Foot And Ankle Osteophyte: If you have foot and ankle pain caused by osteophytes, it's important to talk to a podiatrist who can recommend effective management strategies, including supportive shoes, orthotics, or other treatments to maintain your mobility.
- Bunionette: A bunionette, or tailor's bunion, is a bony bump that forms on the outside of the little toe, often causing pain and discomfort that can make walking difficult, but treatment options can help you stay mobile and independent.
- Ankle Fracture: An ankle fracture is a break in one or more of the bones in your ankle, often causing pain and making it difficult to walk, but with proper treatment, like casting or surgery, you can regain mobility and reduce pain.
- Achilles Tendinitis: The Achilles tendon, crucial for walking, can become inflamed (Achilles tendinitis), leading to heel pain and difficulty moving. Fortunately, treatments like physical therapy can help you manage this and maintain your independence.
- Stress Fracture of Foot: A stress fracture is a hairline crack in one of the bones in your foot; it can often be successfully treated with rest, supportive shoes, and possibly physical therapy so that you can continue to enjoy your daily life.
- Foot Fracture: Experiencing a foot fracture can limit your mobility, but with appropriate medical care, including therapies and possibly surgery, you can regain your strength and walk confidently again.
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. Claudia Mallette offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Bunion Surgery: For seniors experiencing significant pain or functional limitations due to bunions, bunion surgery offers a potential solution to restore comfort and improve quality of life.
- Excision of Tarsal or Metatarsal: As part of a comprehensive care plan for seniors with foot problems, this procedure, involving the removal of a tarsal or metatarsal bone, can alleviate pressure points and help prevent further complications.
- Foot and Ankle Fracture and Dislocation Treatment: Treatment for foot and ankle fractures and dislocations helps seniors regain mobility and reduce pain after an injury.
- Foot Fracture Treatment Closed: Managing a foot fracture with closed treatment allows seniors to avoid invasive procedures, promoting a faster and less disruptive recovery.
- Hammer Toe Repair: As part of a comprehensive foot care plan, hammer toe repair can restore balance and reduce the risk of falls in older adults.
- 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.
- Plantar Fascia Release: Plantar fascia release is a procedure that can help relieve heel pain and improve mobility for seniors struggling with plantar fasciitis.
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. Claudia Mallette 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:
- With expert guidance on shoe choices and padding, a senior woman found relief from bunion pain, allowing her to comfortably enjoy walking her dog again.
- After struggling with persistent foot pain, a senior was able to resume walking comfortably in their garden and enjoy their favorite hobby of tending to their flowers. The podiatrist's guidance on medication, stretches, and shoe inserts provided significant relief and restored their mobility.
- With the painful stiffness and swelling in her foot joints significantly reduced, a woman regained her confidence in walking around her home safely and enjoyed her daily walks with her grandchildren again.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. She 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. Claudia Mallette:
- What is a Podiatrist, and why is foot care so important for seniors?
- A podiatrist, like Dr. Mallette, is a doctor specializing in the foot, ankle, and lower leg. Healthy feet are essential for seniors to maintain mobility, balance, and independence. Dr. Mallette is an expert in managing age-related foot problems and preventing complications.
- I have diabetes. How often should I see a Podiatrist like Dr. Claudia Mallette?
- Regular visits to Dr. Mallette are crucial for seniors with diabetes. A comprehensive foot exam at least annually is essential to detect potential problems like neuropathy and poor circulation, which can lead to serious complications like ulcers and amputations.
- Does Medicare cover podiatry visits?
- Medicare Part B often covers podiatric services for diagnosing and treating foot conditions like diabetic foot problems or bunions. However, routine care like nail trimming is usually not covered unless it's related to a broader medical issue. Please check with your insurance provider for specific details.
- What is hammertoe, and does it require surgery?
- Hammertoe is a bending or contracture of the smaller toes. In early stages, it can often be managed with roomier shoes and orthotics. Surgery is only considered when the toe becomes rigid and painful, causing difficulty with footwear.
- My feet are numb and tingling. Is that serious?
- Numbness and tingling in your feet are important symptoms that should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. This can sometimes be a sign of neuropathy, often related to diabetes or other nerve conditions. A proper diagnosis is key to managing the condition and preventing complications.
- What is the best way to treat thick, yellow, or fungal toenails?
- Thick, yellow, or fungal toenails are a common condition in seniors, often related to underlying health factors. Dr. Mallette can discuss treatment options, including topical or oral antifungal medications, or professional nail debridement, to improve comfort and appearance, and address the underlying cause.
- 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 a variety of management strategies, such as stretching exercises, supportive footwear, orthotics, and, if needed, injections to relieve inflammation and help you get back on your feet comfortably.
- How is arthritis in the foot and ankle managed?
- Dr. Mallette's practice focuses on managing foot and ankle arthritis pain while preserving function. Treatments may include anti-inflammatory medications, supportive footwear, custom bracing or orthotics, and injections to help seniors stay active and comfortable.
200 S Harbor City Blvd Ste 102
Melbourne FL 32901
Phone: (321) 728-0117
Dr. Claudia Mallette, 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): 1861633463
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. Claudia Mallette 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.