Dr. David Kaler, MD is an Orthopedic Surgeon dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at his clinic in Port Charlotte, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a partner in your senior health journey, Dr. Kaler understands the unique needs of this population and is committed to working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists to ensure personalized care. General Orthopedic Surgeons possess specialized expertise in diagnosing and treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions common in seniors, such as arthritis, fractures, and spinal issues. He serves older adults (65+) and active seniors, and is currently welcoming new patients.
With over 45 years of dedicated experience in Orthopedic care, Dr. Kaler brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from the University of Louisville School of Medicine in 1977, followed by an internship and residency training in Orthopedic Surgery, culminating in fellowship training. His extensive experience includes time at Baptist Memorial Hospital Memphis, Wc Campbell Clin, and So Ill University, allowing him to develop specialized knowledge in the comprehensive medical care of older adults (65+) and active seniors. Dr. Kaler is affiliated with HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital and AdventHealth Port Charlotte, and his primary focus is general orthopedics, utilizing the most current nonoperative and operative methods. His surgical specialty is Hip, Knee, and Shoulder joint replacement. He is currently accepting new patients and can be reached at (941) 625-0984 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Kaler provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. David Kaler is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Kaler is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive orthopedic care with a focus on personalized treatment plans. He collaborates closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to ensure a holistic approach, addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal concerns, from arthritis to fractures, with the goal of maximizing comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. David Kaler can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Applied Risk Management Solutions
AvMed
Blue Cross Blue Shield
ChoiceCare Network
Cigna
Coventry Health Care
Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield
Health Net
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
Humana
Medicare
MultiPlan
Oxford Health Plans
Tricare
WellPoint
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Ambetter
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
- BlueDental Choice
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- GEHA
- Government Employees Health Association (GEHA)
- Superior Health Plan
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. David Kaler 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:
- Chondromalacia: The wearing down of cartilage beneath the kneecap, known as chondromalacia, can lead to knee pain, but treatment like physical therapy and medication can significantly improve comfort and mobility.
- Scapular Fracture: A broken scapula, or shoulder blade, can cause pain and limit arm movement, but with appropriate care, including surgery in some cases, most seniors regain function.
- Shoulder Pain: Managing shoulder pain often involves a combination of approaches tailored to your specific needs, aiming to reduce pain, improve range of motion, and enhance your overall quality of life.
- Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis causing joint pain and stiffness, often affecting weight-bearing joints like hips and knees. With proper treatment, such as exercise, medication, or even joint replacement surgery, you can manage your pain and keep moving.
- Ganglion Cyst: These benign lumps, known as ganglion cysts, can arise near joints and sometimes limit movement or cause discomfort; a medical professional can assess the cyst and recommend the best course of action, which might involve simple treatments to address your concerns.
- Ankle Sprain and Achilles Tendon Sprain or Rupture: Experiencing pain in your ankle or heel? It could be a sprain or a tear in the Achilles tendon, often impacting your ability to walk comfortably. Treatment focuses on pain management and restoring function so you can stay active and independent.
- Femur Fracture: A femur fracture is a broken thigh bone, a common injury among seniors that's often treated with surgery to help you regain mobility and independence.
- Complications of Joint Prosthesis: Joint replacement surgery is very successful, but potential complications such as infection or implant failure can arise; however, these are typically manageable with appropriate medical care, helping you maintain your active lifestyle.
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) or Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Tear: A tear in the ACL or PCL ligament supporting the knee joint can make everyday activities challenging, however, various treatment options, such as surgery and rehabilitation, aim to reduce pain and restore knee strength for improved mobility and independence.
- Spondylitis: Spondylitis is an inflammation of the spinal joints, often causing stiffness and pain that can be managed with medication, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery to improve mobility and reduce discomfort.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Experiencing heel pain? It might be plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the tissue supporting your arch that can be managed with rest, over-the-counter pain relievers, and custom orthotics to maintain your independence.
- Spinal Stenosis: As we age, the spaces in our spine can narrow, causing a condition called spinal stenosis; this can lead to leg pain and weakness but modern treatments can offer significant relief and improve mobility.
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. David Kaler offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Reverse Total Shoulder and Total Shoulder Replacement: As part of a comprehensive care plan, these procedures aim to replace a damaged shoulder joint, improving function and reducing dependence on others for daily tasks.
- Hip Replacement Revision: Revision hip surgery is a valuable step in managing long-term hip joint issues, offering a path towards renewed comfort and function.
- Knee Replacement Revision: If your previous knee replacement isn't working as well as it should, a revision surgery can help improve its function and longevity, supporting your active lifestyle.
- Somatic Nerve Block: To pinpoint the source of pain and guide treatment decisions, your doctor might use a somatic nerve block as a diagnostic tool to assess nerve function in seniors.
- Hand and Wrist Fracture and Dislocation Treatment: Hand and wrist fracture and dislocation treatment helps restore the function and mobility of your hands, crucial for daily activities.
- Synovial Biopsy: By analyzing a synovial fluid sample, doctors can diagnose inflammatory conditions and rule out infections, assisting with effective joint pain management.
- Steroid Injection: As part of your comprehensive care plan, a steroid injection may be recommended to temporarily reduce pain and inflammation before considering surgery or other interventions.
- Excision of Humerus: As part of a comprehensive cancer treatment plan, surgical removal of a portion of the humerus can help alleviate pain and improve a senior's quality of life by eliminating a cancerous growth.
- Meniscus Surgery: For seniors experiencing persistent knee pain and limited mobility due to a meniscus tear, this procedure helps address the underlying cause and improve their quality of life.
- Carpal Tunnel Release: As part of a comprehensive care plan, carpal tunnel release surgery can restore hand mobility and reduce pain, enhancing your daily activities.
- Elbow Fracture and Dislocation Treatment: Proper diagnosis and treatment of elbow fractures and dislocations helps avoid long-term complications, ensuring seniors maintain their quality of life.
- Hip Replacement: For seniors with severely damaged hips, hip replacement surgery is a treatment option that can significantly improve quality of life by alleviating pain and increasing mobility.
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 Orthopedic Surgeries in Florida.
Dr. David Kaler 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 targeted physical therapy and medication, a senior was able to resume their favorite walks in the park, a cherished activity that had become difficult due to knee pain. Their quality of life significantly improved, and they felt more confident and independent in their home.
- Following careful orthopedic care, a senior was able to resume painting, a beloved hobby, without the debilitating shoulder pain caused by the scapular fracture. The family felt immense relief knowing their loved one could enjoy their passion once more.
- With targeted treatment for shoulder pain, a senior was able to resume painting again, a beloved hobby that had been sidelined by discomfort. The family rejoiced in seeing their loved one regain their passion and quality of life.
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 Orthopedic care with Dr. David Kaler:
- What is an Orthopedic Surgeon?
- Dr. Kaler and his team are orthopedic surgeons, meaning they are medical doctors specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of the musculoskeletal systembones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. They offer a full range of care, including both surgical and non-surgical options, to help seniors recover function and reduce pain.
- Does seeing an orthopedic surgeon automatically mean I need surgery?
- Absolutely not. Dr. Kaler's practice focuses on finding the best treatment plan for each individual, often recommending conservative options like physical therapy, injections, or bracing first. Surgery is only considered when it's the most beneficial way to restore function and quality of life.
- What is the recovery like after a knee or hip replacement?
- Recovery after a knee or hip replacement is a process. It typically involves a hospital stay, followed by extensive physical therapy, though modern techniques often allow patients to walk the same day as surgery. The goal is to regain strength and motion, and most patients experience significant pain relief and return to many daily activities within a few months.
- What can be done for my painful knee or hip arthritis?
- We understand the pain you're experiencing. Treatment for arthritis is a stepwise approach, often beginning with conservative measures like medication, physical therapy, and injections. If pain persists and limits your daily activities, Dr. Kaler may discuss joint replacement surgery as a viable option.
- What is arthroscopic surgery?
- Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive technique where Dr. Kaler uses a tiny camera and small instruments inserted through small incisions to see and repair problems inside a joint. This often results in less pain, less tissue damage, and a faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.
- What can be done for the numbness and tingling in my hand?
- Numbness and tingling in your hand are classic symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, a pinched nerve at the wrist. Initial treatment often involves a wrist brace or steroid injection. If symptoms persist, Dr. Kaler can perform a quick, outpatient surgery to release the pressure on the nerve and provide lasting relief.
- What is a cortisone injection?
- A cortisone injection is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication injected directly into a painful joint, like a knee or shoulder. It works by reducing swelling and inflammation, often providing temporary pain relief for conditions like arthritis or tendonitis. It's a safe and effective tool to help manage flare-ups.
- My ankle feels weak and painful. What are my options?
- Chronic ankle pain and instability in seniors can often be addressed with supportive bracing, physical therapy, and injections. For more severe cases, Dr. Kaler can discuss surgical options like ankle fusion or, in some cases, total ankle replacement to provide stability and pain relief.
4161 Tamiami Trl Ste 101
Port Charlotte FL 33952
Phone: (941) 625-0984
Dr. David Kaler, MD 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): 1396706016
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 provider named. Orthopedic Surgeries like Dr. David Kaler 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.