Dr. Erik Nilssen, MD is an Orthopedic Surgeon with a focus on Foot & Ankle Surgery, dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Orthopedic care for older adults at his clinic in Pensacola, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a valued partner in senior health, Dr. Nilssen understands the unique needs of this population and works collaboratively with primary care physicians and other specialists to deliver personalized care. His expertise extends to the compassionate management of foot & ankle surgery, helping patients maintain function and improve their quality of life. He serves older adults (65+) and active seniors, and is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (850) 435-4800 to schedule an appointment.
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. Dr. Nilssen, as founder and guiding force behind the Andrews Foot & Ankle Center, brings over 20 years of dedicated experience in Orthopedic care to his practice. He earned his medical degree from the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine in 2002 and completed his Orthopedic Surgery residency at Mcgill University School of Medicine in 2007, followed by fellowship training in Sports Medicine and Foot & Ankle at the American Sports Medicine Institute. He is Board Certified in Orthopedic Surgery by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and an Associate Professor at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine. Dr. Nilssen is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care, creating a supportive environment for patients and their families. He provides consultations primarily in English.
Dr. Nilssen's commitment to excellence extends beyond his clinical practice. He is deeply involved in mentoring future orthopedic surgeons and serves as a medical director for various high-performance athletic organizations. His dedication to senior care is evident in his comprehensive understanding of the needs of this population. His extensive experience, coupled with his compassionate approach, makes him a trusted partner in the health journey of older adults and active seniors. His dedication to the well-being of his patients and their families is evident in his commitment to both his clinical and mentorship roles.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Erik Nilssen is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Erik Nilssen is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, offering compassionate and comprehensive orthopedic care. He skillfully diagnoses and treats a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including arthritis and fractures, while collaborating closely with other specialists and your primary care physician. His expertise extends to foot and ankle surgery, focusing on restoring function and improving the quality of life for his patients.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Erik Nilssen can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield of California
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
Cigna
Coventry Health Care
Coventry Health Care of Florida
Humana
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Inc.
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Erik Nilssen 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:
- Post-Laminectomy Syndrome: Following a laminectomy, some individuals experience ongoing pain, numbness, or weakness in the back and legsthis is known as post-laminectomy syndromeand physical therapy and medication can help alleviate these symptoms and restore mobility.
- Osteoarthritis of Shoulder: Shoulder osteoarthritis is the wearing away of protective cartilage in your shoulder joint, resulting in discomfort and limited movement; however, treatment options like pain relievers, exercises, and potentially joint replacement surgery can help you maintain your independence and enjoy a better quality of life.
- Complications of Joint Prosthesis: While rare, complications can follow joint replacement, including pain, instability, or infection; your healthcare team is prepared to address these issues promptly, optimizing your recovery and helping you enjoy a better quality of life.
- Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: Shoulder impingement syndrome occurs when tendons and tissues in your shoulder become irritated and compressed, causing pain and stiffness that can limit your ability to move your arm and perform daily tasks.
- Knee Ligament Tears: Experiencing pain and instability in your knee might indicate a ligament tear, a common injury treatable through tailored strategies like bracing, rehabilitation, or surgery, helping you maintain your active lifestyle.
- Ankle Sprain and Achilles Tendon Sprain or Rupture: Ankle and Achilles injuries can be very painful but are often treatable without surgery. With the right approach, including physical therapy and supportive footwear, you can improve your ankle strength and flexibility, helping you maintain your active lifestyle.
- Dupuytrens Contracture: As we age, some develop Dupuytren's contracture, a thickening of tissue in the palm that pulls the fingers into a bent position; treatment aims to improve hand movement and daily tasks.
- Achilles Tendinitis: If you're dealing with heel pain and stiffness, it could be Achilles tendinitis, an inflammation of the tendon at the back of your ankle. Treatment often involves managing inflammation and strengthening exercises to improve comfort and help you move more freely.
- Pyogenic Arthritis: If you have pyogenic arthritis, a bacterial infection in your joint, early diagnosis and treatment with intravenous antibiotics are crucial to reduce pain, prevent long-term disability, and allow you to enjoy your daily life.
- Metatarsalgia: Don't let metatarsalgia limit your mobility. This pain in the ball of your foot is often treatable with conservative measures like over-the-counter pain relievers, well-fitting shoes, and regular foot exercises, improving your comfort and keeping you on your feet.
- Knee Osteophyte: If you experience knee pain caused by osteophytes, understanding your options, such as physical therapy or medication, helps you make informed choices about managing your comfort and preserving your independence.
- Sacrum Disorders: The sacrum, a crucial bone in your lower back, can sometimes cause significant discomfort, however, with a healthcare provider's guidance, a personalized plan with medication, physical therapy, or other interventions can help improve your comfort and ability to move freely.
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. Erik Nilssen offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Shoulder Arthroscopy: For seniors experiencing shoulder pain or limited movement, shoulder arthroscopy offers a less invasive way to repair damaged tissues, such as torn rotator cuffs, improving function and reducing discomfort.
- Ankle Arthroscopy: Ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows doctors to directly visualize and treat ankle problems, helping seniors manage pain and improve mobility.
- Achilles Tendon Rupture Repair: As part of a comprehensive care plan for seniors, Achilles tendon rupture repair addresses the debilitating effects of this injury, allowing for a faster return to normal activities.
- Steroid Injection: A steroid injection can provide temporary pain relief and reduce inflammation in your joints, helping you manage arthritis symptoms and improve mobility.
- Foot Dislocation Treatment: Foot dislocation treatment helps realign a dislocated foot bone, relieving pain and restoring proper function for seniors.
- Hand or Wrist Tendon Transfer: This procedure is a valuable part of a senior's care plan for improving hand function and reducing pain stemming from conditions like arthritis or stroke.
- Meniscus Surgery: Meniscus surgery helps repair or remove damaged cartilage in the knee, easing pain and improving mobility for seniors with knee problems.
- Removal of Bone Spur: As part of your comprehensive care plan, removing a bone spur may help restore normal joint function and reduce the need for pain medication.
- Myofascial Trigger Point Injection: Myofascial trigger point injections help doctors identify and treat specific areas of muscle tenderness, contributing to a holistic care plan that addresses the underlying causes of pain in older adults.
- Trigger Point Injection: Trigger point injections are sometimes included as part of a senior's broader care plan to address muscle pain that may be contributing to limited range of motion or other mobility challenges.
- Meniscectomy: To diagnose and address the source of chronic knee pain, a meniscectomy can be performed to remove damaged meniscal tissue, which contributes to pain and inflammation in the knee joint of older adults.
- Patellar and Quadriceps Tendon Repairs: Patellar and quadriceps tendon repairs help restore function and reduce pain in the knee by addressing injuries to the tendons that connect the kneecap and thigh muscle.
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. Erik Nilssen 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:
- Following a laminectomy, a senior felt a significant reduction in back and leg pain, allowing them to resume their beloved hobby of walking their dog in the park with newfound ease and confidence.
- With guided exercises and medication, a senior was able to resume painting, a cherished hobby that had been hampered by shoulder pain. Their family rejoiced at the renewed joy and independence.
- Following a joint replacement, a senior felt significantly less pain and regained the ability to confidently navigate their home, enjoying their favorite hobbies once again. The family was relieved to see their loved one's improved mobility and overall well-being.
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)
- American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (Orthopedic Surgery)
Here are answers to some common questions about Orthopedic care with Dr. Erik Nilssen:
- What is an Orthopedic Surgeon?
- Dr. Nilssen and our team of orthopedic surgeons are medical doctors specializing in the musculoskeletal systembones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. We diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, using both surgical and non-surgical approaches to alleviate pain and restore function for seniors.
- Does seeing an orthopedic surgeon automatically mean I need surgery?
- Absolutely not. Dr. Nilssen's practice focuses on finding the best treatment plan for each individual, often starting with conservative options like physical therapy, injections, or bracing. 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, starting with a hospital stay and continuing with extensive physical therapy. Modern techniques often allow patients to walk on 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 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 but significant pain relief for conditions like arthritis or tendonitis. It's a safe and effective tool to manage flare-ups.
- What can be done for my painful knee or hip arthritis?
- We understand the pain you're experiencing. Treatment for arthritis is a gradual process, often starting with conservative measures like medication, physical therapy, and injections. If these measures don't sufficiently relieve your pain and limit your activities, Dr. Nilssen may discuss joint replacement surgery as a potential solution.
- What is arthroscopic surgery?
- Dr. Nilssen performs arthroscopy, a minimally invasive surgical technique. A tiny camera and small instruments are inserted through small incisions to see and repair joint problems. This often leads to less pain, less tissue damage, and a faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.
- My ankle feels weak and painful. What are my options?
- Chronic ankle pain and instability in seniors can be due to arthritis or old ligament injuries. Treatment often begins with supportive bracing, physical therapy, and injections. For severe cases, Dr. Nilssen can discuss surgical options like ankle fusion or, in some cases, total ankle replacement to provide stability and pain relief.
- What is joint replacement surgery?
- Joint replacement surgery, performed by Dr. Nilssen, is a procedure to replace a damaged or arthritic joint with an artificial implant. The goal is to relieve the pain of bone-on-bone arthritis, and it's a very successful procedure that can dramatically improve mobility, reduce pain, and restore independence for seniors.
825 E Burgess Rd
Pensacola FL 32504
Phone: (850) 435-4800
Dr. Erik Nilssen, 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): 1457579435
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. Erik Nilssen 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.