Dr. Joseph Locker, MD is an Orthopedic Surgeon practicing at The Orthopaedic Institute in Ocala, FL. He is dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Orthopedic care for older adults (65+) and active seniors. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), Dr. Locker is a trusted partner in your health journey. 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, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists to provide comprehensive and personalized care. He is currently welcoming new patients and encourages you to call (352) 285-9986 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Joseph Locker, a 47-year-old orthopedic surgeon with 22 years of experience, is affiliated with HCA Florida West Marion Hospital and HCA Florida Ocala Hospital. With over 25 years of dedicated experience in Orthopedic care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Georgetown University Washington DC in 1995, followed by residency training in Orthopedic Surgeries at Tulane University New Orleans LA, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of Older adults (65+) and active seniors. Board Certified in Orthopedic Surgery by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dr. Locker's practice aligns with The Orthopaedic Institute's mission of providing unsurpassed musculoskeletal care with a focus on patient well-being. Our mission is to help patients achieve their personal wellness goals by providing comprehensive musculoskeletal care that is unsurpassed in quality, accessibility and compassion. We are dedicated to Improving Lives - Everyday. The Orthopaedic Institute is a private practice group of specialty physicians providing the complete spectrum of musculoskeletal care. TOI has served North Florida for more than 30 years and has four locations in Gainesville, Ocala, Lake City and Alachua. Dr. Joseph Locker provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Joseph Locker is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Locker is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive orthopedic care tailored to individual needs. He collaborates closely with primary care physicians and specialists to address a wide range of musculoskeletal concerns, from arthritis and fractures to spinal issues, focusing on personalized treatment plans that maximize comfort and independence for each patient.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Joseph Locker can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cigna
Curative
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Cigna PPO
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- True Blue
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
- Workers Compensation
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Joseph Locker 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:
- Ankylosing Spondylitis: Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease impacting the spine and causing pain and stiffness; working with your doctor to develop a treatment plan can help manage symptoms and enable you to remain active.
- Internal Derangement of Knee: If you're experiencing knee pain, stiffness, or instability, it may be due to an internal derangement, meaning a problem inside the knee joint; the good news is that various treatments, from physical therapy to surgery, can help restore your mobility and alleviate pain.
- Femur Fracture: Breaking your thigh bone (femur) can be scary, but with proper medical care, including surgery and rehabilitation, you can heal and return to your daily activities.
- Osteoarthritis of Knee: As we age, the cartilage in our knees can wear down, leading to knee osteoarthritis, characterized by pain, swelling, and limited movement; however, treatments like exercise, pain relievers, and even knee replacement can significantly improve your comfort and ability to stay active.
- Bursitis of Hip: Hip bursitis is an inflammation of the small sacs near your hip joint that can cause significant pain and limit your activity; Fortunately, simple treatments like rest and medication can significantly reduce pain and improve your quality of life.
- Osteoarthritis of Foot: Osteoarthritis in the foot affects the joints, causing pain, swelling, and reduced flexibility, potentially impacting your ability to walk or stand; fortunately, there are options to manage symptoms and improve your comfort.
- Avascular Necrosis: Sometimes, reduced blood flow can cause part of a bone to die (avascular necrosis), leading to joint pain and limited movement. With proper treatment, such as medication or surgery, many individuals can effectively manage this condition and improve their mobility.
- Gout: Gout is a type of arthritis that causes sudden, severe joint pain, often in the big toe, due to a buildup of uric acid crystals.
- Patellar Chondromalacia: The softening and breakdown of cartilage under your kneecap, known as patellar chondromalacia, can cause significant knee pain, but appropriate managementfrom physical therapy to medicationcan help you regain comfort and continue enjoying everyday activities.
- Lumbar Radiculopathy: If lower back pain is impacting your independence, it might be lumbar radiculopathy, where a nerve is compressed in your spine. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available to reduce pain and improve your quality of life, allowing you to remain active.
- Non-Unions and Malunions of Fractures: A non-union or malunion is when a broken bone doesn't heal properly, leaving you with pain and limited movement, but with the right treatment, such as surgery or bone grafting, you can regain function and improve your mobility.
- Ottos Pelvis: Otto's pelvis refers to a potential issue with the bones and joints of the pelvis, often causing pain and impacting mobility in older adults, which can be managed with various treatments to improve comfort and independence.
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. Joseph Locker offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Peripheral Nerve Block: A peripheral nerve block is a procedure that numbs a specific area of your body, reducing pain and allowing for easier movement and rehabilitation after surgery or injury.
- Meniscus Surgery: As part of a comprehensive care plan for osteoarthritis, meniscus surgery can alleviate persistent knee pain and restore function, allowing seniors to remain active.
- Knee Replacement Revision: Addressing complications from a prior knee replacement, revision surgery allows for a more durable and effective solution for long-term joint health in older adults.
- Biceps Tendon Repair: This procedure addresses a common cause of shoulder pain and weakness in seniors, helping them regain their independence and quality of life.
- Knee and Leg Fracture and Dislocation Treatment: This service provides comprehensive diagnosis and management of broken bones and joint misalignments in the knee and leg, crucial for regaining independence.
- Hip Dislocation: A hip dislocation occurs when the head of the thigh bone pops out of the hip socket, a painful condition requiring prompt medical attention to restore proper joint alignment and prevent long-term damage.
- 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.
- Partial Knee Replacement: This procedure is an effective treatment option for seniors experiencing knee pain stemming from arthritis, offering a less invasive alternative to total knee replacement while preserving the maximum amount of native knee joint.
- Hip Replacement: A hip replacement can be part of a comprehensive care plan to help seniors manage chronic hip pain and regain their independence by restoring joint function.
- ACL Surgery: ACL surgery helps manage severe knee instability caused by a torn ACL, allowing seniors to improve their mobility and quality of life.
- Open Hip Fracture Treatment: For seniors with broken hips, open fracture treatment is a crucial step in their recovery journey, enabling them to regain independence and quality of life.
- Meniscectomy: A meniscectomy is a surgical procedure to remove damaged portions of the meniscus, a cartilage pad in your knee, helping to alleviate pain and improve knee function in seniors with osteoarthritis or other knee injuries.
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. Joseph Locker 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 a tailored treatment plan, a senior with ankylosing spondylitis regained the ability to comfortably participate in their favorite weekly Tai Chi class, greatly improving their overall well-being.
- With expert guidance, a senior was able to resume their beloved daily walks, a cherished activity now possible without the debilitating knee pain caused by internal derangement. Family members felt a great sense of relief knowing their loved one could enjoy their life more comfortably.
- After a femur fracture, a senior felt renewed confidence in their ability to navigate their home safely, thanks to a supportive rehabilitation program. They were thrilled to be able to resume their beloved hobby of playing bridge with friends again.
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. Joseph Locker:
- What is an Orthopedic Surgeon?
- Dr. Locker and our team are orthopedic surgeons, meaning we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of the musculoskeletal systembones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. We offer both surgical and non-surgical options to help relieve pain and restore function for seniors.
- Does seeing an orthopedic surgeon automatically mean I need surgery?
- Absolutely not. Dr. Locker'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 considered only when it is the most effective way to restore quality of life.
- My ankle feels weak and painful. What are my options?
- Chronic ankle pain and instability in seniors can be caused by arthritis or old ligament injuries. Treatment often begins with supportive bracing, physical therapy, and injections. For severe cases, Dr. Locker can discuss surgical options like ankle fusion or, in some cases, total ankle replacement to provide stability and pain relief.
- What is a rotator cuff tear?
- A rotator cuff tear is a damage to the group of four tendons that stabilize the shoulder. This can happen from an injury or from gradual wear and tear, leading to pain and weakness. Many tears can be treated successfully with physical therapy and injections, but for larger tears, Dr. Locker can perform arthroscopic surgery to repair the tendon.
- 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 pain persists and limits your daily activities, Dr. Locker may discuss joint replacement surgery as a viable option to improve mobility and relieve pain.
- What is arthroscopic surgery?
- Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive technique where Dr. Locker uses a tiny camera and small instruments inserted through small incisions to see and repair problems inside a joint. It often results in less pain, less tissue damage, and a faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.
- What is the recovery like after a knee or hip replacement?
- Recovery from knee or hip replacement surgery is a process, typically involving a hospital stay and extensive physical therapy. Modern techniques often allow patients to walk the same day, but regaining strength and motion takes time. Most patients experience significant pain reduction and return to many daily activities within a few months.
- How is a broken hip (hip fracture) treated in seniors?
- A hip fracture in an older adult is a serious injury that almost always requires surgery to stabilize the bone. The type of surgery depends on the specific fracture pattern. The primary goal is to relieve pain and get the patient moving again as safely and quickly as possible, often with the help of physical therapists.
The Orthopaedic Institute
1710 SE 16th Ave
Ocala FL 34471
Phone: (352) 285-9986
Dr. Joseph Locker, 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): 1063497428
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. Joseph Locker 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.