Dr. Julio Gonzalez, MD is an Orthopedic Surgeon dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults. He practices at Orthopaedic Center of Venice in Venice, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Gonzalez understands the unique needs of seniors and active adults, focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of common musculoskeletal conditions like arthritis, fractures, and spinal issues. He works collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists to provide personalized, comprehensive care tailored to each individual's needs. He is currently welcoming new patients and can be reached at (941) 280-1968 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Gonzalez's dedication to senior care stems from over 30 years of experience in orthopedic surgery. He earned his medical degree from the University of Miami School of Medicine in 1990 and completed a residency in Orthopedic Surgery at the Naval Aerospace Medical Institute, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of older adults (65+) and active seniors. His additional training at the University of Florida's University Medical Center, followed by fellowship training at Jewitt Orthopaedic Clinic, further honed his expertise in knee reconstruction and shoulder surgery. He is Board Certified in Orthopedic Surgery by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr. Gonzalez has a deep commitment to patient-centered care, providing personalized orthopedic care to his patients in the Southwest Florida area. He offers consultations in Spanish. Dr. Gonzalez's journey began with a commission to the United States Naval Reserve, where he served as a Flight Surgeon for Carrier Wing 1. He later relocated to the Venice area, founding Orthopaedic Center of Venice in 2004, with his wife, Dr. Gina Arabitg. His extensive experience and commitment to comprehensive care make him a valuable partner in your senior health journey.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Julio Gonzalez is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Julio Gonzalez is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, offering comprehensive orthopedic care with a focus on personalized treatment plans. He collaborates closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to address a wide range of musculoskeletal concerns, including arthritis, fractures, and spinal issues, ensuring the best possible outcomes for each patient. His approach prioritizes understanding individual needs and goals, creating a supportive environment that promotes comfort and independence for seniors.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Julio Gonzalez can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Anthem
Beech Street (Multiplan)
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cigna
Coventry Health Care
Curative
Humana
Medicare
Prudential
UniCare
Also Accepts These Carriers
- BeHealthy America
- Blue Choice
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Choice Plus
- Cigna PPO
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- Florida Blue
- Horizon
- Secure Horizons
- The Hartford
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
- Workers Compensation
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Julio Gonzalez 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:
- Patellar Fracture: A patellar fracture is a break in the kneecap bone, often caused by a fall or direct impact, and can be treated with surgery or nonsurgical methods to help restore knee function and reduce pain.
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS): PFPS involves pain and discomfort around the kneecap, making everyday activities challenging. Fortunately, treatment focuses on improving the mechanics of your knee through physical therapy and lifestyle changes to help you maintain your active lifestyle.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: Degenerative disc disease involves the gradual breakdown of the discs in your spine, often resulting in back or neck pain; Fortunately, various approaches, from physical therapy to medication, can help alleviate discomfort and improve your daily life.
- Fracture of Hand and Fingers: A fall or injury can result in a broken hand or finger bone, and prompt treatmentwhich might involve surgery, casting, or splintingis crucial for reducing pain, regaining use of your hand, and preserving your quality of life.
- Osteoarthritis of Wrist: Wrist osteoarthritis is a common condition where the protective cartilage in the wrist joints deteriorates, resulting in pain and stiffness. Fortunately, there are many ways to manage this, from simple lifestyle changes to more involved treatments, allowing you to maintain independence.
- Lumbar Radiculopathy: Experiencing leg pain stemming from your lower back? Lumbar radiculopathy, or a pinched nerve, may be the cause, and treatment like pain management and exercises can help you regain mobility and comfort.
- Femoral Neck Fracture: If you've fallen and broken the top of your thighbone near your hip, know that specialized treatments like surgery aim to help you walk and move more easily again.
- 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.
- Shoulder Osteophyte: As we age, bone spurs (osteophytes) can form in the shoulder, sometimes causing pain or reduced movement, but many people have them with no symptoms. Treatment helps you maintain your independence by easing these problems.
- Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Sprain: If you've injured the inner side of your knee, you might have an MCL sprain. This ligament injury can lead to instability, but treatment focusing on pain management and strengthening exercises can help you get back on your feet and continue your daily activities without limitations.
- Chondromalacia: Chondromalacia, a gradual softening of the cartilage under your kneecap, might make simple movements challenging, but appropriate treatment such as physiotherapy and supportive devices can help restore function and reduce pain.
- Rotator Cuff Tear: A rotator cuff tear is a common injury where the tendons supporting your shoulder joint are damaged, often causing pain and difficulty lifting your arm, but with treatment you can regain strength and function.
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. Julio Gonzalez offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Partial Knee Replacement: For seniors with osteoarthritis, a partial knee replacement can be a part of a comprehensive care plan to alleviate pain, increase range of motion, and improve quality of life, addressing specific needs related to knee function.
- Hand Tendon Repair: As part of a comprehensive care plan, hand tendon repair addresses specific issues like tendon tears or ruptures, restoring hand functionality for daily living.
- Excision of Ganglion: Ganglion excision is a minor surgical procedure to remove a fluid-filled cyst (ganglion) that can cause pain or discomfort in your hands or wrists, improving your hand function and quality of life.
- Trigger Finger Release: For seniors experiencing the clicking or locking of a finger, trigger finger release surgery can alleviate discomfort and improve hand function as part of their overall care plan.
- Shoulder Fracture Treatment: By addressing a fractured shoulder, this treatment aims to alleviate pain, prevent long-term complications, and improve overall well-being for seniors.
- Somatic Nerve Block: Somatic nerve blocks offer seniors a minimally invasive way to reduce inflammation and pain before or after orthopedic procedures like joint replacement, improving recovery.
- Knee Replacement Revision: Knee replacement revision surgery is a procedure to address problems that may occur after an initial knee replacement, helping restore mobility and reduce pain.
- 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.
- Rotator Cuff Surgery: This surgery helps diagnose and treat shoulder injuries, enabling seniors to manage their condition effectively and maintain their active lifestyle.
- Total Shoulder Replacement: Total shoulder replacement is a treatment option that aims to restore shoulder joint function, reducing reliance on pain medication and improving overall physical well-being in older adults.
- Peripheral Nerve Block: For managing arthritis pain, a peripheral nerve block provides targeted pain relief, decreasing the need for high doses of oral pain medication.
- Foot Fracture Treatment Open: For seniors with complex foot fractures, open surgery helps realign and fix the broken bones, promoting healing and restoring function.
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. Julio Gonzalez 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 a patellar fracture, a senior was able to resume their beloved weekly bridge games, a cherished social activity, thanks to expert guidance and a personalized treatment plan. The family felt immense relief knowing their loved one was regaining mobility and independence.
- After physical therapy and lifestyle adjustments, a senior was able to resume her beloved daily walks with significantly reduced knee pain, improving her overall well-being.
- With expert guidance, a senior couple found significant relief from debilitating back pain caused by degenerative disc disease, allowing them to resume their cherished weekly dance class with renewed energy and joy.
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. Julio Gonzalez:
- What is an Orthopedic Surgeon?
- Dr. Gonzalez is an orthopedic surgeon, a medical doctor specializing in the musculoskeletal systembones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. We diagnose and treat conditions affecting this system, offering both surgical and non-surgical options to relieve pain and restore function for seniors.
- Does seeing an orthopedic surgeon automatically mean I need surgery?
- Absolutely not. Dr. Gonzalez's practice emphasizes finding the best treatment plan for each individual, often starting with conservative options like physical therapy, injections, or bracing before considering surgery. Surgery is only recommended when it's the most effective way to improve quality of life.
- What is a cortisone injection?
- A cortisone injection is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication injected directly into a painful area, such as a knee or shoulder. It works by reducing swelling and inflammation, often providing significant, though temporary, pain relief for conditions like arthritis or tendonitis. It's a safe and effective tool to manage flare-ups.
- What is the recovery like after a knee or hip replacement?
- Recovery after a knee or hip replacement is a process involving a hospital stay and extensive physical therapy. 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 daily activities within a few months.
- 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 starts with supportive bracing, physical therapy, and injections. If these measures are not enough, Dr. Gonzalez can discuss surgical options like ankle fusion or, in some cases, total ankle replacement to provide stability and pain relief.
- My back and leg pain is getting worse. What could it be?
- Back and leg pain in seniors can sometimes be due to conditions like a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, where nerves in the lower back are being pinched. Dr. Gonzalez can perform a thorough evaluation to determine the exact cause and will likely start with non-surgical treatments like physical therapy or epidural steroid injections to relieve the pressure and pain.
- How is a broken hip (hip fracture) treated in seniors?
- A hip fracture in an older adult is a serious injury requiring 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 quickly and safely as possible, often with the help of physical therapy.
- 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 don't adequately manage your pain, Dr. Gonzalez may discuss joint replacement surgery as a potential solution.
Orthopaedic Center of Venice
12169 Mercado Dr
Venice FL 34293
Phone: (941) 280-1968
Dr. Julio Gonzalez, 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): 1083656128
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. Julio Gonzalez 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.