Dr. Mark Tenholder, 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 Fort Walton Beach, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Tenholder understands the unique needs of seniors and actively collaborates with their primary care physicians and other specialists to ensure personalized, holistic care. He is experienced in diagnosing and treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions common in this population, including arthritis, fractures, and spinal issues, with a particular focus on the compassionate management of foot & ankle surgery to help 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) 863-7693 to schedule an appointment.
With over 25 years of dedicated experience in Orthopedic care, Dr. Tenholder brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine in 1997 and completed his internship and residency at Carolinas Medical Center, specializing in Orthopedic Surgery, and subsequently pursued fellowship training in Foot and Ankle Surgery. He is Board Certified in Orthopedic Surgery by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and is affiliated with HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast. His goal is to create a positive and successful patient experience, prioritizing open communication, thorough treatment options, and the utilization of the least invasive techniques possible. Dr. Tenholder provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Mark Tenholder is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Mark Tenholder acts as a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, offering comprehensive orthopedic care tailored to individual needs. He expertly diagnoses and treats a range of musculoskeletal conditions, including arthritis and fractures, while collaborating closely with primary care physicians and other specialists. His specialized foot and ankle surgery expertise ensures patients maintain mobility and quality of life, demonstrating a deep commitment to personalized care and maximizing comfort and independence for seniors.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Mark Tenholder can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Anthem
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
Assurant Health
Beech Street (Multiplan)
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
Cigna
Coventry Health Care
Florida Hospital Healthcare System
Golden Rule
Health Net
Humana
Mail Handlers Benefit Plan (MHBP)
Medicare
PacifiCare Health Systems
Private HealthCare Systems
Prudential
Triwest
Also Accepts These Carriers
- 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)
- GEHA
- Government Employees Health Association (GEHA)
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Medicaid
- Midwest Health Plan
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- Tricare
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
- Workers Compensation
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Mark Tenholder 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:
- Osteoarthritis of Wrist: Osteoarthritis of the wrist is a type of arthritis causing cartilage breakdown in the wrist joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced hand function, but treatments like medication, therapy, and sometimes surgery can help manage symptoms and improve daily activities.
- Osteoarthritis of Hip and Thigh: Osteoarthritis affecting your hip and upper leg can make everyday tasks challenging due to pain and stiffness; thankfully, managing this condition involves options like pain relievers, exercise, and potentially joint replacement surgery to enhance your quality of life.
- Shoulder Osteophyte: If you experience shoulder pain and stiffness, a bone spur (osteophyte) might be the cause. Managing this condition can often be achieved through physical therapy, medication, or, rarely, surgery, so you can enjoy greater comfort and keep doing what you love.
- Joint Pain: Don't let joint pain control your life; various treatments, from medication to joint replacement surgery, can help you move more freely and participate in the activities you enjoy.
- Bunion: A bunion is a painful deformity of the big toe joint, often causing discomfort and affecting your ability to stand and walk. Treatment options can range from conservative approaches like shoe modifications to surgical correction to improve your quality of life and independence.
- Genu Valgum: With genu valgum, your knees touch when your feet are apart, and various treatments like physical therapy or surgery may help reduce pain and improve balance.
- Tibia or Fibula Stress Fracture: A tibia or fibula stress fracture is a tiny crack in one of the leg bones, often caused by overuse or repetitive stress, and is usually manageable with rest and physical therapy to help maintain mobility and prevent future problems.
- 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.
- Elbow Bursitis: Inflammation of the small fluid-filled sac near your elbow, known as elbow bursitis, can cause significant discomfort and limit movement, but treatments like rest, ice, and sometimes medication can significantly relieve symptoms and improve your ability to perform daily tasks.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Plantar fasciitis is an irritation of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue in your foot, leading to heel pain that can be significantly improved with targeted stretches, ice, and sometimes cortisone injections, enhancing your comfort and daily life.
- Crystal Arthropathy: If you have crystal arthropathy, it means you have crystals in your joints causing inflammation and pain; your doctor can create a treatment plan focusing on pain management and preserving joint function for a better quality of life.
- Fracture of Hand and Fingers: Broken hand or finger bones are treatable, with approaches ranging from simple casts to surgery, allowing you to regain full use of your hand and prevent long-term limitations.
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. Mark Tenholder offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Hip Reconstruction Surgery: Hip reconstruction surgery helps repair severely damaged hip joints, improving mobility and reducing pain for seniors struggling with arthritis or injury.
- Arthroplasty: As part of a comprehensive care plan for seniors with debilitating joint pain, arthroplasty offers a surgical solution to restore function and improve quality of life.
- Hip Dislocation: Managing a hip dislocation often includes closed reduction, a non-surgical procedure where the doctor gently manipulates the hip back into place, aiming to minimize discomfort and accelerate recovery in older adults.
- Arthroscopic Joint Surgery: As part of a comprehensive care plan, arthroscopic surgery can help seniors avoid more extensive joint replacement surgery while improving mobility and function.
- Knee Ligament Reconstruction: As part of a comprehensive care plan, knee ligament reconstruction can help seniors manage chronic knee pain stemming from ligament injuries and participate in activities they enjoy.
- Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement: Minimally invasive hip replacement is a surgical procedure that offers seniors a less invasive way to replace a damaged hip joint, leading to faster recovery times and reduced pain.
- Removal of Bone Spur: Removing a bone spur can improve your range of motion and prevent further damage to your joints, improving your overall physical well-being.
- Elbow Tenotomy: To address severe elbow tendon problems limiting a senior's mobility, their doctor may suggest an elbow tenotomy as a way to alleviate pain and enhance function.
- Distal Clavicle Excision Surgery: This procedure, involving the surgical removal of the outer part of the collarbone, can help seniors manage painful conditions affecting the shoulder joint and improve their quality of life.
- Knee Replacement Revision: Revision knee surgery aims to correct issues like loosening, infection, or wear and tear in your previous knee implant, leading to improved joint health.
- Shoulder Fracture Treatment: Managing a shoulder fracture involves a comprehensive care plan including diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation to improve function and quality of life.
- Foot and Ankle Fracture and Dislocation Treatment: Treatment for foot and ankle injuries ensures seniors can safely walk and participate in their daily activities.
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. Mark Tenholder 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 careful guidance and treatment for wrist osteoarthritis, a woman regained the ability to easily and comfortably play the piano, a cherished hobby.
- With their hip and thigh osteoarthritis better managed, a senior couple could now enjoy leisurely strolls in the park together, a cherished activity they had been unable to do for several years.
- With targeted physical therapy, a senior woman was able to resume her beloved painting hobby, a cherished activity that brought her immense joy. Her shoulder pain lessened significantly, allowing her to enjoy her life more fully.
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
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- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
- American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (Orthopedic Surgery)
- Healthgrades 5-Star Award, 2005-pres
- Areas first Custum Fit knee replacement, 2009
- Areas first Computer Navigated knee replacement, 2007
Here are answers to some common questions about Orthopedic care with Dr. Mark Tenholder:
- What is an Orthopedic Surgeon?
- Dr. Tenholder and our team are orthopedic surgeons, meaning we specialize in the entire musculoskeletal systembones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. We diagnose and treat conditions affecting this system, using both surgical and non-surgical methods to relieve pain and restore function for seniors.
- Does seeing an orthopedic surgeon automatically mean I need surgery?
- Absolutely not. Dr. Tenholder'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 effective way to restore quality of life.
- What is arthroscopic surgery?
- Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique where Dr. Tenholder 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 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 progressing through extensive physical therapy. Modern techniques often allow patients to walk the same day as surgery. The goal is to regain strength and motion, reducing arthritic pain and restoring most 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 requiring surgery to stabilize the bone. The type of surgery depends on the specific fracture pattern, but the primary goal is to relieve pain and get the patient moving again as quickly and safely as possible, often with physical therapy.
- What is joint replacement surgery?
- Joint replacement surgery, performed by Dr. Tenholder, is a procedure to replace a damaged or arthritic joint with an artificial implant. The goal is to relieve bone-on-bone pain caused by severe arthritis. This very successful procedure can dramatically improve mobility, reduce pain, and restore independence for activities like walking and climbing stairs.
- 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. Tenholder 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. Tenholder can perform a thorough evaluation to diagnose the exact cause and will typically start with non-surgical treatments like physical therapy or epidural steroid injections to relieve the pressure and pain.
1034 Mar Walt Dr Unit 100
Fort Walton Beach FL 32547
Phone: (850) 863-7693
Dr. Mark Tenholder, 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): 1407850878
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. Mark Tenholder 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.