Dr. Michael Ruddy, MD is an Orthopedic Surgeon practicing at his clinic in Fort Lauderdale, FL, dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults. He is a registered member of The Florida Board of Medicine and practices in accordance with Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a partner in senior health, Dr. Ruddy understands the unique needs of this population and is committed to providing 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, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists to provide comprehensive and personalized care. He serves older adults (65+) and active seniors, and is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (954) 463-3200 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Michael Ruddy, MD is an orthopedic surgeon in Fort Lauderdale, FL with over 45 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from Temple University in 1979 and is Board Certified in Orthopedic Surgery by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. With this extensive experience, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. Dr. Ruddy is affiliated with Broward Health Medical Center and Holy Cross Hospital, and is accepting new patients. He is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, ensuring a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Ruddy provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Michael Ruddy is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Michael Ruddy is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive orthopedic care tailored to individual needs. He collaborates closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to diagnose and treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, such as arthritis and fractures, with a focus on personalized solutions and maximizing comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Michael Ruddy can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- APCN Choice POS II
- Aetna
- Aetna HMO
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Care Network PPO
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice POS
- Choice Plus POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- HMO Premier HMO
- Humana
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- National POS
- Navigate HMO
- Navigate Plus POS
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Choice PPO
- Options PPO
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Seamless HMO
- Select HMO
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Michael Ruddy 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:
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS): Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), often called runner's knee, is a common condition causing pain around the kneecap, which can be managed with physical therapy, exercises, and sometimes medication to improve mobility and reduce discomfort.
- Ganglion Cyst: A ganglion cyst is a harmless, fluid-filled bump that often appears near a joint, and while it can be unsightly or cause discomfort, treatment options are available to alleviate symptoms and improve comfort.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Plantar fasciitis is a common heel pain caused by inflammation of the thick tissue on the bottom of your foot, often eased with stretching, supportive shoes, and sometimes physical therapy, helping you stay active and mobile.
- Tenosynovitis: Tenosynovitis is a painful condition where the tissue surrounding a tendon becomes inflamed, limiting movement; however, with appropriate treatment like splinting or surgery, you can enjoy more comfortable daily activities.
- Lumbar Spine Fracture: A lumbar spine fracture is a break in one of the vertebrae in your lower back, and various treatments such as surgery or nonsurgical management exist to help you recover and reduce the pain, enabling you to participate in your daily activities.
- Elbow Bursitis: Elbow bursitis is a common problem in older adults where the protective cushion near your elbow joint gets swollen and painful, causing difficulty with simple movements. Fortunately, various treatment options can reduce pain and improve your comfort.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: Degenerative disc disease is a common age-related condition where the cushions between your spinal bones (discs) wear down, causing pain and stiffness.
- Hip Fracture: A hip fracture is a break in the bone of your hip, often occurring from a fall, and can be repaired through surgery to help you regain mobility and independence.
- Spine Deformities: While spinal deformities can be concerning, many effective approachesfrom medication to surgeryare available to improve posture, alleviate pain, and enhance your overall comfort and well-being.
- Foot And Ankle Osteophyte: Osteophytes in the foot and ankle are common in older adults and can cause pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion. Managing these bone spurs may involve medication, physical therapy, or supportive footwear to help you stay comfortable and mobile.
- Tibial Fracture: A tibial fracture, a break in the shinbone, can be treated effectively through various methods to relieve pain and help you return to your daily activities as much as possible.
- Systemic Chondromalacia: Systemic chondromalacia isn't a recognized medical term; it likely refers to the widespread softening and damage of cartilage in multiple joints, a condition often associated with various forms of arthritis that can impact mobility and comfort in older adults.
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. Michael Ruddy offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of 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.
- Rotator Cuff Surgery: This surgery helps diagnose and treat shoulder injuries, enabling seniors to manage their condition effectively and maintain their active lifestyle.
- Shoulder Arthroscopy: Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows doctors to diagnose and treat shoulder problems using small incisions and a camera, helping seniors manage pain and improve mobility.
- Excision of Humerus: In cases of severe humeral fractures unresponsive to other treatments, excision may be part of a reconstructive surgery plan to stabilize the bone and restore upper arm function for seniors.
- Excision of Femur or Knee: In cases of severe arthritis or bone deformities causing significant pain and disability, excision of a portion of the femur or knee can help improve mobility and quality of life.
- Elbow Fracture and Dislocation Treatment: Treatment for elbow fractures and dislocations is crucial for seniors to regain their independence by restoring arm strength and dexterity.
- Steroid Injection: Steroid injections can offer a less invasive way to manage severe pain and inflammation, providing relief and improving your quality of life before considering more extensive procedures.
- 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.
- 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.
- Meniscectomy: As a treatment option for knee problems, a meniscectomy aims to remove the torn or damaged parts of the meniscus, thereby relieving pain and restoring proper knee mechanics for seniors.
- Ulnar Nerve Transposition: Ulnar nerve transposition is a treatment option for seniors struggling with cubital tunnel syndrome or other conditions causing ulnar nerve compression, enhancing their comfort and mobility by improving nerve function.
- Elbow Fracture Repair: As part of a comprehensive care plan for seniors with elbow fractures, repair surgery aims to restore the elbow's structural integrity and range of motion.
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. Michael Ruddy 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 physical therapy and targeted exercises, a senior was able to resume their beloved daily walks without the nagging knee pain associated with patellofemoral pain syndrome. This newfound mobility brought a renewed sense of freedom and joy to their life.
- The senior's discomfort from the ganglion cyst lessened significantly after the surgical intervention, allowing her to resume her beloved daily walks with renewed energy and confidence. Her family rejoiced at her improved mobility and overall well-being.
- With the guidance of a caring specialist, a senior couple experienced significant pain relief from plantar fasciitis, allowing them to enjoy their daily walks in the park 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
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- 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. Michael Ruddy:
- What is an Orthopedic Surgeon?
- Dr. Ruddy and our team are orthopedic surgeons, meaning we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of the entire musculoskeletal systembones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. We use 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. Ruddy'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 is the most effective way to restore function and quality of life.
- 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, but 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.
- 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 help manage flare-ups.
- 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. Initial treatment often involves a wrist brace or steroid injection. If symptoms persist, Dr. Ruddy can perform a quick outpatient surgery to release the pressure on the nerve and provide lasting relief.
- What is joint replacement surgery?
- Joint replacement surgery, performed by Dr. Ruddy, 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 improve mobility. This very successful procedure can dramatically improve your ability to walk, climb stairs, and enjoy everyday activities.
- 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, leading to a significant reduction in pain and a return to most 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 starting with conservative measures like medication, physical therapy, and injections. If pain persists and limits your daily activities, Dr. Ruddy may discuss joint replacement surgery as a highly effective option.
1960 NE 47th St Ste 102
Fort Lauderdale FL 33308
Phone: (954) 463-3200
Dr. Michael Ruddy, 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): 1063401990
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. Michael Ruddy 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.