Dr. Michael Watson, MD is an Orthopedic Surgeon dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at his clinic in Sebring, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices in accordance with Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Watson understands the unique needs of seniors and is committed to working collaboratively with their primary care physicians and other specialists to deliver 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. He serves older adults (65+) and active seniors, focusing on providing the highest quality care within his area of expertise. Currently, Dr. Watson is not accepting new patients; however, inquiries about waitlists or future openings can be made by calling (863) 402-3480.
Dr. Watson is an orthopedic surgeon with over three decades of experience in reconstructive surgery and a range of orthopedic procedures, including knee and shoulder arthroscopy, hand and elbow disorders, fracture care, and routine and complex hip and knee replacements. His strong athletic background has equipped him with a unique understanding of sports medicine, having provided care to local and professional sports teams, including the New Orleans Saints. He also served as a captain in the United States Army, providing medical care at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. His commitment to comprehensive care extends to patients of all ages, but he has a particular focus on the needs of older adults. Dr. Watson completed rigorous medical training at recognized institutions, followed by residency training in Orthopedic Surgeries at Family Medicine and Naval Hosp-Jacksonville, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of older adults (65+) and active seniors. He provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Michael Watson is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Watson is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive orthopedic care tailored to individual needs. He expertly diagnoses and treats a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, collaborating closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to create a personalized treatment plan. His focus extends beyond the immediate issue, encompassing the patient's overall well-being and quality of life, ensuring a supportive and reassuring experience for seniors and their families.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Michael Watson can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Coventry Health Care
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Michael Watson 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:
- Sprains and Strains (incl. Muscle Tear): A sprain or strain is an injury to a ligament (sprain) or muscle/tendon (strain) that can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness, often managed with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers to help you maintain your daily activities.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: Think of your spine's discs as shock absorbers; in degenerative disc disease, these shock absorbers wear down, causing pain and discomfort; Through a combination of approaches, we can help manage your pain and keep you active.
- Back Pain: Back pain, a common experience for seniors, can often be managed with simple strategies like gentle exercise, over-the-counter pain relievers, and physical therapy, improving mobility and comfort.
- Gout: Gout treatment aims to relieve the intense pain of attacks and prevent future occurrences, improving your mobility and overall quality of life.
- Cervical Radiculopathy: Neck pain radiating down your arm? It might be cervical radiculopathy, a condition where a compressed nerve in your neck needs treatment to alleviate pain and improve mobility.
- Gait Abnormality: Experiencing pain or imbalance while walking is a common sign of a gait abnormality; working with a doctor and physical therapist to address this can help you maintain an active and independent lifestyle, reducing falls and improving daily living.
- Patellar Chondromalacia: Patellar chondromalacia involves the gradual breakdown of cartilage beneath your kneecap, leading to discomfort. However, with the right approach, including strengthening exercises and possibly knee supports, you can manage pain and keep your independence.
- Osteoarthritis of Hip and Thigh: Osteoarthritis of the hip and thigh is a type of arthritis causing cartilage breakdown in the hip joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, but treatments like physical therapy and medication can significantly improve comfort and function.
- Foot Sprain: Spraining your foot involves injuring the tissues connecting your foot bones, leading to discomfort and potentially limiting your ability to move around easily; however, treatment focuses on reducing pain and restoring your ability to walk comfortably.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common problem causing discomfort in the hand and wrist from nerve compression, and it's often manageable with conservative therapies like wrist splints or physical therapy to reduce pain and maintain daily activities.
- Avascular Necrosis of Femoral Head: If you experience hip pain and stiffness, you might have avascular necrosis of the femoral head, a condition where the bone tissue dies due to poor blood flow; effective treatments are available to reduce pain and help you stay active and mobile.
- Knee Sprain: Experiencing pain and instability in your knee after a twisting or sudden movement might indicate a knee sprain; with the help of your doctor, a personalized treatment plan, including rest, ice, and potentially physical therapy, will aid in your recovery and help maintain your active lifestyle.
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 Watson offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Shoulder Fracture and Dislocation Treatment: Shoulder fracture and dislocation treatment helps restore the proper alignment and function of your shoulder joint after an injury.
- Hip Replacement Revision: A failing hip replacement can significantly impact quality of life; revision surgery is a way to address this and improve overall well-being.
- Neuroplasty: Neuroplasty is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to repair damaged or compressed nerves, helping seniors regain function and reduce pain in areas like the hands, feet, or spine.
- Shoulder Dislocation Treatment: As part of a comprehensive care plan, shoulder dislocation treatment aims to improve a senior's range of motion, reduce pain, and enhance their quality of life.
- Partial Knee Replacement: Partial knee replacement surgery helps seniors regain their independence by improving knee function and reducing the need for pain medications, allowing them to participate in activities they enjoy.
- Excision of Radius or Ulna: For seniors with painful bone spurs or tumors in the forearm, excision of the radius or ulna can offer relief and improved quality of life.
- All Shoulder or Elbow Replacement Procedures: Shoulder or elbow replacement surgery helps restore mobility and reduce pain in seniors experiencing severe joint damage.
- Closed Hip Fracture Treatment: Managing a closed hip fracture involves specialized care to mend the broken bone, enabling seniors to regain independence and reduce pain.
- Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release: If you're experiencing numbness or tingling in your hand, endoscopic carpal tunnel release can be a key component of your treatment plan to address the underlying nerve compression and improve your hand health.
- Rotator Cuff Surgery: Addressing chronic shoulder pain and limited mobility, rotator cuff surgery aims to help seniors regain strength and participate in enjoyable activities.
- Meniscectomy: For seniors experiencing persistent knee pain and limited mobility due to a meniscus tear, a meniscectomy can be part of a comprehensive care plan to restore joint health and improve quality of life.
- Shoulder Arthroscopy: As part of a comprehensive care plan for seniors, shoulder arthroscopy helps pinpoint the source of shoulder pain and stiffness, guiding targeted treatment and improving quality of life.
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 Watson 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 the guidance of a skilled orthopedic surgeon, a senior was able to resume their beloved weekly tennis matches, regaining a sense of joy and independence.
- With a tailored treatment plan, a senior was able to resume their beloved daily walks and golf outings, significantly improving their quality of life and reducing pain associated with degenerative disc disease.
- With targeted exercises and over-the-counter medications, a senior was able to resume enjoyable walks with family, significantly reducing back pain and improving mobility.
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)
Here are answers to some common questions about Orthopedic care with Dr. Michael Watson:
- What is an Orthopedic Surgeon?
- Dr. Watson and our team of orthopedic surgeons are medical doctors specializing in the musculoskeletal systembones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. We provide comprehensive care, from diagnosis to treatment, including 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. Watson's practice emphasizes finding the best individual treatment plan, often recommending conservative options like physical therapy, injections, or bracing first. Surgery is only considered when it's the most beneficial 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 typically begins with supportive bracing, physical therapy, and injections. For severe cases, Dr. Watson can discuss surgical options like ankle fusion or, in some cases, total ankle replacement to provide stability and pain relief.
- What can be done for my painful knee or hip arthritis?
- Dr. Watson understands 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. Watson may discuss joint replacement surgery as a highly effective option.
- What is a cortisone injection?
- A cortisone injection is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication injected directly into a painful area, like a knee or shoulder joint. 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.
- 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 physical therapy.
- What is the recovery like after a knee or hip replacement?
- Recovery after 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 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 compressed. Dr. Watson can perform a thorough evaluation to identify the exact cause and will likely start with non-surgical treatments like physical therapy or epidural steroid injections to alleviate the pressure and pain.
4409 Sun N Lake Blvd
Sebring FL 33872
Phone: (863) 402-3480
Dr. Michael Watson, 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): 1598778789
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 Watson 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.