Dr. Richard Smith, MD is an Orthopedic Surgeon practicing at Florida Center for Orthopedics in Orlando, FL. He is dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive orthopedic care specifically for older adults (65+) and active seniors. Dr. Smith is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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. With over 35 years of dedicated experience in orthopedic care, Dr. Smith brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Hahnemann University in 1985 and completed his residency training in Orthopedic Surgeries at Med College Of Pa And Hospital, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of older adults. He is Board Certified in Orthopedic Surgery by the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons. Dr. Smith's expertise extends beyond traditional medical practice, offering a range of services including Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs), Compulsory Medical Evaluations (CMEs), and Medical Reviews. He is a Certified Expert Medical Advisor (EMA) for the Florida Department of Financial Services Division of Workers Compensation. Dr. Richard Smith is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (407) 292-2156 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Smith provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Richard Smith is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Richard Smith is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing compassionate and comprehensive orthopedic care. He expertly diagnoses and treats a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, collaborating seamlessly with primary care physicians and other specialists to create a personalized treatment plan that prioritizes comfort and continued independence. His approach emphasizes understanding each patient's unique needs and goals, fostering a supportive environment for both the senior and their family.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Richard Smith can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Cigna
Coventry Health Care
Golden Rule
Humana
Medicare
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- 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)
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Navigate POS
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Richard Smith 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:
- Post-Laminectomy Syndrome: Following a laminectomy, some individuals experience ongoing pain, numbness, or weakness in the back and legsthis is known as post-laminectomy syndromeand physical therapy and medication can help alleviate these symptoms and restore mobility.
- Osteoarthritis of Foot: Foot osteoarthritis means the cushions between your foot bones are deteriorating, resulting in pain, swelling, and difficulty walking; however, various treatments can ease your discomfort and improve your daily life.
- Myelopathy: Myelopathy, a spinal cord problem, can lead to difficulty walking or using your hands; however, treatments such as surgery or medication can often help restore function and improve your independence.
- Hip Sprain: A hip sprain involves injury to the ligaments in your hip, potentially limiting movement and causing discomfort. Following your doctor's recommendations for rest, physical therapy and pain management can alleviate symptoms and enhance your daily life.
- Ankle Sprains and Strains: Ankle sprains and strains, common injuries from missteps, involve damage to the tissues supporting your ankle joint; managing them properly with physical therapy and supportive footwear helps maintain your ability to walk and stay active.
- Herniated Disc: A herniated disc doesn't have to limit you; various treatment options exist to alleviate symptoms, restore comfort, and preserve your quality of life.
- Bursitis: Bursitis, an inflammation of the small sacs near your joints, can make everyday activities challenging, but with proper care, such as rest, ice, and medication, you can manage the pain and regain your independence.
- Radiculopathy: Dealing with pain, numbness, or tingling in your arm or leg because of a pinched nerve in your back (radiculopathy)? It's important to see a doctor; many effective treatments exist to help you manage your pain and continue living a fulfilling life.
- Rotator Cuff Tendinosis: If you have rotator cuff tendinosis, you may experience shoulder pain and weakness caused by damaged tendons. Fortunately, many find relief with a combination of rest, targeted exercises, and possibly medication, helping you maintain your independence.
- Thoracic Stenosis: Thoracic stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal in the upper back, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, sometimes causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms and legs.
- Lumbar Spine Fracture: If you've suffered a broken bone in your lower back (lumbar spine fracture), know that treatmentwhich may include surgery, physical therapy, or pain managementcan significantly improve your quality of life.
- Femur Fracture: If you've broken your thigh bone (femur), know that effective treatment, including surgery and rehabilitation, will help minimize pain, speed up healing, and allow you to enjoy a fulfilling life.
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. Richard Smith offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Steroid Injection: To help determine the most effective long-term treatment plan for your joint pain, your doctor may use a steroid injection to assess its impact on your symptoms.
- Elbow Repair: As part of a comprehensive care plan, elbow repair can address limitations in movement and improve a senior's quality of life.
- Elbow Tenotomy: For seniors experiencing persistent elbow pain and stiffness, an elbow tenotomy might be part of a comprehensive treatment plan to restore range of motion and improve daily activities.
- Endoscopic Spine Surgery: Endoscopic spine surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that allows surgeons to access and repair damaged areas of the spine through small incisions, reducing pain and recovery time for seniors with spinal conditions.
- Excision of Ganglion: This simple surgical procedure helps manage the symptoms of ganglion cysts, reducing discomfort and improving your ability to perform daily activities.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection (PRP): A PRP injection helps your healthcare provider assess the potential for tissue repair and guide the development of a personalized treatment strategy for your musculoskeletal issue.
- 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.
- Somatic Nerve Block: For seniors recovering from fractures or orthopedic surgery, a somatic nerve block can help control postoperative pain, reducing the need for high doses of oral pain medication.
- Myofascial Trigger Point Injection: To pinpoint the source of muscle pain and guide treatment, doctors may use myofascial trigger point injections, which help diagnose and manage musculoskeletal issues in 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.
- Excision of Metacarpal and Carpal: This surgery, involving the removal of portions of hand bones, helps seniors manage debilitating wrist or hand pain stemming from arthritis, tumors, or injuries.
- Carpal Tunnel Release: Carpal tunnel release surgery helps relieve numbness and tingling in your hand and wrist caused by pressure on a nerve.
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. Richard Smith 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:
- Following a laminectomy, a senior was able to resume walking her dog without experiencing debilitating leg pain, regaining a cherished activity and improving her overall sense of well-being.
- With a tailored treatment plan, a senior was able to walk more comfortably and confidently around their home, enjoying their favorite activities once again. The family felt a significant reduction in the daily anxieties caused by the foot pain.
- After undergoing surgery and rehabilitation, a senior felt more secure navigating her home and was able to resume knitting, a cherished hobby that had been difficult to enjoy due to her myelopathy.
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)
- National Board of Physicians and Surgeons (Orthopedic Surgery)
Here are answers to some common questions about Orthopedic care with Dr. Richard Smith:
- What is an Orthopedic Surgeon?
- Dr. Smith and our team are orthopedic surgeons, meaning we specialize in the entire musculoskeletal systembones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. We diagnose and treat conditions, 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. Smith's practice focuses on finding the best treatment 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 joint replacement surgery?
- Joint replacement surgery, performed by Dr. Smith, is a procedure to replace a damaged, arthritic joint with an artificial implant. The goal is to relieve the pain of bone-on-bone arthritis and dramatically improve mobility, reducing pain and restoring independence for activities like walking and climbing stairs. It's a very successful procedure for seniors.
- 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, which can pinch nerves in the lower back. Dr. Smith can perform a thorough evaluation to determine the exact cause and will likely begin with non-surgical treatments like physical therapy or epidural steroid injections to relieve pressure and pain.
- My ankle feels weak and painful. What are my options?
- Chronic ankle pain and instability in seniors can often be addressed with supportive bracing, physical therapy, and injections. If these measures are insufficient, Dr. Richard Smith can discuss surgical options like ankle fusion or, in some cases, total ankle replacement to provide stability and pain relief.
- 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 specific surgical approach depends on the fracture pattern. The goal is to relieve pain and get the patient moving again as soon as possible, often with the help of physical therapy.
- 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, a pinched nerve at the wrist. Initial treatment often involves bracing or a steroid injection. If symptoms persist, Dr. Smith can perform a simple outpatient surgery to release the pressure on the nerve and provide lasting relief.
- 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. Smith may discuss joint replacement surgery as a highly effective option.
6200 Metrowest Blvd Ste 105
Orlando FL 32835
Phone: (407) 292-2156
Dr. Richard Smith, 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): 1033213749
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. Richard Smith 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.