Dr. Robert Valins, DPM is a Podiatry specialist dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive podiatric care for older adults (65 years and older). He practices at Total Foot and Ankle of Tampa Bay in Zephyrhills, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Valins understands the unique needs of seniors, focusing on common foot and ankle problems such as diabetic foot care, arthritis, and mobility issues. He works collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists to prevent falls and maintain your overall health.
General podiatrists provide expert care for seniors' common foot and ankle problems, including diabetic foot care, arthritis, and mobility issues, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists to prevent falls and maintain your overall health. Dr. Valins, a podiatric surgery specialist in Zephyrhills, FL, has over 45 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from Pennsylvania College Of Podiatric Med. in 1977 and completed his residency training in Podiatry Services at Hospital Of Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine. He is affiliated with HCA Florida South Shore Hospital and is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (813) 844-4434 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Valins offers consultations in several languages, including French, Italian, and Spanish.
With over 45 years of dedicated experience in Podiatric care, Dr. Valins brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He understands the importance of preventative care and proactive management of conditions that can affect mobility and quality of life in older adults. He is committed to fostering a trusting relationship with each patient, ensuring a comfortable and informative experience. Dr. Valins's commitment to his patients is deeply rooted in his extensive training and experience, making him a valuable partner in your senior health journey.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Robert Valins is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Please discuss your specific healthcare needs and goals during your consultation with Dr. Robert Valins.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Robert Valins can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Cigna
Coventry Health Care
Curative
Humana
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Aetna
- Anthem
- Blue Card
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Plus
- Choice Plus POS II
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Robert Valins 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:
- Heel Spur: Experiencing heel pain? A heel spur, a bony outgrowth on the heel, might be the cause; podiatrists can offer various treatment options to relieve your discomfort and restore your ability to walk easily.
- Hammer Toe: A hammer toe develops when the middle joint of your toe bends abnormally, often due to muscle imbalance or arthritis, impacting your ability to walk comfortably.
- Stress Fracture of Foot: Overuse or minor trauma can result in a tiny break in a foot bone, a stress fracture; with appropriate treatment, such as rest and supportive footwear, you can minimize pain and maintain your activity level.
- Osteoarthritis of Ankle: Osteoarthritis in the ankle means the joint's cartilage is damaged, resulting in pain, swelling, and limited range of motion, however, proper management can greatly improve your comfort.
- Bunionette: A bunionette is a painful bony bump that develops on the little toe's joint, limiting movement and potentially affecting your balance; however, with the right podiatric care, you can manage the pain and keep moving.
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a nerve problem in the ankle that can lead to foot pain and numbness, but thankfully, there are various treatment options that can help manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
- Ankle Sprain and Achilles Tendon Sprain or Rupture: Ankle and Achilles tendon injuries can be debilitating for seniors, causing pain and restricting movement, however, early diagnosis and treatment, which might include medication and targeted exercises, can help reduce pain and improve your overall mobility and quality of life.
- Fracture: A broken bone (fracture) in your lower extremity can impact your ability to walk and perform daily activities, but with the right care and support, you can recover and prevent future falls.
- Posterior Tibial Tendonitis: Posterior tibial tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendon supporting your arch, causing pain and potentially affecting your ability to walk comfortably.
- Foot Sprain: A foot sprain happens when ligaments in your foot are stretched or torn, causing pain and swelling, and limiting mobility; proper rest, ice, and elevation can help manage the pain and get you back on your feet more quickly.
- Foot Fracture: Breaking a bone in your foot can be upsetting, but with the right medical attention, such as casting or surgery, you can heal and get back to enjoying your daily activities.
- Osteoarthritis of Foot: Osteoarthritis of the foot involves the wearing down of cartilage in the foot's joints, leading to pain, swelling, and reduced flexibility; however, with proper management including medication, physical therapy, and supportive footwear, seniors can maintain their activity levels.
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. Robert Valins offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Achilles Tendon Rupture Repair: This surgery is a treatment option for seniors who experience a complete or partial rupture of their Achilles tendon, significantly improving lower limb function.
- Ankle Arthroscopy: Ankle arthroscopy is a valuable tool for assessing and addressing ankle injuries that may contribute to falls or mobility issues in older adults, improving balance and safety.
- Bunion Surgery: If conservative treatments like orthotics haven't provided sufficient relief for a senior's bunion pain, surgery may be considered to permanently correct the problem and improve foot health.
- Excision of Tarsal or Metatarsal: As part of a comprehensive care plan for seniors with foot problems, this procedure, involving the removal of a tarsal or metatarsal bone, can alleviate pressure points and help prevent further complications.
- Foot and Ankle Fracture and Dislocation Treatment: This service ensures seniors receive the necessary care to repair broken bones and dislocated joints in their feet and ankles, restoring their ability to walk safely.
- Foot and Ankle Ligament and Tendon Repair: Foot and ankle ligament and tendon repair helps restore stability and function to damaged joints, improving mobility and reducing pain for seniors.
- Foot Fracture Treatment Closed: This non-surgical approach to treating foot fractures helps seniors maintain their independence and reduce the risk of complications associated with surgery.
- Foot Fracture Treatment Open: Open foot fracture treatment helps repair broken bones in the foot, improving mobility and reducing pain for seniors.
- Foot Ligament Tendon Repair: Repairing foot ligaments and tendons is a key step in managing chronic foot pain, enhancing a senior's quality of life and independence.
- Fracture Care: Fracture care involves diagnosis and treatment of broken bones, helping seniors regain their independence and preventing further injury.
- Hammer Toe Repair: For seniors with hammertoes causing discomfort or mobility issues, this surgery provides a lasting solution to improve their quality of life.
- Nail Avulsion and Excision: Nail avulsion and excision is a surgical intervention to remove infected or damaged nails, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of underlying foot conditions and preventing complications in seniors.
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 Podiatry Services in Florida.
Dr. Robert Valins 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:
- A senior woman, plagued by heel pain, found relief from her heel spur with a podiatrist's guidance, allowing her to walk comfortably and return to her beloved daily walks with her grandchildren.
- After podiatric care, a senior woman was able to comfortably wear her favorite shoes again and walk confidently around her home without pain, regaining a cherished part of her daily routine.
- After a stress fracture in her foot, a senior was able to resume her daily walks in the park, enjoying the fresh air and social interaction with her neighbors, thanks to a supportive podiatry care plan.
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 Podiatric care with Dr. Robert Valins:
- What is a Podiatrist, and why is foot care so important for seniors?
- Dr. Robert Valins is a podiatrist, a specialist in foot, ankle, and lower leg care. Healthy feet are essential for seniors to maintain mobility, balance, and independence. Dr. Valins is experienced in managing age-related foot problems and preventing complications.
- I have diabetes. How often should I see a Podiatrist like Dr. Robert Valins?
- Regular foot exams are crucial for seniors with diabetes. Dr. Valins recommends a comprehensive exam at least annually to detect potential problems like neuropathy and poor circulation, which can lead to serious complications like ulcers and amputations. Early detection allows for prompt treatment and prevents these severe issues.
- Does Medicare cover podiatry visits?
- Medicare Part B usually covers podiatric care for conditions like diabetic foot problems or bunions, but routine services like nail trimming are often not covered unless related to a broader medical issue.
- What is hammertoe, and does it require surgery?
- Hammertoe is a bending or contracture of the smaller toes. In early stages, it can often be managed with roomier shoes and orthotics. Surgery is only considered when the toe becomes rigid and painful, causing difficulty with footwear.
- What is involved in diabetic wound care?
- Dr. Valins's diabetic wound care service involves specialized cleaning of foot ulcers, removal of damaged tissue (debridement), application of specialized dressings, and pressure reduction strategies to promote healing.
- What are custom orthotics and how can they help?
- Custom orthotics are prescription medical devices worn inside shoes. They are made from a precise mold of your feet to correct biomechanical issues, providing support and relieving pain from conditions like flat feet, plantar fasciitis, or arthritis.
- Do you treat sports injuries of the foot and ankle?
- Dr. Valins is experienced in treating sports injuries of the foot and ankle, especially common issues in active seniors, such as ankle sprains, Achilles tendonitis, and stress fractures. He creates a personalized plan to help patients return to their desired activities safely and comfortably.
- How is arthritis in the foot and ankle managed?
- Dr. Valins's practice focuses on managing foot and ankle arthritis pain while maintaining function. Treatments may include anti-inflammatory medications, supportive footwear, custom bracing or orthotics, and injections to help seniors stay active and comfortable.
Total Foot and Ankle of Tampa Bay
6326 Fort King Rd
Zephyrhills FL 33542
Phone: (813) 844-4434
Dr. Robert Valins, DPM 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): 1255335089
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 physician named. Podiatry Services like Dr. Robert Valins 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.