Dr. Willard Hughes, MD is an Orthopedic Surgeon dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at his clinic in Clearwater, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a partner in your senior health journey, Dr. Hughes understands the unique needs of this population. 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.
Dr. Willard Hughes, MD is an orthopedic surgeon in Clearwater, FL. He graduated from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in 1982, completing an internship at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in 1983, and subsequently, a residency in Orthopedic Surgeries at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in 1987. He is Board Certified in Orthopedic Surgery by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr. Hughes is affiliated with Morton Plant Hospital and HCA Florida South Shore Hospital and is accepting new patients. He is committed to the Orthopaedic Specialties' mission of delivering exceptional multi-subspecialty orthopaedic care for Pinellas county and beyond, focusing on treating his patients with the same respect and care he would wish for himself. Dr. Hughes provides consultations primarily in English and can be reached to schedule an appointment at (727) 446-5993.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Willard Hughes is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Willard Hughes is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive orthopedic care with a compassionate focus. He skillfully diagnoses and treats a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, working collaboratively with your senior's primary care physician and other specialists to create a personalized plan that prioritizes their comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Willard Hughes 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
- Ambetter
- AvMed
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- BlueCard PPO
- BlueCare HMO
- BlueOptions
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Choice Care Network PPO
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice Large Group POS
- Choice POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Florida Blue
- HMO Premier HMO
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- LocalPlus
- National POS
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO
- Preferred PPO
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Seamless HMO
- Select HMO
- SimplyBlue
- Small Group Elect HMO
- Superior Health Plan
- Tampa Bay HUMx HMOx
- myBlue
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Willard Hughes 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:
- Tibia and Fibula Fractures: Falls and other accidents can lead to tibia and fibula fractures, but effective medical care, encompassing pain management and fracture repair, helps restore function and improve quality of life.
- Ganglion Cyst: These benign lumps, known as ganglion cysts, can arise near joints and sometimes limit movement or cause discomfort; a medical professional can assess the cyst and recommend the best course of action, which might involve simple treatments to address your concerns.
- Ankylosing Spondylitis: This form of arthritis, called ankylosing spondylitis, affects the spine and can cause significant stiffness and pain; however, early diagnosis and treatment, such as medication and physical therapy, can slow progression and improve quality of life.
- Patellar Dislocation: A patellar dislocation happens when the kneecap pops out of place, causing pain and instability, but with proper treatment, your mobility and comfort can be restored.
- Herniated Disc: A herniated disc happens when the soft cushion between your spinal bones bulges out, sometimes putting pressure on nerves and causing pain.
- Spondylitis: Spondylitis, an inflammatory condition affecting the spine, can limit your movement and cause significant pain, but treatment options such as exercise, medication, and specialized therapies can help you maintain your independence and enhance your quality of life.
- Piriformis Syndrome: Piriformis syndrome involves the piriformis muscle in your buttock, causing discomfort that can limit activity. Treatment focuses on relieving pain and improving function, helping you maintain your independence.
- Enthesopathy of Hip (incl. Trochanteric Bursitis): If you're experiencing hip pain from enthesopathy (possibly with trochanteric bursitis), know that various treatments are available, such as targeted exercises and medications, to ease discomfort and help you keep moving without restrictions.
- Lumbosacral Stenosis: Lumbosacral stenosis is a common age-related condition affecting the lower spine, causing pain and weakness in the legs. Fortunately, various treatment approaches, from lifestyle adjustments to surgery, help to manage symptoms and enhance daily function.
- Knee Ligament Tears: If you've injured your knee, a ligament tear might be the cause of your pain and difficulty moving. Treatment, whether conservative or surgical, can focus on reducing discomfort and improving your ability to walk and perform daily tasks.
- Internal Derangement of Knee: Internal derangement of the knee refers to a problem inside the knee joint, like a torn meniscus or ligament, causing pain, swelling, and difficulty moving, which can often be managed with physical therapy and sometimes surgery to improve mobility and reduce discomfort.
- Trigger Finger: Experiencing a finger that catches or locks? This might be trigger finger, a common hand problem that often responds well to non-surgical methods like splinting or steroid injections, helping you maintain your daily activities.
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. Willard Hughes offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Shoulder Fracture Treatment: This treatment focuses on safely setting broken shoulder bones, stabilizing the joint, and helping seniors regain their independence.
- Lateral Retinaculum Patella Release: This surgical release helps to treat conditions where the kneecap tracks abnormally, often contributing to pain and stiffness in the knee joint, enhancing comfort and function for seniors.
- Shoulder Fracture and Dislocation Treatment: This treatment plan addresses broken or dislocated shoulders, offering diagnosis, pain management, and a pathway back to better shoulder movement.
- Facet Blocks: Facet blocks are a non-surgical treatment option used to diagnose and treat pain stemming from the small joints in the spine.
- Elbow Fracture and Dislocation Treatment: Addressing elbow fractures and dislocations is a key part of a comprehensive care plan for seniors to ensure healing and prevent further injury.
- Knee and Leg Fracture and Dislocation Treatment: This service provides comprehensive diagnosis and management of broken bones and joint misalignments in the knee and leg, crucial for regaining independence.
- Total Knee Arthroplasty with Robotic Assist: As part of a comprehensive care plan for severe knee osteoarthritis, robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty uses advanced technology to create a more accurate and potentially less invasive surgical procedure.
- 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.
- Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement: This surgery replaces the ball and socket of the shoulder joint, alleviating chronic pain and improving the range of motion for seniors suffering from severe shoulder arthritis or rotator cuff injuries.
- Knee Arthroscopy: For seniors experiencing knee pain, arthroscopy offers a less invasive way to repair damaged tissues, removing the need for major surgery and potentially reducing recovery time.
- Total Shoulder Replacement: This surgical intervention helps seniors suffering from debilitating shoulder pain reclaim their range of motion, allowing for easier dressing, cooking, and other daily tasks.
- Excision of Radius or Ulna: This procedure helps manage conditions affecting the radius or ulna bones, improving mobility and reducing discomfort for older adults.
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. Willard Hughes 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 specialized care for tibia and fibula fractures, a senior was able to resume walking their beloved dog in the park, a cherished activity that brought them immense joy and renewed confidence.
- A senior woman, previously limited in her ability to play the piano due to a ganglion cyst, found relief with specialized treatment, allowing her to once again enjoy her beloved hobby. Her family rejoiced in seeing her regain her passion and quality of life.
- With careful management of their ankylosing spondylitis, a senior couple was able to resume their weekly ballroom dancing lessons, a cherished activity that brought them great joy. Their improved mobility and reduced pain levels allowed them to enjoy this social activity without limitations.
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. Willard Hughes:
- What is an Orthopedic Surgeon?
- Dr. Willard Hughes 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, 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. Willard Hughes's practice emphasizes finding the best treatment plan for each individual, often starting with conservative options like physical therapy, injections, or bracing. Surgery is only considered when it's the most effective way to restore quality of life.
- What is a rotator cuff tear?
- A rotator cuff tear is a problem with the group of four tendons that stabilize your shoulder joint. Tears can occur from an injury or gradual wear and tear, causing pain and weakness. Many tears can be treated with physical therapy and injections, but for larger tears, Dr. Willard Hughes can perform arthroscopic surgery to repair the tendon.
- 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 manage flare-ups.
- What can be done for the numbness and tingling in my hand?
- Numbness and tingling in the hand are classic symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Initial treatment often involves bracing or a steroid injection. If symptoms persist, Dr. Willard Hughes can perform a simple outpatient surgery to relieve the pressure on the nerve and provide lasting relief.
- 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 followed by extensive physical therapy. Modern techniques often allow patients to walk the same day as surgery. The goal is regaining strength and motion, leading to a dramatic reduction in pain and 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 these measures don't adequately manage your pain, Dr. Hughes may discuss joint replacement surgery as a potential solution.
- What is arthroscopic surgery?
- Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive technique where Dr. Willard Hughes uses a tiny camera and small instruments inserted through small incisions to see and repair problems inside a joint. It often results in less pain, less tissue damage, and a faster recovery than traditional open surgery.
1011 Jeffords St Bldg C
Clearwater FL 33756
Phone: (727) 446-5993
Dr. Willard Hughes, 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): 1215997366
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. Willard Hughes 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.