Eastern Wisconsin
Orthopedic care that can get you back in action
With more than 400 bones, joints, ligaments and tendons creating the musculoskeletal system, comprehensive orthopedic care can be critical to keep you moving when injury or disease makes movement painful or impossible.
Fortunately, the Orthopedic Surgery Department at North Shore Medical Clinic and Door County Memorial Hospital specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of sports medicine injuries, musculoskeletal repairs, and joint replacement and reconstruction.
Using highly sophisticated diagnostic tools, the orthopedic team can diagnosis and treat injuries and disease affecting the neck, back, spine, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, hip, knee, ankle and foot; including degenerative arthritis, osteoporosis, cancer, and repetitive motion conditions such as carpal tunnel or tennis elbow.
“Correct diagnosis of the problem determines the most effective treatment,” said Steve Davis, MD, orthopedic surgeon. “We will always opt for a minimally invasive procedure if we can get positive results. It often depends on the severity of a disease or injury.”
“Our goal is to get people moving to their maximum potential,” said Daniel Tomaszewski, MD, orthopedic surgeon. “We offer patients a full range of orthopedic surgical services, from minimally invasive arthroscopy to total joint replacement and reconstruction.”
In addition to surgical excellence, the orthopedic department also provides rehabilitation therapy services. After injury or surgery, therapy can help people maintain or regain their body’s range of motion.
To make an appointment with Dr. Tomaszewski, Dr. Davis or Physician Assistant Mark Rasmussen, call 800.522.8919 or 920.746.0510 in Sturgeon Bay, 920.487.3496 in Algoma, or 920.868.3511 in Fish Creek.
Neenah woman finds relief from arthritis SAINTS provides occupational health services
Like many baby boomers, Monica Nichter developed osteoarthritis, which causes progressive damage to joint cartilage. Nichter sought help from pain management specialists and physical therapists in her area.
As a manager with Radiology Associates of the Fox Valley in Neenah, Wisconsin, Nichter had access to information on the best available treatments.
When over-the-counter medications became ineffective, Nichter decided to visit a rheumatologist.
Finding it would take months to see someone in the Fox Valley, she contacted the office of Sarah Keller, MD, a rheumatologist at Door County Memorial Hospital’s North Shore Medical Clinic. She was able to see the doctor that same week.
“Dr. Keller took the time to get to know me – not only my symptoms, but my lifestyle and its effect on my arthritis,” Nichter said. “People can expect a comprehensive evaluation during their first visit with me,” Dr. Keller said. “We do a physical exam to check for swelling, redness, or rashes. Then, I look at other medical problems and tests that the patient may have had.”
Nichter is comfortable discussing any topic with Keller. “She answers my questions openly and honestly about special diets or touted ‘miracle drugs’ that guarantee arthritis relief,” Nichter said. “Sarah explains my options and creates a care plan.”
Nichter takes medication and receives Cortisone injections (an anti-inflammatory medication) about every six months, which gives her the ability to get through her day without pain.
“Joint injections are a big part of what I do,” said Keller. “They are often preferred over medications-by-mouth, which can have potential side effects. The worst that can happen with the joint injection is that it might not work. There are usually no side effects.”
Dr. Keller said that joint pain is the most common complaint of her patients. “If anyone has joint pain, especially in the knees, hips, shoulders, or hands, that is not getting better, it is probably a good idea to get it checked by a rheumatologist,” Dr. Keller said.
Dr. Keller is board certified in internal medicine and fellowship trained in rheumatology. “I can always fit someone into my day or week,” she said. “I am happy to try and help anyone who is having problems.”
To make an appointment with Dr. Keller, call North Shore Medical Clinic, 920.746.0510.