Lakeland, FL – Watson Clinic board-certified podiatric surgeon Ripal Y, Patel, DPM is the first specialist in Polk County to offer Cartiva®, a breakthrough synthetic cartilage implant that eliminates the presence of osteoarthritis in the big toe.
“Osteoarthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints that afflicts tens of millions of Americans,” says Dr. Patel. “When this disease impacts the big toe region, it can lead to severe discomfort and debilitation.”
Previous fusion procedures have locked the joint in place, thereby resulting in a longer recovery time and a highly restricted range of movement. Cartiva® is the only FDA-approved alternative to fusion. The implant’s durability closely mimics human cartilage, which makes it a more natural fit when implemented into the structure of the toe. The entire procedure can be completed in well under an hour, and the results are immediate.
“The response to the implant has been overwhelmingly positive,” reports Dr. Patel. “Patients enjoy instant relief, enhanced flexibility, and the ability to bear weight on their toe almost immediately.”
Dr. Patel received his doctorate of podiatric medicine at Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia, PA. He completed an internship and residency in podiatry at Eastern Virginia
Medical School in Norfolk, VA, and an additional residency in podiatric surgery at San Pedro Peninsula Hospital in San Pedro, CA.
Dr. Patel is a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, the American Podiatric Medical Association and the Florida Podiatric Medical Association. He is board-certified in Foot Surgery.
Dr. Patel counsels and treats patients from Watson Clinic Bartow at 2250 Osprey Blvd., Suite 100 in Bartow. For more information on Cartiva®, and to schedule an appointment, call 863-680-7214.
About Watson Clinic LLP: As one of the largest multispecialty medical clinics in the southeast, Watson Clinic provides comprehensive healthcare services to residents of Lakeland and surrounding communities. First established in 1941, Watson Clinic has grown to include over 220 board-certified physicians representing more than 40 medical and surgical specialties. The Clinic is proud to deliver quality healthcare to every generation from our Main Clinic location at 1600 Lakeland Hills Boulevard in Lakeland, as well as at multiple convenient locations throughout Polk, Pasco and Hillsborough counties. More information is available at: www.WatsonClinic.com.
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