Podiatry is a specialized branch of medicine focused on diagnosing, treating and preventing disorders and conditions related to the foot, ankle and lower extremities. Podiatrists are crucial in helping people maintain healthy and functional feet, enabling them to lead active and pain-free lives.

Podiatrists at Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) treat a wide range of conditions, including injuries, deformities, infections and issues resulting from chronic diseases such as diabetes. These specialized physicians conduct physical examinations, gather medical histories and utilize imaging technology to assess and diagnose these conditions accurately. They develop individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs, which may involve prescribing medication, recommending physical therapy, using orthotic devices or performing surgical procedures.

PMC Podiatrists see patients at the Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine Institute of Eastern Kentucky on the sixth floor of the PMC Clinic Building and in PMC’s Wound Center. The Wound Center provides specialized treatment for chronic or non-healing wounds that have resisted other treatments, which many times are found in the feet.

By providing expert care and guidance, podiatrists help individuals of all ages and backgrounds maintain the health and functionality of their feet, enabling them to lead active and fulfilling lives. Whether it’s treating a sports injury, managing a chronic foot condition or providing preventive care, podiatrists at Pikeville Medical Center help their patients’ feet carry them successfully through life.

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Pikeville Medical Center Sports Medicine Specialist Jamie Varney, MD, says that the fall sports season brings an increased risk for certain types of injuries. “In football and soccer, we often see knee, ankle and shoulder injuries, along with concussions from time to time,” explained Dr. Varney. “Volleyball players frequently experience wrist, elbow and shoulder issues, while Basketball players are more prone to knee and ankle injuries.”

Recognizing the early signs of an injury is crucial. Swelling, persistent pain, headaches or limping are all red flags. Athletes who experience these symptoms are encouraged to stop playing
and seek care, as continuing to play through pain can potentially lead to more serious injuries.

Dr. Varney explains that a proper warm up routine can significantly lower an athlete’s risk of injury. “It is very important to stretch after warming up as well as staying hydrated,” he said. “Even something as simple as eating properly can help prevent injuries.”

PROPER FOOTWEAR IS IMPORTANT

In Eastern Kentucky, fall is prime time to visit state parks and explore popular hiking trails, especially when the fall foliage is at its peak. Orthopedic specialists stress the importance of proper footwear, as this can play a significant role in injury prevention.

“Make sure your shoes fit properly and aren’t showing signs of wear,” explained Dr. Varney. “This is important, especially when hiking trails and in sports like football and soccer.”

For anyone recovering from an injury, it is important to only resume activities when the affected area has healed. This includes having full strength, stability and range of motion. Keeping follow-up appointments with a physician will help ensure the patient resumes activity at the proper time.

KNOWLEDGE IS KEY

Knowing when to be evaluated by a physician is important, especially when patients are dealing with an injury that develops over time. “At the first sign of a problem, patients should consult with a sports medicine physician to prevent worsening injuries,” stated Dr. Varney.

The Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine Institute of Eastern Kentucky at PMC offers a dedicated walk-in orthopedic clinic five days a week from 8am – 9am. More detailed information can be found here by clicking this link.

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At the PMC Orthopedic Walk-In Clinic, Dr. Jamie Varney sees both adults and adolescents who have experienced injuries such as sprains, strains, shin splints, dislocated joints, stress fractures and more. Dr. Varney specializes in sports medicine, so patients can rest assured they are seeing a physician trained to treat their orthopedic needs.

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The orthopedic team at PMC understands the need to be seen quickly when injuries occur, which prompted the development of the walk-in clinic, which eliminates the need for patients to wait days or even weeks for an appointment with an orthopedic specialist.

At the PMC Orthopedic Walk-In Clinic, Dr. Jamie Varney sees both adults and adolescents who have experienced injuries such as sprains, strains, shin splints, dislocated joints, stress fractures and more. Dr. Varney specializes in sports medicine, so patients can rest assured they are seeing a physician trained to treat their orthopedic needs.

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Common activities like cycling, hiking, running and even gardening can put stress on vulnerable joints, leading to injuries. Watersports, such as swimming, diving, and water skiing, pose a different set of risks while contact sports like soccer, basketball and volleyball can result in fractures, dislocations and ligament tears.

At Pikeville Medical Center’s (PMC) Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine Institute of Eastern Kentucky, the experienced and highly skilled team is equipped to care for these types of injuries. The surgeons, physicians, nurse practitioners and a host of other support personnel stand ready to treat whatever injuries summer may bring.

Orthopedic Surgeons Dr. Keith Hall, Dr. Kevin Pugh, Dr. Anbu Nadar and Dr. Kenneth Koval are highly experienced and can care for all kinds of orthopedic injuries to the knee, hip, ankle, shoulder, wrist and elbow as well as orthopedic traumas. Hand Surgeons Dr. Devesh Sharma and Dr. Anil Duggal specialize in surgery and treatment of serious injuries to the hands, wrists and fingers. Dr. Jamie Varney specializes in sports medicine and is ready to treat all kinds of sports-related injuries. The Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine Institute of Eastern Kentucky also staffs three podiatrists/foot and ankle surgeons and nine mid-level providers who see patients five days a week on the sixth floor of the PMC Clinic.

For more information about the Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine Institute of Eastern Kentucky at PMC or to make an appointment with one of the providers, call (606) 430-2206 or visit https://www.pmcky.org/orthopedic-center

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Workplace accidents and hand injuries can occur despite safety conditions and precautions that may be in place. Due to the increasing frequency of these types of injuries, Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) has made advanced hand and reconstructive surgery available close to home.

Anil Duggal, MD, FRCSC, FACS, is a hand and plastic surgeon at PMC and recognizes the importance of offering advanced hand care in this region. Before joining the PMC medical team in 2020, Dr. Duggal was a physician at the University of Kentucky and treated many patients from this region.

“Many of the patients I saw in Lexington were from Eastern Kentucky. I quickly realized that many people in this region make their living using their hands, and for many of them, it is difficult to make repeated lengthy trips for specialized hand care,” explained Dr. Duggal. “This inspired me to accept the position at PMC to better serve the patients of this region.”

As a hand surgeon, Dr. Duggal sees patients with a range of issues including arthritis and nerve compression. In addition to hand surgery, he also specializes in treating traumatic injuries and reconstruction of the upper extremity. To learn more about specialized hand services and procedures offered at PMC, please call (606) 430-3500.

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Hand therapy can be utilized in overuse injuries, traumatic injuries, fractures, dislocations, crush injuries, burns, arthritis, tendon/nerve injuries and more. PMC has provided hand therapy services for several years, resulting in many patients regaining strength and the ability to resume their daily lives through these rehabilitative services.

PMC offers the only high-level hand therapy treatment facility in the area, allowing patients to remain close to home to receive this specialized care. Therapists at Pikeville Medical Center utilize a variety of techniques and interventions to treat hand injuries and promote recovery. The specific methods used are determined by the nature and severity of the injury and the patient’s needs. Treatment plans employ a range of devices such as TENS Units, which stimulate muscle activity and reduce pain, grip strength trainers, manual massage, past range of motion flexing and stretching. Patients also work on performing daily activities such as buttoning a shirt and gripping pens and pencils. Other exercises include using Velcro tool exercise boards, resistance bands and more.

“PMC is definitely leading the way in terms of hand therapy in our region, and we strive daily to get more and more of the hard-working people in our area back to performing necessary activities using their hands,” said Reese Ward, Occupational Therapist. “I am so grateful to be able to give back to the area and help heal the hands that raised me.” For more information about the PMC Hand Therapy program, call (606) 430-9300.

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Unlike other publicly available award rankings, CareChex awards are based on comprehensive risk-adjustment methodology and do not include any self-reported data.  For 2023, Pikeville Medical Center has received awards in the following areas:

• Top 10% of Hospitals in the Nation for Medical Excellence:
  • Hip Fracture Care
• Top 10% of Hospitals in the State for Medical Excellence:
  • Hip Fracture Care
• Top 10% of Hospitals in the Nation for Patient Safety:
  • Heart Attack Treatment
  • Neurological Care
  • Trauma Care
• Top 10% of Hospitals in the State for Patient Safety:
  • Heart Attack Treatment
  • Neurological Care
  • Trauma Care

“We are so pleased to learn Pikeville Medical Center has once again been recognized by CareChex as a top hospital in the state and the nation,” said PMC President and CEO Donovan Blackburn.  “Recognitions in Medical Excellence and Patient Safety proves how our dedicated staff goes above and beyond to provide high quality care to our patients.”

PMC is renowned for the medical care it provides in many areas, including cardiac, orthopedic, emergency/trauma and neurological care. PMC’s Heart and Vascular Institute of Eastern Kentucky has received accreditation from the American College of Cardiology, PMC’s Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine Institute of Eastern Kentucky is accredited by the Joint Commission in hip fracture and joint replacement of both the hip and knee, PMC is recognized as the only Level II Trauma Center in the state and its Emergency Department is recognized by Women’s Choice for Best Hospital in Emergency Care, and PMC’s Eastern Kentucky Neuroscience Center is accredited by the Joint Commission and is recognized as a Primary Stroke Center.

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When both adults and adolescents experience injuries such as sprains, strains, shin splints, dislocated joints, stress fractures and more, the PMC Walk-In Orthopedic Clinic offers care without having to wait days or even weeks for an appointment. Jamie Varney, MD, is a PMC physician who specializes in sports medicine, and is the exclusive provider for the PMC Walk-In Orthopedic Clinic.

In addition to treating sports injuries that happen both on and off the playing field, Dr. Varney also provides sports physicals, which are required before students can participate in many school sports. Any patient, regardless of age, who experiences an acute sports injury is encouraged to visit the PMC Orthopedic Walk-In Clinic Monday through Friday between 8am and 9am on the 6th floor of the PMC Clinic building.

For more information, call 606-430-2206.

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The PMC Orthopedic Center utilizes state-of-the-art technology, offers the latest advancements including robotic surgery and is staffed with surgeons, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and numerous support personnel specifically trained in orthopedic care.

PMC’s orthopedic center performs a wide variety of procedures such as direct anterior hip replacements, partial knee replacements, shoulder replacements, anatomic ACL surgery, fracture care, podiatry, hand surgery, arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, total hip and knee replacements and revision replacements. In addition, PMC has an experienced sports medicine team to address injuries that can occur on and off the playing field.

Physicians Keith Hall, MD, Kevin Pugh, MD, Jamie Varney, MD and Anbu Nadar, MD, are accepting new patients. To learn more about the PMC Orthopedic Center, visit pikevillehospital.org. To make an appointment, call 606-430-2206.

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