We may think orthopaedic woes are limited to athletes and adrenaline junkies. But anyone can suffer an accident or injury that requires help from the skilled team at Olympia Orthopaedic Associates (OlyOrhto). As Washington’s weather warms – or we chase the sun on vacation – our knees, elbows, ankles and feet take the brunt of everything from backyard chores to neighborhood pick-up games.
For Dan Jones, CEO and founder of ThurstonTalk, every day is an adventure. But as with many gung-ho souls, adventuring comes with bumps, bruises and an occasional trip to the doctor. He’s also found, like too many of us, that putting off medical care doesn’t make pain go away. But thanks to OlyOrtho, Jones is back on his feet again, getting stronger than ever.
Active Families + Olympia Orthopaedic Associates = Happy, Healthy Summers
Jones is the father of two active children and husband of educator and Ultimate Frisbee Team USA gold medalist Katherine Halmos Jones. Their family is eternally on the go between school runs, youth sports, activities, vacations, travel and work.
“We have been somewhat frequent users of OlyOrtho between our kids and I,” laughs Jones, “and each time we have had a solid experience.” In February 2022 he was hurt while kitesurfing in Mexico but powered through the pain until April 2023 when he retwisted his ankle and aggravated the injury site again.
This is a common occurrence for many people, say doctors. Especially with non-traumatic accidents that don’t involve broken bones, for example. In 2022 alone, nearly 40% of Americans either skipped or delayed medical care according to pollsters. Whether due to cost or worry about downtime putting work, play and daily life on hold, it’s important to seek treatment right away if you’ve been hurt. This avoids damaging the joint further or compromising balance and mobility.
Don’t Delay When You’ve Been Injured, Let OlyOrtho Help You Heal Properly
For Jones, the first step on his road to recovery involved a stop at OlyOrtho’s Rapid Orthopaedic Care Clinic. This walk-in friendly, no appointment needed location on Olympia’s west side is open from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. year-round and can provide immediate care for sprains, strains, fractures and joint issues. And with its one-stop-shop mentality, visitors can bundle the exam, x-ray, casting or splinting and durable medical equipment like crutches or braces.
OlyOrtho’s Rapid Orthopaedic Care Clinic provided Jones with an initial evaluation and splint to steady the injured ankle. He was then referred to Dr. Amy Winter, OlyOrtho’s podiatrist. She uses a non-surgical approach whenever possible. “I really enjoy working as part of the Foot and Ankle Team at Olympia Orthopaedic Associates,” says Winter. “I am a non-operative podiatrist and I like to do conservative and medical management of foot and ankle problems. If a patient would like surgical options, I refer them to Dr. DuMontier or Dr. Lamour our orthopedic foot and ankle surgeons who are both wonderful. Our patients like the comprehensive care that they are offered.”
“Dr. Winter was amazing to work with,” says Jones. “She heard my desire to get back to sports as soon as possible. She explained in simple terms how my ligament stretched and popped, creating a messed up inside while the outside was still intact. Although she was not stoked about it, I went and did an enduro dirt bike race with the understanding I may screw it up more but from there I put a brace on for 30 days.”
Orthopaedic Recovery is a Team Effort: Patient, Doctor, Caregivers and Friends
Despite rehab and a brace, the foot was still giving Jones trouble, he says. “Dr. Winter explained the ligament was stretched and time was all that would help but referred me to a surgeon to get a second opinion,” Jones continued. “I greatly appreciated getting that second opinion because Dr. DuMontier seconded Dr. Winter’s summary and when meeting with them, I was able to ask additional questions. Their information gave me the confidence to start running and pushing through the good pain – with this injury the more I used it the better it felt – after getting out of the boot.”
Jones says that his overall downtime was minimal: 30 days in a boot brace and 12 months of painful, if slightly hindered, fun. Now, two years after the initial injury, Jones says he’s back up to 95% but pleased that he was not pushed into surgery. Being able to have imaging done on-site meant less running around town for x-rays and scans and he found their entire team to be accommodating from start to finish line.
“I appreciate that the team understood I wanted to get back to running, biking, water skiing and snow skiing as soon as possible,” says Jones. “I feel they created a plan that balanced my desires while guiding me through the rehab process.”
If your favorite sport, expedition, activity or hobby leaves you hobbling and sore, reach out to OlyOrtho. Book an appointment online, by calling 360.570.3460 or stop by the Rapid Orthopaedic Care Clinic at 3901 Capital Mall Drive SW seven days a week. Become your very own OlyOrtho success story today.
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