Dr. Richard M Howell, MD

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(616) 396-5855Call Visit WebsiteVisit Website Map & DirectionsDirections370 120th AveHolland, MI 49424 Write a ReviewWrite Review

Accepted Insurance

Aetna
Assurant Health
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
Bravo Health
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Specialties

Primary: Orthopedic Surgeon

Sub-Specialty: Sports Medicine,Surgery of the Hand

Additional Specialties: Orthopedic Surgery, Surgeon

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Extra Phones

Fax: (616) 396-0277

Fax: (616) 396-5720

TollFree: (800) 427-5354

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Howell, Richard M, MD

Howell, Richard, MD

Howell Richard M

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http://shorelineortho.com

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Details

Phone: (616) 396-5855

Address: 370 120th Ave, Holland, MI 49424

Website: http://shorelineortho.com

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Dr. Richard M Howell, MD

General Practitioners

Osteoporosis
Arthritis
There are many small joints in the hand and wrist that work together to produce the fine motion necessary to perform detailed tasks such as threading a needle or tying a shoelace. When one or more of these joints is affected by arthritis, even simple activities can become difficult. Although there are many types of arthritis, most fall into one of two major categories: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, or RA. Both are diseases of the joint, but symptoms, causes, methods of diagnosis, and treatments may differ for each.
Fibromyalgia
Surgery is not commonly used to treat patients with only cervical spondylosis and neck pain. Surgical options are reserved for patients who have severe pain that has not been relieved by other treatment. Unfortunately, some patients with severe pain are not candidates for surgery due to the widespread nature of their arthritis, additional medical problems, or other causes for their pain, such as fibromyalgia. Patients with progressive neurologic symptoms, such as weakness, numbness, or falling are more likely to be helped by surgery.
Plantar Fasciitis
More than 90% of patients with plantar fasciitis improve within 10 months of starting simple treatment methods. These may include...
Medical Weight Loss
Back pain varies, depending on the underlying cause and severity of the injury. The pain may be described as sharp or stabbing, dull, achy, or feel like a Charley horse or cramp. Reclining or lying down often improves low back pain, regardless of the cause. Whatever your age or symptoms, if you experience back pain that does not improve within a few weeks, or it is associated with fever, chills, or unexpected weight loss, it is important to call your physician.
Primary Care
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication —Drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen may help reduce pain and swelling. Most people are familiar with these nonprescription NSAIDS, however, whether taking them in over-the-counter or prescription strength, they must be used carefully. Using these medications for more than one month should be reviewed with your primary care physician. If you develop reflux or stomach pains while taking an anti-inflammatory, be sure to talk to your doctor.
Emergency Care
Injuries don’t have a timeline. They happen when you least expect them. And, a trip to the Emergency Room is never fun—for your schedule or your wallet. That’s why we offer treatment in our office for many orthopaedic conditions such as...
Electrocardiogram
Once the decision to have surgery is made, your orthopaedic surgeon may ask you to see your primary care physician to be sure you do not have any medical problems that need to be addressed before surgery. Additional tests may be needed, such as blood and urine samples, electrocardiogram (EKG), or chest X-ray. If you have certain health risks, a more extensive evaluation may be required. Be sure to inform your othopaedic surgeon of any medications or supplements you take, as these may need to be stopped prior to surgery.
Pneumonia

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Depression
Mental Health
Factors that increase your risk for cervical spondylosis include: genetics (a family history of neck pain); smoking, which has been clearly linked to increased neck pain; an occupation that requires a great deal of neck motion or overhead work; depression, anxiety or certain other mental health issues; and injury or trauma, such as an auto accident or an on-the-job injury.
Anxiety

Ultrasound
This minimally invasive procedure can eliminate chronic tendon pain at the source. Patented ultrasound technology is used to precisely target and remove painful, damaged tissue and help stimulate healing. Contact your orthopaedic specialist to see if TENEX could help you.
MRI
To diagnose arthritis of the hip, and the category of disease, your physician may use a variety of diagnostic tools, including patient history, physical examination, blood tests, and X-rays. When X-rays appear normal but arthritis is still suspected, an MRI can show more detail. When arthritis is present in more than one area (the low back and hip) sometimes it is difficult to determine if the pain around the hip is coming from the hip joint itself or if it is coming from the lower back. In these cases, an injection into the hip of pain medication and cortisone may help to make the diagnosis more clear. If the injection takes away the pain, then the pain is likely coming from the hip. If it makes no difference, then it is likely coming from another source.
X-Rays
Computed Tomography
CT Scans —By combining computer technology with X-rays, computed tomography (CT) produces a more detailed, cross-sectional image of your body. During a CT scan, you lie motionless on a table as it slides into the center of the cylinder-like scanner as an X-ray tube rotates around you, taking multiple images from all directions. A computer combines these images to produce a clear, two-dimensional view on a monitor. Compared to an X-ray, a CT scan requires more time and cost. As with an X-ray, be sure to tell your physician if you are pregnant so special precautions can be taken.

Sciatica
Disk herniation —A slipped or herniated disk is a common disk injury that often occurs when lifting, pulling, bending or twisting movements cause the disk's jelly-like center (nucleus) to push against its outer ring (annulus). If the disk is very worn or injured, the nucleus may squeeze all the way through. As the herniated disk bulges out toward the spinal canal, it puts pressure on the sensitive spinal nerves, resulting in pain. A herniated disk in the low back frequently puts pressure on the nerve root leading to the leg and foot, causing sciatica, pain in the lower back or hip that radiates to the buttock and down the leg.
Arthroscopy
If your general health is good, your arthroscopy is likely to be performed on an outpatient basis, which means you will not be required to stay overnight in the hospital. It is very important that you follow all instructions regarding when to stop eating or drinking prior to surgery, and when to arrive at the hospital.
Pinched Nerve
In children and young adults, intervertebral disks have a high water content. As we age, they dry out, causing them to stiffen and weaken. The disks settle, or collapse, and lose height and begin to bulge. The space between disks grows smaller and the vertebrae move closer together. The facet joints experience increased pressure and also begin to degenerate and develop arthritis, similar to what occurs in a hip or knee joint. The cartilage that covers and protects these joints wears away. If it erodes completely, the result is bone rubbing against bone. The body may respond to this degeneration and lost cartilage by growing new bone to strengthen and support the vertebrae. Over time, this bone overgrowth (bone spurs) may narrow the foramen where the nerves pass through (stenosis), resulting in cervical radiculopathy (pinched nerve) or cervical spondylosis (arthritis of the neck).
Minimally Invasive Surgery
Shoreline Orthopaedics provides more comprehensive state-of-the-art options, technologies and techniques than anyone else in the area. We offer both anterior and posterior hip replacement, minimally invasive surgery, and digital X-rays.
Bunion Surgery
Resection arthroplasty —The damaged portion of the joint is removed. This procedure creates a flexible "scar" joint. It is used mainly for patients who are older, have had previous bunion surgery, or have severe arthritis.
Joint Replacement
When nonsurgical treatment does not provide the desired outcome, a variety of surgical options may be considered, such as fusion of the joint, joint replacement or removal of the arthritic bone. The appropriate option will depend on a variety of factors, including: the location and number of joints affected; the severity of disease; other medical conditions; and your age, goals, activity level, and home support structure. Your orthopaedic surgeon will review surgical treatments with you, and discuss which ones offer the highest potential for long-term relief of pain and allowing you to return to normal activity.
Bunions
Orthopaedic surgeons use various surgical procedures to treat bunions, but the common goal for them all is to realign the joint, relieve pain, and correct deformity. Your orthopaedic surgeon will choose the procedure that is best suited to your condition.
Arthroscopy
Before the operation, you will be evaluated by a member of the anesthesia team. Elbow arthroscopy is usually performed using general anesthesia (you are put to sleep). Regional nerve block injections (you are awake but the elbow area is numb) are rarely used in elbow arthroscopy because the numbing effect can continue for hours after surgery is finished. Although this can help with pain management, it prevents your surgeon from performing a careful nerve examination in the recovery room to be sure that the nerves traveling down your arm are functioning properly. Your surgeon will see you before the surgery and sign your elbow to verify the surgical site.
Hip Replacement
When nonsurgical treatment does not provide the desired outcome, a variety of surgical options may be considered. For hip arthritis hip resurfacing or total replacement surgery can greatly improve symptoms. Total hip replacement can be done through different approaches. The appropriate option will depend on a variety of factors, including: the severity of disease; other medical conditions; and your age, goals, activity level, and home support structure. Your orthopaedic surgeon will review surgical treatments with you, and discuss which ones offer the highest potential for long-term relief of pain and allowing you to return to normal activity.
Knee Replacement
When nonsurgical treatment does not provide the desired outcome, a variety of surgical options may be considered. For knee arthritis, partial or total knee replacement surgery can greatly improve symptoms. The appropriate option will depend on a variety of factors, including: the severity of disease; other medical conditions; and your age, goals, activity level, and home support structure. Your orthopaedic surgeon will review surgical treatments with you, and discuss which ones offer the highest potential for long-term relief of pain and allowing you to return to normal activity.
Reconstructive Surgery
Bone spurs (caused by arthritis) must be surgically removed from the AC joint. In the case of severe AC separations, reconstructive surgery is required.

Corns
Treatment will depend on what, if anything, is causing pain. Generally, treatment of the foot deformity can involve several options. In mild cases, foot pain can be addressed with orthotics or custom shoes to support and protect the foot and relieve pressure areas. Corns and calluses, if present, can be treated with a regular skin care routine. If appropriate, a foot and ankle conditioning program may be recommended.
Cyst
Calluses
As the deformity worsens, there can be increasing pain at the ankle due to recurrent sprains, painful calluses at the side of the foot or base of the toes, or difficulty with shoe wear.
Skin Care

Physical Therapists

Sports Medicine
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy and exercise can be used to decrease stiffness and strengthen weakened muscles around the joint. Use of special techniques, canes, crutches, walkers or splints can all help relieve stress and strain on joints and make daily activities much more comfortable. Prescription medications, injections of cortisone into the joint, or viscosupplementation can also be effective methods for controlling joint pain and inflammation. Over-the-counter drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen or acetaminophen may be suitable for some patients, while others may be unable to take these drugs safely because of ulcers, asthma, kidney or liver disease, or other issues. Your physician will work with you to determine the most appropriate treatment or combination of treatments for the type and severity of your arthritis, and your overall health.
Tennis Elbow
Lateral epicondylitis, more commonly known as tennis elbow, is a painful condition that occurs when overuse results in inflammation of the tendons that join the forearm muscles on the outside of the elbow. (Golfer's elbow, medial epicondylitis, is a similar condition that affects the inside of the elbow.) Recent studies show that tennis elbow is often due to damage to the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB), a specific forearm muscle that helps stabilize the wrist when the elbow is straight.
Flatfoot Correction
Heel Pain
Ankle Sprain
Basic types of peroneal tendon injuries are tendinitis, acute and degenerative tears, and subluxation. Tendinitis is an inflammation of one or both tendons, caused by repetitive activity or overuse of the tendon; or trauma such as an ankle sprain. Acute tears are caused by repetitive activity or trauma, while degenerative tears (tendonosis) are usually due to overuse and may develop over a long period of time—often years. In degenerative tears, the tendon is like taffy that has been overstretched until it becomes thin and eventually frays. When one or both tendons slip out of their normal position, the injury is called a subluxation.
Neck Pain
Back Pain
Orthotics and Prosthetic Therapy

Ankle Instability
Subluxation —A snapping feeling of the tendon around the ankle bone, sporadic pain behind the outside ankle bone, ankle instability or weakness.
Ankle Sprain
When a ligament is forced to stretch beyond its normal range, a sprain occurs. A severe sprain causes actual tearing of the elastic fibers of the ligament. A sprained ankle is a very common injury that produces pain and swelling. If the sprain is a result of excess force, you may hear a "pop" sound when the injury occurs. The grade, or severity, of the sprain is determined by the amount of force that caused the injury.
Bunions Problems
A bunion is a bump on the MTP joint, on the inner border of the foot. Bunions are made of bone and soft tissue, covered by skin that may be red and tender.
Calluses
Hammertoes
Heel Pain
Foot Pain
Metatarsalgia
Foot Neuroma
A benign tumor of a nerve is called a neuroma, however, Morton's neuroma is not actually a tumor—it is a thickening of the tissue that surrounds the digital nerve leading to the toes. Morton's neuroma most frequently develops between the third and fourth toes, and occurs where the nerve passes under the ligament connecting the toe bones (metatarsals) in the forefoot.
Plantar Fasciitis
Although the plantar fascia is designed to absorb the high stresses and strains placed on the feet, sometimes too much pressure can damage or tear these tissues. The body's natural response to such an injury is inflammation, which results in heel pain and stiffness of plantar fasciitis. Typically, plantar fasciitis develops without any specific, identifiable reason. However, there are many factors that can make you more prone to the condition, including: new or increased activity, or repetitive impact activity, such as running or other sports; very high arches; obesity; and tighter calf muscles that make it difficult to flex the foot and bring toes upward, toward the shin (dorsiflexion).

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