Michael P. Taranto Director | Bates County Memorial Hospital
Michael P. Taranto Director | Bates County Memorial Hospital
Life in Bates County presents challenges for those with joint pain or injuries, as residents engage in activities such as farming, yard work, and sports. Bates County Memorial Hospital (BCMH) offers orthopedic clinics to address these needs.
Dr. Blake, an orthopedic surgeon at BCMH, emphasizes that surgery is not always necessary. "Pain is your body’s way of telling you something’s not right," he says. "In many situations, especially with arthritis or overuse injuries, there are non-surgical treatments that can work really well." He notes common conditions treated include rotator cuff tears, meniscus injuries, arthritis-related joint pain, overuse injuries, and fractures.
Patients initially see Laura Noble, FNP-BC, who collaborates closely with Dr. Blake. She provides assessments four days a week and helps develop recovery plans. Together they conduct a full day of orthopedic surgery weekly. Noble observes that "overuse injuries are especially common in the summer when people are more active."
BCMH's services include evaluations of pain or injury, onsite imaging and diagnostics, joint injections and nonsurgical care, surgical treatment for joint issues, and post-op recovery.
For those needing assistance with joint pain or injury management, BCMH encourages asking a provider for a referral to their Orthopedic Clinic or calling directly at 660-200-7006.
Additionally, BCMH invites the community to a Lunch & Learn event on August 21 at noon at the BCMH Education Center. Dr. Blake will discuss signs indicating when joint replacement might be necessary and what local treatment options are available.
To attend the event, RSVP by leaving a voicemail at 660-200-7007.
Jon Blake serves as an orthopedic surgeon while Laura Noble is an orthopedic nurse practitioner at BCMH.
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