Benjamin Fluhman, DPM is a Podiatrist practicing at his clinic in Lubbock, TX, and dedicated to providing comprehensive podiatric care. He is registered with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation - Podiatric Medical Examiners Advisory Board and adheres to the Texas Podiatric Medical Practice Act. Podiatrists (DPMs), also known as foot and ankle specialists, are the healthcare experts to diagnose and treat foot and ankle conditions, from common issues like bunions and ingrown toenails to complex surgeries, often collaborating with primary care physicians for comprehensive patient care. This area of practice involves diagnosing and treating conditions related to foot & ankle surgery as part of a comprehensive healthcare plan. He serves all ages.
Dr. Fluhman is a podiatric surgery specialist in Lubbock, TX with over 10 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Des Moines University in 2010 and earned his degree from Brigham Young University. Following his education, he undertook residency training in Podiatrics at Scott & White Memorial Hospital, graduating in 2013. He is affiliated with medical facilities such as Childress Regional Medical Center and Covenant Children's Hospital, and is accepting new patients. With over 10 years of dedicated experience, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and care to his patients, focusing on compassionate care for treatment and prevention of foot and ankle conditions. Treatment provided includes forefoot, rearfoot and ankle reconstruction and fracture care, ingrown toenails, minimally invasive techniques and diabetic wound care and prevention. He is currently welcoming new patients, and they should call (806) 744-7223 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Fluhman provides consultations primarily in English.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Fluhman is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Fluhman's approach to podiatric care is patient-centered, emphasizing comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans. He meticulously diagnoses foot and ankle conditions, ranging from minor issues to complex surgical needs, ensuring a thorough understanding of each patient's unique situation. This commitment to detailed assessment and tailored solutions extends to collaborating with other healthcare professionals when necessary, fostering a holistic approach to patient care.
By working together, you and Dr. Fluhman can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Cigna
Galaxy Health Network
Humana
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Blue Choice
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Buckeye Community Health Plan
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- Health Net
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- Midwest Health Plan
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Omni
- Omni IPA
- Tricare
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Fluhman offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Ankle Sprains and Strains: A podiatrist is a foot and ankle specialist who can help you recover from an ankle sprain or strain by providing proper diagnosis, recommending appropriate treatment, and guiding you through rehabilitation.
- Hammer Toe: Hammertoe is a condition where one or more toes curl downward, often due to muscle imbalance or ill-fitting shoes, and a podiatrist can help treat it.
- Foot Wounds: Foot wounds can be caused by many things, and a podiatrist can help manage the wound and any underlying health problems that may be contributing to it.
- Rupture of Achilles Tendon: A complete or partial tear in the back of your ankle, the Achilles tendon, is a serious injury requiring the expert care of a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: When a nerve in your ankle gets squeezed, it can lead to tarsal tunnel syndrome; your podiatrist can help relieve the pain and discomfort.
- Foot Conditions: Foot conditions encompass a wide range of problems affecting your feet, and a podiatrist can diagnose and treat these issues, from common ailments like bunions to more complex problems.
- Osteoarthritis of Ankle: If the cartilage cushioning your ankle joint wears away, resulting in osteoarthritis, a podiatrist can offer various treatment approaches to relieve pain and improve joint function.
- Foot Fracture: A podiatrist is the right doctor to see if you think you might have broken a bone in your foot (a foot fracture). They'll diagnose the fracture and guide your recovery with treatment like casting, splinting, or surgery.
- Ankle Instability: Ankle instability is when your ankle joint doesn't provide the support it should, leading to pain and giving way; a podiatrist can help restore ankle stability through various methods.
- Non-Traumatic Rupture of Achilles Tendon: An Achilles tendon tear that occurs without a significant trauma, like a fall or impact, can be effectively diagnosed and treated by a podiatrist.
- Posterior Tibial Tendonitis: Posterior tibial tendonitis affects the tendon supporting your arch, leading to foot and ankle pain. Your podiatrist can assess your condition and recommend treatments such as orthotics, exercises, or even surgery if needed.
- Foot Pain: From everyday aches to severe injuries, a podiatrist helps manage all types of foot pain, offering relief and solutions to get you back on your feet.
This list represents some of the common conditions treated. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional.
To provide comprehensive and patient-centered care, Dr. Fluhman offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Ankle Arthroscopy: Using a small camera inserted through tiny incisions, ankle arthroscopy allows your podiatrist to repair damaged structures within your ankle joint, minimizing recovery time.
- Ankle Surgery: Depending on the specific issue, ankle surgery may involve arthroscopy (minimally invasive) or more extensive open surgery to fix your ankle.
- Bunion Surgery: Bunion surgery is an operation to correct a bunion, a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, relieving pain and improving foot function.
- Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy: For severe plantar fasciitis, a podiatrist might recommend endoscopic plantar fasciotomy, a less invasive surgery compared to traditional open surgery, to repair the damaged plantar fascia.
- Foot and Ankle Reconstruction: If you have severe foot or ankle deformities causing pain or limiting mobility, reconstruction surgery can help rebuild the affected structures.
- Hammer Toe Repair: Hammer toe repair surgery corrects bent or crooked toes, improving comfort and function.
- Nail Avulsion and Excision: A podiatrist may perform nail avulsion and excision to treat infections, remove ingrown nails, or correct deformities affecting the toenail.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for their professional license in Texas.
Dr. Fluhman is dedicated to partnering with patients to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how proactive care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan, a patient successfully managed their chronic ankle sprains and strains, regaining full mobility and preventing future injuries.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and treatment plan, the patient found significant relief from the pain and discomfort associated with their hammertoe, allowing them to resume their favorite activities without limitations. With ongoing care, they successfully managed their condition and improved their overall foot health.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
4515 Marsha Sharp Fwy, Lubbock, TX, 79407
Phone: (806) 744-7223
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- Brigham Young University (Undergraduate School)
- Utah Valley University (Undergraduate School)
- Scott & White Memorial Hospital (Residency Hospital) - 2013
- Des Moines University (Medical School) - 2010
Here are answers to some common questions about receiving Podiatric care with Dr. Fluhman:
- What is the difference between a Podiatrist and an Orthopedic Surgeon?
- Dr. Fluhman is a podiatrist, specializing in the medical and surgical care of the foot and ankle. Orthopedic surgeons treat the entire musculoskeletal system, but some may have fellowship training in foot and ankle care. A podiatrist's entire training is focused on the foot and ankle.
- Do I need a referral to see a Podiatrist?
- Dr. Fluhman's office accepts many insurance plans, including PPOs, which often allow direct appointments. However, some plans, such as HMOs, may require a referral from your primary care physician. To be certain, please call your insurance provider to confirm your plan's specific requirements.
- What's the best way to treat an ingrown toenail?
- Dr. Fluhman advises against attempting to treat an ingrown toenail at home. Trying to remove the ingrown nail yourself can worsen the problem or lead to infection. A podiatrist can safely and effectively address the issue in the office, often with a simple procedure and local anesthetic, and can prevent future problems.
- I have diabetes. Why is it so important for me to see a podiatrist?
- Dr. Fluhman can help you prevent serious foot problems. Diabetes can cause nerve damage and poor circulation, making even small cuts or blisters dangerous. Regular check-ups are essential to catch problems early and avoid complications like amputations.
- Do all bunions require surgery?
- Not at all. Many bunions can be managed without surgery. Dr. Fluhman focuses first on conservative treatments to relieve pain and pressure, such as recommending wider shoes, padding, and custom orthotics. Surgery is typically reserved for cases where pain is severe and significantly limits daily activities.
- My child's feet point inward when they walk. Is this a problem?
- In-toeing is very common in young children and often resolves on its own. However, if your child's in-toeing is severe, persistent, or causing tripping, Dr. Fluhman can evaluate their gait and bone structure to determine if any intervention is needed. He can assess if stretching or special footwear is necessary.
- What causes heel pain, and how do you treat it?
- The most frequent cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, inflammation of a thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot. Dr. Fluhman typically begins with conservative treatments like stretching, icing, supportive shoes, and custom orthotics. If these methods don't provide relief, other options are available.
- What are custom orthotics and how are they different from store-bought insoles?
- Custom orthotics, prescribed by Dr. Fluhman, are medical devices created from a precise mold of your feet. They are designed to correct specific biomechanical issues and provide support where it's needed most, unlike store-bought insoles which are generic, cushioned supports.
4515 Marsha Sharp Fwy
Lubbock TX 79407
Phone: (806) 744-7223
Benjamin Fluhman, DPM is regulated by the the rules and regulations of the Texas Podiatric Medical Practice Act in Texas and is licensed by The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation - Podiatric Medical Examiners Advisory Board.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1023325024
Registration can typically be verified through The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation - Podiatric Medical Examiners Advisory Board website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by kellysearch.com, is for informational purposes to help you connect with local healthcare providers. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Healthcare providers like Dr. Benjamin Fluhman are trained to manage a wide range of health concerns. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.