Dr. Hunter Rafoth, MD

Dr. Hunter Rafoth, MD is a Sports Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at his clinic in Melbourne, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), he is deeply committed to preventive health strategies. Your Sports Medicine physician is your primary partner in creating a long-term health plan, coordinating preventative screenings, and managing your overall wellness to keep you active and injury-free. He serves individuals of all ages, from youth to senior athletes, and active people, committed to maintaining optimal performance and well-being throughout life. Please call (321) 843-5851 to confirm if Dr. Rafoth is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Hunter Rafoth, MD is a sports medicine specialist in Melbourne, FL, affiliated with The Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital. He is Board Certified in Family Practice and Sports Medicine by the American Board of Family Medicine. Dr. Rafoth's approach to care is deeply collaborative and evidence-based, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He prioritizes a holistic understanding of each patient's needs, employing the latest medical knowledge and techniques to achieve optimal results. Dr. Rafoth provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Hunter Rafoth is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Hunter Rafoth can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Hunter Rafoth provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Knee Dislocation: Recognizing the warning signs of knee dislocation, such as intense pain and instability, allows for prompt medical attention, leading to faster healing and better long-term outcomes.
• Tricep Muscle Strain: A tricep muscle strain, often caused by overuse or sudden movements, can be prevented by warming up properly before exercise and gradually increasing workout intensity.
• Rupture of Achilles Tendon: A ruptured Achilles tendon, a serious injury, can often be prevented through proper stretching, strengthening exercises, and gradual increases in activity levels.
• Achilles Tendon Injuries: Preventing Achilles tendon injuries starts with proper warm-up exercises and gradually increasing activity levels to avoid sudden strain.
• Degenerative Diseases Affecting Musculoskeletal System: Maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in low-impact activities can help slow the progression of degenerative conditions affecting your bones and joints.
• Infective Arthritis: Infective arthritis can be prevented by taking steps to avoid infections, such as practicing good hygiene and promptly treating injuries, thereby protecting your joint health.
• Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction: Preventing progression of sacroiliac joint problems involves early diagnosis and targeted treatment, such as manual therapy or core strengthening, to minimize pain and maintain function.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Hunter Rafoth offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Wrist Reconstruction: Invest in your future mobility with wrist reconstruction—an effective solution for restoring function after significant wrist trauma or disease.
• Posterior Heel Spur Surgery: To address chronic heel pain and improve your ability to participate in physical activity, posterior heel spur surgery provides a solution to remove the bony growth.
• Physical Rehabilitation: Physical rehabilitation helps you regain strength and movement after an injury or surgery, getting you back to your active lifestyle faster.
• MAKOplasty®: MAKOplasty® offers a precise and minimally invasive approach to joint surgery, helping you avoid more extensive interventions and get back to activity faster.
• Elbow Repair: Maintain your active lifestyle by scheduling an elbow repair consultation; identify and address injuries promptly to restore strength and mobility.
• EMG (Electromyography): Protect your active lifestyle by getting an EMG; it's a simple test that screens for problems with your muscles and nerves, allowing for timely intervention.
• Limb Salvage Surgery: Take control of your health journey and explore limb salvage surgery as a way to address critical limb-threatening conditions and avoid amputation.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Sports Medicine in Florida.

Dr. Hunter Rafoth is dedicated to partnering with Coaches and Athletic Trainers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Athlete's life:

• Recognizing the warning signs of potential knee dislocation, a young athlete proactively sought guidance, significantly reducing their risk of injury and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. This proactive approach allowed them to confidently participate in their favorite sports without fear of future complications.
• By following a personalized warm-up routine and gradually increasing training volume, a dedicated athlete significantly reduced their risk of a tricep muscle strain, ensuring continued participation in their favorite sports.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Sports Medicine care with Dr. Hunter Rafoth:

What is the difference between a Sports Medicine Physician and an Orthopedic Surgeon?

Sports Medicine Physicians, often from family medicine or physical medicine and rehabilitation, are experts in diagnosing and treating sports injuries, frequently with non-surgical methods. Orthopedic Surgeons are surgical specialists focusing on the musculoskeletal system. They often work in partnership, with the Sports Medicine Physician initially managing care and referring to the surgeon when surgery is needed.

Do I need an MRI for my joint pain?

An MRI isn't always necessary. A thorough physical exam and X-rays are often sufficient to diagnose joint pain. We'll only recommend an MRI if a diagnosis remains unclear, or if a soft tissue injury is suspected.

How is osteoarthritis treated non-surgically?

Non-surgical osteoarthritis treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preserving joint function. This includes activity modification, physical therapy to strengthen supporting muscles, weight management to reduce joint stress, and injections like cortisone or viscosupplementation. These powerful strategies can help manage symptoms and potentially prevent or delay the need for joint replacement surgery.

What's the difference between a sprain and a strain?

A sprain injures ligaments, which connect bones, while a strain injures muscles or tendons, which connect muscle to bone. Think "ligaments = bones" and "muscles/tendons = movement." We can help you determine the best course of action for recovery.

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by pressure on the median nerve at the wrist, often leading to numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand. Early intervention with wrist bracing and physical therapy can frequently prevent the need for surgery.

Can you help with back pain?

Yes. Sports medicine and orthopedic specialists diagnose and treat mechanical back pain from issues like muscle strains, disc problems, or facet joint arthritis. We identify the structural cause to create a plan that prevents chronic pain and restores function.

When is a joint replacement surgery recommended?

Joint replacement surgery is considered when arthritis pain and stiffness significantly impair daily activities, and other treatments have proven ineffective. This decision is made collaboratively with an orthopedic surgeon to restore function and prevent a life significantly limited by pain.

What is a rotator cuff tear?

A rotator cuff tear is damage to one or more of the four tendons and muscles that stabilize the shoulder joint, often caused by overuse or a sudden injury. Treatment focuses on relieving pain and restoring function to prevent long-term weakness and arthritis.

5565 N Wickham Rd
Melbourne FL 32940
Phone: (321) 843-5851

Dr. Hunter Rafoth, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1700414067

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Sports Medicine like Dr. Hunter Rafoth are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your sports medicine about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.