Whether you’re facing a sports injury, joint pain, or a complex orthopedic condition, WE CARE about providing personalized solutions to help you move better and live pain-free.
Our orthopedic team is comprised of board-certified physicians, nurses, therapists, and support staff who work together to provide a broad range of services, and latest treatments and techniques to help you get back in motion, and doing the things you love
Our Orthopedic Services
- Total knee & hip joint replacement
- Sports medicine care & surgery
- Fracture & trauma care
- Hand & wrist care
- Elbow & shoulder care
- Lumbar & cervical spine care
- Alternatives to surgery
- Pre and post-surgery rehabilitation, including sports injury prevention program, computerized balance assessment, comprehensive strength training gym, pain control modalities including TENS, and ultrasound & manual therapy
Would you like to hear from Mary, a patient of Dr. Michael Diaz and the Center for Orthopedic Care?
Why choose Oswego Health for orthopedic care?
We pride ourselves on investing to make sure we have the best orthopedic team equipped with state-of-the-art technology to ensure quality patient care. To help you on your road to recovery, a surgical navigator is with you every step of the way. The surgical navigator is there to answer all questions you may have and support you from preparation, surgery to recovery.
Rehabilitation & physical therapy
Complementing your orthopedic care is Oswego Health's excellent rehabilitation team. Our highly skilled therapists use a patient-centered approach to ensure your best outcome.
Providers
Dr. Michael Diaz provides orthopedic care at the Center for Orthopedic Care. He earned his doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine where he also completed his orthopedic surgery internship and residency. There he specialized in sports medicine as he worked with the team physicians for the Philadelphia Eagles and Philadelphia 76ers as well as total joint specialists from the University of Pennsylvania.
The CORI robotically assisted total and partial knee system incorporates state of the art hand held knee replacement instruments using 3D imaging of a patients’ knee. This permits the surgeon to capture patient specific information, establish spatial boundaries for the surgical instruments, and allow for a more accurate total or partial knee replacement.
This system also assists in proper balancing of the ligaments in a knee and accurately positioning the implants, leading to potentially better outcomes and longevity of the implant.
Dr. Diaz was instrumental in bringing this state of the art technology to Oswego Health and has extensive experience in performing this level of surgery.
Raman Dhawan, MD brings over 18 years of experience in orthopedic surgery. After completing his orthopedic residency at Upstate Medical University from 1999 to 2004, Dr. Dhawan pursued a spine fellowship at University of California San Diego (2004-2005), honing his expertise in advanced spine care. Prior to joining Oswego Health Medical Practice, Dr. Dhawan was a respected orthopedic surgeon at Crouse Hospital, where he served from 2007 until recently. Additionally, he has worked at Geneva General Hospital since 2008 and Community Memorial Hospital from 2005 to 2007.
Brandon Weaver, PA, has been an orthopedic physician assistant for the past seven years with 18 years’ experience as a physician assistant, with his most recent position being at Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists. He earned his Bachelor of Science from the Physician Assistant Program at the Rochester Institute of Technology RIT in 2002.
Helen Williams, CSCS, PA-C is part of the Center for Orthopedic Care. Originally from Skaneateles, NY, Helen earned her Physician Assistant Master of Science in August of 2023 from Upstate Medical University and her Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training in 1999 from Springfield College in Massachusetts.
She has worked as a Strength and Conditioning Coach, caring for athletes from Jr. High to collegiate to professional. Most recently she was a Health and Wellness Director in Skaneateles, overseeing operations and managing all health and wellness-related programming. In addition, she assisted in program implementation for LiveStrong at both the Skaneateles and Auburn YMCA branches.
Frequently asked questions about orthopedic care at Oswego Health
Our board-certified orthopedic surgeons in Oswego provide total knee, hip, and shoulder joint replacement, sports medicine care, fracture and trauma care, hand and wrist surgery, and non-surgical orthopedic treatments.
Yes! Our orthopedic team offers a variety of non-surgical treatments, including physical therapy, pain management, and other advanced techniques to help you avoid surgery when possible.
After surgery, you’ll receive personalized rehabilitation with our expert physical therapy team. Our surgical navigator will guide you through recovery, ensuring you regain mobility and strength safely.
Call us at 315.349.5873 or request an appointment online to schedule your consultation with an orthopedic surgeon at Oswego Health.
Reviewed 10/9/2025
How to prevent diabetes foot ulcers
If you have diabetes, it's important to protect your feet. The disease can cause nerve damage and other issues that make you less likely to notice when you have a problem with your feet. Diabetes can also slow down healing. As a result, even a small sore on your foot could turn into a foot ulcer—a wound that doesn't heal.
Fortunately, you can take steps to help keep your feet healthy. Keep reading to learn about some habits that can help.
Control your blood sugar
Elevated blood sugar (glucose) levels can damage your feet. It's important to reach the glucose goals your doctor sets for you. Healthy habits, like exercising and eating right, can help you maintain good glucose levels. If you use insulin or oral medications, be sure to take them the way your doctor or nurse tells you.
Quit smoking
Smoking increases your risk for foot ulcers by reducing circulation.
Wash and check your feet every day
Use lukewarm water and mild soap to wash your feet. Dry them well, especially between the toes, where trapped moisture may promote infection.
After washing is a good time to check your feet. Look for issues such as blisters, cuts, sores, broken skin, redness or swelling. Report any concerns to your doctor.
Can't see or reach your feet? Use a mirror or ask a loved one for help.
Avoid injury
Protecting your feet from cuts, scrapes or burns can help you prevent infections. Use these three strategies:
- Don't go barefoot (even indoors).
- Check for pebbles in your shoes before putting them on.
- Avoid heating pads and hot baths, especially if you've lost feeling in your feet.
Choose the right footwear
Choose shoes that fit snugly (not too tight or too loose) with room for your toes. Break new shoes in by wearing them for no more than a couple of hours at a time at first. And avoid tight socks, which can reduce blood flow to your feet.
Trim nails straight across
Use a file to smooth rough edges. If you cut your toenails at the sides or trim them too short, you might nick your skin, paving the way for a possible infection.
If you have an ingrown nail, callous or corn, ask your doctor what to do. Don't remove these yourself.
Choose foot-friendly exercises
Walking is often a good option. But if you have any foot problems, other activities, like riding a bike or swimming, may be better choices. Ask your doctor what's right for you.
Contact your doctor at the first sign of a foot problem
Even small issues may lead to ulcers if left untreated. Any of the following signs is a reason to see your doctor right away:
- Poor hair growth or nails that look yellow, thick or crumbly.
- Changes in the shape, color or temperature of your feet.
- Tingling, burning or pain.
- Loss of feeling.
- Dry, cracked skin.
- Blisters, sores or other injuries.
- Fungus infections (like athlete's foot) between your toes.
- Pain or cramping in your legs, thighs or buttocks during physical activity.
Diabetes damages more than your feet
Do you know how diabetes affects other parts of your body?
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Your Feet and Diabetes." https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/diabetes-complications/diabetes-and-your-feet.html.
- UpToDate. "Patient Education: Foot Care for People with Diabetes (Beyond the Basics)." https://www.uptodate.com/contents/foot-care-for-people-with-diabetes-beyond-the-basics.