Dr. Lai is a fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon, specializing in fractures, trauma, reconstructive surgery, ligament and tendon repair, and deformity correction of the foot and ankle.
Dr. Lai wanted to help people from a young age, and always felt the medical field was his calling. Born and raised in Galloway, he stayed somewhat local for his undergraduate education and graduated from West Chester University with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry-Biology. He went on to earn his medical degree from Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine. “I had the opportunity to observe and work with a foot and ankle specialist, and I really liked being able to help people that same day,” Dr. Lai explained when asked why he chose this field of work. “It’s such a great feeling to be able to help someone in pain, treat their injuries and see them leave the office relieved and happy that same day.”
After finishing medical school, Dr. Lai completed his surgical training at Aria-Jefferson Health Systems in Philadelphia, and obtained extensive training in reconstruction and trauma at Aria-3B Orthopaedic Institute. He went on to complete a foot and ankle surgical fellowship under the Orthopedic Group of Pittsburgh, Pa. where he focused on the treatment of highly complex deformities of the foot and ankle. He then headed back home and joined the Shore Orthopaedic family in August. Dr. Lai now lives in Linwood with his wife and soon-to-be 2-year-old son, and is expecting another son in December.
Dr. Lai offers advice on an injury he frequently sees: ankle sprains. While in 80 percent of ankle sprains the ligament heals with a brace, rest, ice, compression and elevation, in 20 percent of ankle sprains the ligament does not heal in the correct anatomical position. This happens if the injury is more severe with complete rupture of the ligament and/or you don’t allow it to heal correctly. In this situation, the acute ankle sprain can develop into chronic lateral ankle instability, and predisposes other structures to further injuries such as tendonitis and cartilage damage. At that point, with the triad of injuries, surgical repair is often necessary. With today’s advanced surgical techniques and innovative technologies, recovery time has significantly improved and allows you to get back on your feet earlier. Surgery may be avoided completely by seeing a doctor as soon as the sprain occurs, especially if there is swelling, bruising, pain, and difficulty with walking. To avoid ankle sprains, proper footwear is important. Stay away from flimsy shoes and wear rigid-soled shoes or sneakers with arch supports. Be cautious when walking or running on uneven terrain such as the beach, curbs or steps.
Dr. Lai is board qualified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and an associate member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. He is available for appointments at Shore Orthopaedic’s Somers Point, Galloway and Cape May Court House offices. For more information and to make an appointment with Dr. Lai, visit shoreorthodocs.com or call (609) 927-1991.
