

Dr. Keith R. Swanson, M.D.
Orthopedist
PO Box 3 Genoa NV, 89411About
Keith R. Swanson, MD, FACS, FAAOS, is a top orthopedic surgeon who lends his skills and expertise to serve patients by offering consultation services through his private corporation in South Lake Tahoe, CA. He additionally serves as Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Nevada School of Medicine Reno. Prior to his current endeavors, Dr. Swanson served on staff at Barton Hospital, the Lake Tahoe Surgery Center, and Tahoe Forest Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. He was one of the founding members of the Lake Tahoe Sports Medicine Fellowship and has recently retired after a longstanding career as Program Director of The Fellowship.
Education and Training
Univ of Tx Med Branch Galveston, Galveston Tx 1971
Board Certification
Orthopaedic Sports Medicine (Orthopaedic Surgery)
Orthopedic Surgery (Physician Specialties)
Provider Details

Dr. Keith R. Swanson, M.D.'s Expert Contributions
Will I be able to bend after scoliosis surgery?
Yes, you will. Depending on how long your fusion is, you may have some slight limitation in your side-to-side bending. Forward bending will be essentially normal because most of that comes from hip motion, not spine motion. READ MORE
Does a dislocated elbow require surgery?
Usually not, but it depends on the type of dislocation READ MORE
Can sciatica be cured by physiotherapy?
Yes READ MORE
How long does a torn ACL take to heal?
The problem with ACL tears is that they normally will not heal properly without surgery. The acute pain and swelling will resolve but because the ligament does not heal and the anatomically correct position and they will likely become unstable And lead to permanent long term damage to the knee. I recommend that he be seen by an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in sports medicine. As soon as possible. READ MORE
If I sprained my Achilles tendon, will it likely tear in the future?
Whether you will go on to a tear of your Achilles tendon depends on many factors including your age, severity of injury, and how it was treated and call rehabilitation program you underwent. READ MORE
How does physical therapy help a dislocated shoulder?
This is often the treatment of choice for a first time shoulder dislocation and your sons age group. Strengthening the muscles that help keep the shoulder in the proper position can help prevent further dislocations. However recurrence of another dislocation in his age group is very high READ MORE
Should I put my son in football?
This is a great question that many parents are asking. Football is a big part of American culture and is a great game. I think the answer lies in the comfort level of the parents and the desire of the kids. In my opinion if the athlete loves football and wants to play Dan I would allow them to play. What I would recommend is waiting until the athlete is older and more mature before starting football. Skills that are important in football can be obtained and developed in other non-contact sports such as swimming, soccer, basketball, etc. but the bottom line in my opinion is that the parents have to be comfortable allowing their children to play football which is a sport with the highest serious injury rated any sport. READ MORE
Can you still be injured without having pain?
No READ MORE
Are foot massages beneficial for runners?
They certainly feel good. That’s a good thing. But as far as being preventative they are not. READ MORE
I have a strain in my back after playing hockey. Should I try warm water therapy to ease it?
For a muscle strain I think that warm water therapy such as a warm whirlpool is a good symptomatic treatment. The goal of treatment for a strain is simply to moderate the pain while the tissue heals and to avoid further injury. Alternating heat and cold usually is effective. But the key is time and prevention of further injury. READ MORE
My son has dislocated his shoulder twice from playing baseball. Will this have an effect on him in the future?
He most likely will need surgery to tighten the ligaments to prevent further dislocations. This is very successful surgery and is usually done arthroscopically. With successful surgery it is unlikely that it will affect his baseball unless he is a right handed pitcher. READ MORE
How soon can I resume swimming after a back surgery?
It depends on the type of back surgery you had, but generally swimming should be beneficial to your recovery as long as you take the precautions recommended by your surgeon READ MORE
How can I deal with post workout muscle pain?
It is quite natural to have muscle soreness after a strenuous workout. The best treatment is rest to allow the muscle fibers to recover. Heat, ice and over-the-counter pain medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help control the discomfort. READ MORE
What surgery is done for a dislocated shoulder?
Surgery for a recurrent dislocating shoulder involves tightening the ligaments that are loose, sometimes moving small piece of bone. It is generally done arthroscopically through small incisions and is very successful. READ MORE
Are protein supplements beneficial for muscle recovery?
No READ MORE
What is the fastest way to heal elbow bursitis?
The best way is to keep direct pressure off of your elbow. Unless there is an infection this type of bursitis will heal, but often remains quite swollen for sometime. READ MORE
Can my son wait to have ACL surgery?
The short answer is yes. He should be careful to avoid any further injury. That would be the biggest risk for waiting. READ MORE
How much water should one consume after playing?
I am a firm believer that a healthy body self regulates regarding the basic needs including hydration. I think it is common sense to hydrate with water or sports fluids at a moderate pace, but not to guzzle them down. Our bodies thirst mechanism is very reliable unless it is not operating normally due to illness or disease. READ MORE
Can I use a compression wrap for a wrist injury?
A compression wrap will not be of any significant help. Persistent wrist pain after a fall is concerning because it could indicate on occult fracture of the wrist bones specifically the scaphoid. I would advise seeking evaluation and treatment by an orthopedic surgeon. An untreated fracture of the wrist can cause serious permanent problems. READ MORE
Is it advisable for a heavier person to start weight lifting?
No. It won’t hurt your joints. I would avoid impact activities until your weight has decreased. Avoid deep knee bends and listen to your body “if it hurts stop”. READ MORE
Faculty Titles & Positions
- Clinical Associate Professor University of Nevada -
Treatments
- Arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Pain
Professional Memberships
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
- American College of Surgeons
- American Orthopaedic Society of Sports Medicine
Internships
- University of California
Professional Society Memberships
- American Orthopaedic Society of Sports Medicine, American College of Surgeons, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery
Dr. Keith R. Swanson, M.D.'s Practice location
Dr. Keith R. Swanson, M.D.'s reviews
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Get to know Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr. Keith R. Swanson, who serves patients in Northern Nevada
Dr. Swanson has practiced orthopaedic surgery in Lake Tahoe and the Carson Valley since 1979. He specializes in sports injuries to the knee and has a special interest in joint replacement surgery of the knee.
After practicing orthopaedic surgery for over 40 years, he has recently retired from the Medical Staffs of Barton Hospital and the Lake Tahoe Surgery Center. He is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Nevada School of Medicine Reno and currently provides orthopaedic consultation services through his professional corporation, Keith R. Swanson, M.D., PC.
The doctor’s acclaimed career in medicine began when he earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Texas. His internship was completed in Sacramento, California at the University of California at Davis Medical Center. After duties as a general medical officer with the U.S. Army stationed in Germany, he completed his residency in orthopaedic surgery at Letterman Army Medical Center in San Francisco, California and Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children in St. Louis, Missouri.
After serving as an Army orthopaedic surgeon at Reynolds Army Hospital in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Dr. Swanson entered private practice with Tahoe Fracture Clinic in 1979. In 1996, he became one of the founders of the Lake Tahoe Orthopaedic Institute.
Additionally, he is a founding member of the Lake Tahoe Sports Medicine Fellowship, which continues to train orthopaedic surgeons in sports medicine techniques. He recently retired after a long and successful career as the Program Director of The Fellowship. His passion for teaching has resulted in him becoming the first Director of Graduate Medical Education for Barton Health.
In order to stay up to date in his field, he is board-certified in orthopaedic surgery with a subspecialty certification in sports medicine by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS). The ABOS is an organization with the goal of establishing educational and professional standards for orthopaedic residents and surgeons, as well as evaluating the qualifications and competence of orthopaedic surgeons.
Furthermore, he is a member of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, as well as a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Orthopaedic surgery or orthopaedics is the branch of surgery concerned with conditions involving the musculoskeletal system. Orthopaedic surgeons use both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors, and congenital disorders.
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Nearest Hospitals
BARTON MEMORIAL HOSPITALl
2170 SOUTH AVENUE SOUTH LAKE TAHOE CA 96150