Mark E Schakel's Online Review Report Card

I visited Dr. Schakel to discuss a painful problem with the big joint of my big toe. The joint has been swollen, stiff, and increasingly painful for a couple years. I discussed this problem with three other foot doctors, and they offered no good solutions. Dr. Schakel said I have bone spurs on the joint because the cartilage is totally worn out. Like the other doctors, Dr. Schakel said shaving away the bone spurs or installing an artificial joint would not likely solve my problem. But Dr. Schakel suggested possible solutions the others didn't mention. The one I tried was great and very simple. He recommended I get shoes with a rocker sole. (I think that was the right word. Basically this is a rounded sole that lets me take a step without bending the big toe.) I am now able to take long walks without limping or significant pain. He also mentioned two other possible solutions: using a stiff carbon fiber insert available on Amazon, which prevents the toe from bending, or fusing the toe joint which also keeps the toe from bending. It's good to know that these options are available if the rounded sole no longer provides relief in the future. I got three pairs of ASICS Glideride 2 shoes, since my dermatologist recommended having three pairs to rotate to help eliminate athlete's foot. These shoes are great (I tried a different model of rocker sole shoes that weren't as good), and the advice from Dr. Schakel was excellent. Thanks a lot!

I really appreciate all of the answered questions and concerns prior to and post-op for my ankle surgery. I am on the road to recovery. I had 2 hard casts and now the boot. The Dr. was A+++

Excellent quality of care! Kind & compassionate.

I have had unsuccessful injections on my feet that lasted for 15 minutes to a half hour. Dr. Schakel said: “You haven’t been shot by me!” He was right! His injections have allowed me to manage my pain for up to four months before needing additional injections. I am trying to avoid the downtime of bone fusion. Thank you Dr. Schakel!

Wonderful experience with Dr. Schakel and staff.

From the first contact to make an appointment all the staff was very helpful and friendly. Was able to get an appointment in just a few days so I didn't have to wait long for a consultation for my reoccurring ankle sprains. I felt very confident in Dr. Schakel as he came highly recommended from friends that had him perform surgeries for them. He understood my issue and diagnosed my problem. Explained what was needed to help my ankle. I ended up getting a Brostrom repair sugery. Surgery went well. You could tell the staff respects him as a surgeon. Nurses at the surgery center made comments that he is cautious and will recommend recovery protocols for the very best results. Nurses at the surgery center were kind and caring and helped ease my nerves (all except one which wasn't bad just not very outgoing & friendly...just down to business and not warm & fuzzy). The surgery center checked in the day after surgery and was very responsive to any concerns or questions I had. My recovery has been almost painless (4 weeks post-op). I appreciated the doctor's attention with my post-op appointment (answered questions, personally put my cast on). I have a couple more weeks in a cast and then will be working on walking normally again so we'll see how that goes, but I'm feeling confident I should have a good result. I am able to bear weight and still don't have any pain. The only thing I would have liked slightly differently is for a little more detailed information about the surgery. Dr. Schakel is experienced and knowledgeable, but doesn't seem to be very extroverted so his answers are short and sweet, so I felt like I had to draw out more information to understand the surgery, but it was hard to know what questions to ask until I had time to research and try to understand more about it. That being said, when I did come up with questions they were always answered. Just a note to know what to expect... overall I'm very happy with my experience!

Dr. Mark E. Schakel has been my doctor for many years. My first experience was an emergency case due to a Tibia Plateau injury. I received the outmost professional care a person would hope to have inorder to fully recover. The break I experienced was that of a person who fell off a ten story building. Shattering the Tibia Plateau. I fully recovered. It required me to be in a wheel chair for 3 months, a walker for 3 months, and from there I learned how to walk again. It has since been 15 years! I went to see him this year for a check-up and he was pleased to see that I still have full function of my knee. I am 75 yrs old currently and have both my knees and it doesn't look like I will ever need a replacement. I feel like I owe it to him in doing such a good job of putting this Humpty Dumpty back together again! I followed his directions from the get go and keep active to keep moving on my own accord. I highly recommend him. He is a Professional, Respectful, Knowledgeable, and an Amiable, Trustworthy Doctor. Thank you Dr. Schakel and staff. You are a terrific team. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽♥️♥️♥️

The doctor here, Dr Schakel, is limited in the ability to help you. I wasted 3 months between visits here seeking disability assistance. Literally 3 months ago the doctor told me to schedule another appointment to discuss my disability. Yesterday I had that appointment and nothing that could have been told me over the phone was discussed in person. Complete waste of time and money. I’m on the cusp of loosing my benefits because of this ineptitude. Be wary, this doctor is not about helping people. Also, he cannot perform ankle replacements.

The doctor is patient and understanding and knows what he's talking about and if he doesn't they will look into it.

Dr Schakel is one of the best orthopaedic surgeons in California if not the country. He also is very caring, thorough and extensive in trying to fullfil your needs and resolve your issues. I cannot imagine seeing any other doctor. His staff is equally top motch and I feel completely comfortable in their hands. Great job guys!!