When your shoulder starts aching, or your knee won’t cooperate, your first instinct might be to wonder if surgery is in your future. Dr. Altamash Iftikhar, D.O., wants you to know there is a better place to start – one that is easily accessible and close to home.
Dr. Iftikhar is a non-invasive orthopedic specialist, board-certified in family medicine and sports medicine, who joined Froedtert South over a year ago. He brings with him a comprehensive approach to musculoskeletal care that focuses on patients – not just their symptoms – at the center of every visit.
Surgery May Not Be the Answer – You Have Options
Walk into Dr. Iftikhar’s office with neck pain, and don’t be surprised if the conversation extends well beyond your cervical spine. That’s entirely by design. As a musculoskeletal expert, Dr. Iftikhar specializes in the full spectrum of the body’s structural system – muscles, tendons, joints, and bones – with a focus on non-surgical solutions. He firmly believes in the body’s ability to heal itself when provided with the right support and works closely with patients to explore every conservative, non-invasive option before considering more advanced treatments.
“My approach is comprehensive and holistic. If you come in for neck pain, we’re also going to talk about your work, your stress, and your day-to-day life, not just your symptoms. I treat the whole patient so that I can provide the most meaningful and effective solutions. I want patients to know they can come to me first to explore non-surgical options. For example, strengthening muscles can enhance stability and reduce pain. I utilize injections when necessary to help patients complete rehab exercises more effectively without pain. Surgery does not always need to be the first course of action.” ~ Dr. Iftikhar
Comprehensive Evaluations Lead to Clear Plans
For many patients, the orthopedic journey can feel overwhelming. Dr. Iftikhar is committed to changing that experience by ensuring patients fully understand what’s happening in their bodies. If advanced imaging is necessary, he orders it. When surgery is required, Dr. Iftikhar makes sure patients are thoroughly prepared with comprehensive imaging and, when appropriate, pre-surgical physical therapy to help them enter the operating room as strongly as possible.
“When someone comes in with, say, shoulder pain, we do a thorough work-up, order the appropriate imaging, and then go over everything together so they understand their anatomy and how it works. Then we talk through all the non-surgical options available to them. If surgery is the right path, I’ve already laid the groundwork. Everything is ready to hand off to the right specialist and not waste any time.” ~ Dr. Iftikhar
Specialized Care for Concussions and Young Athletes
Dr. Iftikhar is passionate about working with athletes of all ages, including individuals recovering from sports-related injuries. One area of expertise that distinguishes him is acute concussion management. Whether caused by a sports collision, a vehicular accident, or another form of head trauma, concussions require specialized, timely care – especially in younger patients.
“I love helping kids in sports. Getting them the right care quickly can make a real difference in their recovery and their ability to get back to doing what they love. I am honored to serve as a team physician for Westosha Central High School, St. Joseph Catholic Academy, and the Kenosha Kingfish. I enjoy getting out into the community and helping these young athletes and their families.” ~ Dr. Iftikhar
Grounded in Family, Community, and Shoes
Dr. Iftikhar followed in his father’s footsteps by pursuing a career in orthopedics. His father was an orthopedic surgeon who practiced in the Chicagoland area for fifty years. Dr. Iftikhar earned his medical degree from Michigan State University and completed both his residency and fellowship in Florida, gaining experience treating a diverse range of patients from the general population to high school, Olympic-level, and professional athletes. He then returned to the Midwest to be closer to family and established his practice within the Froedtert South community.
Altamash Iftikhar, D.O. Family Medicine-Sports Medicine
“My dad is proud I followed in his footsteps. We are the only two doctors in the family. My mom just wanted me to be a good person, and I strive to fulfill that every day. I enjoy this small town so much. I have a family-centric family, and everybody here feels like family to me. I love seeing my patients at the store or at the gym. It’s a great community.” ~ Dr. Iftikhar
Outside of medicine, Dr. Iftikhar is an avid traveler with a passion for diverse cultures, cuisines, and languages. He also has a keen eye for art, which extends to an impressive shoe collection. He considers his shoes a form of art and loves collecting this wearable, unique artwork!
Called to Serve
For Dr. Iftikhar, practicing medicine is more than a career – it’s a calling.
“Health is our most prized treasure. It’s an honor to practice medicine, and I take that responsibility seriously. My goal for every patient is that they spend less time waiting and more time healing. I believe patients benefit from the unique system of care at Froedtert South that is firmly built on efficiency and collaboration. Here, I can ensure my patients get same-week access to specialists and a team-based approach to their care. I love what I do as a physician, and practicing at Froedtert South enhances the experience for me and my patients. I’m very proud to serve here.” ~ Dr. Iftikhar
Orthopedic Walk-In Care – No ER Required
Acute injuries don’t always occur at convenient times, and when you’re in pain, waiting days for an appointment is far from ideal. That’s why Dr. Iftikhar oversees Froedtert South’s Orthopedic Walk-In Clinic, which allows patients with acute injuries to receive specialized orthopedic care quickly – without the need for a trip to the emergency room. Whether it’s a sprained ankle, a suspected fracture, or a sudden flare-up of joint pain, patients can walk in and be evaluated by Dr. Iftikhar or one of the physician assistants on his team. Expert Care is always available when you need it most.
For acute injuries, the orthopedic walk-in clinic is available five days a week. Avoid waiting in the Emergency Department and go directly to Walk-In Orthopedic Care at the Prairie Ridge Clinic. Walk-In hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am – 3:30 pm, and Friday 8:00 am – 2:30 pm.
Dr. Iftikhar, Orthopedics, and the Orthopedic Walk-In Clinic are in the Prairie Ridge Clinic at 9697 St. Catherine’s Drive, just behind the main Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital building. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (262) 800-7540.
