Dr. Peter Candelora, MD is an Orthopedic Surgeon practicing at Coastal Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in New Port Richey, FL. He is deeply committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive orthopedic care for older adults, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Candelora understands the unique needs of this population, recognizing that general orthopedic surgeons possess specialized expertise in diagnosing and treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions common in seniors, such as arthritis, fractures, and spinal issues. He works collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists to provide comprehensive and personalized care, ensuring the best possible outcomes for his patients, who include older adults (65+) and active seniors. He is currently welcoming new patients, and you can schedule an appointment by calling (727) 380-2388.
Dr. Candelora's extensive experience in orthopedic surgery spans over 30 years. Originally from the Philadelphia area, he earned his medical degree from Tulane University in New Orleans, LA, following a concurrent Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree in Biology from Bucknell University. His training encompasses a broad spectrum, including orthopaedic residency at Tulane University School of Medicine, followed by specialty training in rehabilitation and spine surgery at UCLA affiliated Rancho Los Amigos Hospital, sports medicine at the Hughston Sports Medicine Clinic, and pediatric orthopaedic training at the Shriner's Hospital for Crippled Children in Tampa. Dr. Candelora is Board Certified in Orthopedic Surgery by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and has been a dedicated member of the Florida orthopedic community since 1989. He is fluent in both English and Spanish, offering consultations in Spanish as well.
Dr. Candelora's dedication to his patients is evident in his practice's focus on staying at the forefront of orthopedic technology. He has developed a special interest in minimally invasive total joint replacements, reconstructive surgery, and the treatment of various shoulder and knee disorders. His commitment to providing the most advanced and effective care is further demonstrated by his extensive leadership roles, including Chief of Surgery at both North Bay Hospital and New Port Richey Community Hospital, as well as his service on numerous hospital committees. He is a diplomat in the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and a member of several professional organizations, including the Florida Orthopedic Association, Pasco Medical Society, and the Hughston Society. His experience, combined with his commitment to innovation, makes him a trusted and reliable partner in your senior health journey.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Peter Candelora is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Peter Candelora is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing compassionate and comprehensive orthopedic care. He expertly diagnoses and treats a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists to create a personalized treatment plan. His focus is not only on alleviating pain but also on maximizing function and independence, ensuring the best possible quality of life for your loved one.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Peter Candelora can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Amerigroup (Wellpoint)
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cigna
Curative
Medicare
WellCare
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Cigna PPO
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- Medicaid
- Midwest Health Plan
- Premera Blue Cross
- Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Peter Candelora provides expert, compassionate care for a range of conditions common in older adults, with a focus on managing symptoms and maintaining function. Common areas of focus include:
- Hip Sprain: A hip sprain involves injury to the ligaments in your hip, potentially limiting movement and causing discomfort. Following your doctor's recommendations for rest, physical therapy and pain management can alleviate symptoms and enhance your daily life.
- Foot Fracture: If you've fractured a bone in your foot, know that treatment options exist to promote healing and restore comfort, allowing you to maintain independence and reduce the risk of further complications.
- Knee Sprain: A knee sprain occurs when the ligaments in your knee are overstretched or torn, resulting in pain, stiffness, and difficulty with weight-bearing; thankfully, with the right care, including physical therapy, you can reduce pain and improve your knee function.
- Lumbar Compression Fracture: With age, bones can become fragile, increasing the risk of a lumbar compression fracture, a break in the lower spine. Don't worry, various treatment strategies aim to reduce pain and enhance your ability to move freely and comfortably.
- Ankylosing Spondylitis: Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease impacting the spine and causing pain and stiffness; working with your doctor to develop a treatment plan can help manage symptoms and enable you to remain active.
- Intervertebral Disc Disease: For seniors experiencing intervertebral disc problems, a combination of approaches including physical therapy, medication, and possibly spinal injections or surgery can significantly improve comfort and function.
- Shoulder Osteophyte: If you experience shoulder pain and stiffness, a bone spur (osteophyte) might be the cause. Managing this condition can often be achieved through physical therapy, medication, or, rarely, surgery, so you can enjoy greater comfort and keep doing what you love.
- Osteoarthritis of Ankle: With ankle osteoarthritis, the cartilage cushioning your ankle joint wears down, leading to pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion; however, various treatments, including specialized shoes and joint injections, can significantly ease discomfort and help you stay active.
- Spinal Stenosis: With spinal stenosis, the natural cushioning and spacing within your spine reduces, potentially compressing nerves and causing symptoms like back pain and leg weakness; however, various treatments can ease symptoms and help you stay active.
- Fibular Fracture: A fibular fracture is a break in the smaller bone in your lower leg, and treatment often involves casting or surgery to help you heal and regain mobility.
- Thoracic Compression Fracture: Experiencing sudden or persistent pain in your upper back might indicate a compression fracture in your thoracic spine; thankfully, doctors can diagnose this and provide effective treatments such as medication, physical therapy, or minimally invasive procedures to reduce pain and improve your mobility and functionality.
- Shoulder Tendinitis and Tenosynovitis: Experiencing shoulder pain and stiffness? Shoulder tendinitis and tenosynovitis may be causing inflammation in your shoulder tendons, but thankfully, treatments like stretching, anti-inflammatory drugs, and targeted exercises can help you regain comfort and mobility.
This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional based on your specific health history.
To provide comprehensive and person-centered care, Dr. Peter Candelora offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Arthroscopic Shoulder Reconstruction: For seniors experiencing shoulder pain and stiffness, arthroscopic shoulder reconstruction offers a less invasive surgical option to restore joint function and improve overall quality of life.
- Peripheral Nerve Block: As part of your comprehensive care plan, a peripheral nerve block can help your doctor accurately diagnose the source of your pain by temporarily eliminating the pain signals.
- Total Knee Arthroplasty with Robotic Assist: Robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty is a surgical treatment option that addresses the limitations imposed by severe knee arthritis, allowing seniors to regain independence and enjoy greater physical activity.
- Elbow Replacement: For seniors experiencing debilitating elbow pain from conditions like arthritis or injury, elbow replacement surgery can be a life-changing treatment option to manage pain and improve their daily lives.
- Meniscus Surgery: Meniscus surgery helps repair or remove damaged cartilage in the knee, easing pain and improving mobility for seniors with knee problems.
- Hip Replacement: This surgery helps diagnose and treat the underlying cause of debilitating hip pain, allowing seniors to participate more fully in their daily lives.
- Hip Dislocation: Hip dislocation treatment helps manage pain and improve the overall quality of life for seniors by restoring hip joint stability and preventing complications associated with prolonged dislocation.
- Foot Fracture Treatment Open: As part of a comprehensive care plan, open foot fracture treatment provides surgical repair for severe foot injuries in older adults, improving quality of life.
- Excision of Humerus: As part of a comprehensive cancer treatment plan, surgical removal of a portion of the humerus can help alleviate pain and improve a senior's quality of life by eliminating a cancerous growth.
- Excision of Tibia or Fibula: Removing a portion of the tibia or fibula bone can alleviate pressure on surrounding tissues and nerves, improving pain and mobility for seniors with certain conditions.
- Knee and Leg Fracture and Dislocation Treatment: Treatment for knee and leg fractures and dislocations helps restore proper alignment and function after an injury, easing pain and improving mobility.
- Joint Reconstruction Surgery: For seniors experiencing significant joint pain and limited mobility, joint reconstruction surgery offers a surgical solution to manage their condition and enhance their independence.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Orthopedic Surgeries in Florida.
Dr. Peter Candelora is dedicated to partnering with older adults and their families to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how compassionate care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- Following a hip sprain, a senior felt renewed confidence in their ability to navigate their home safely, thanks to targeted physical therapy and pain management. The family rejoiced as their loved one regained the ability to walk their beloved dog again.
- After a foot fracture, a senior felt renewed confidence walking around their home, no longer needing assistive devices. Their family rejoiced in their newfound independence and ability to enjoy familiar activities.
- After a knee sprain, a senior was able to resume their favorite daily walks in the park, feeling much less pain and more confident on their feet.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
3801 E Highway 98 Ste 100100, Port St. Joe, FL, 32456
Phone: (850) 229-5752
View on Map
- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
- American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (Orthopedic Surgery)
Here are answers to some common questions about Orthopedic care with Dr. Peter Candelora:
- What is an Orthopedic Surgeon?
- Dr. Candelora and his team are orthopedic surgeons specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. They offer both surgical and non-surgical options to help relieve pain and restore function for older adults.
- Does seeing an orthopedic surgeon automatically mean I need surgery?
- Absolutely not. Dr. Candelora's practice focuses on finding the best treatment plan for each individual, often recommending conservative options like physical therapy, injections, or bracing first. Surgery is only considered when it's the most effective way to restore quality of life.
- My back and leg pain is getting worse. What could it be?
- Back and leg pain in seniors can sometimes be due to conditions like a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, where nerves in the lower back are being compressed. Dr. Candelora can perform a thorough evaluation to determine the exact cause and will typically start with non-surgical treatments like physical therapy or epidural steroid injections to relieve the pressure and pain.
- What is a cortisone injection?
- A cortisone injection is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication injected directly into a painful joint, like a knee or shoulder. It works by reducing swelling and inflammation, often providing temporary pain relief for conditions like arthritis or tendonitis. It's a safe and effective tool to help manage flare-ups.
- What is the recovery like after a knee or hip replacement?
- Recovery after knee or hip replacement is a process involving a hospital stay and extensive physical therapy. Modern techniques often allow patients to walk the same day as surgery. The goal is to regain strength and motion, and most patients experience significant pain relief and return to daily activities within a few months.
- What can be done for the numbness and tingling in my hand?
- Numbness and tingling in your hand are classic symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Initial treatment often involves a wrist brace or a steroid injection. If symptoms persist, Dr. Candelora can perform a simple outpatient surgery to release the pressure on the nerve and provide lasting relief.
- My ankle feels weak and painful. What are my options?
- Chronic ankle pain and instability in seniors can often be due to arthritis or past ligament injuries. Treatment typically begins with supportive bracing, physical therapy, and injections. If these measures are not enough, Dr. Candelora can discuss surgical options like ankle fusion or, in some cases, total ankle replacement to provide stability and pain relief.
- How is a broken hip (hip fracture) treated in seniors?
- A hip fracture in an older adult is a serious injury that almost always requires surgery to stabilize the bone. The type of surgery depends on the specific fracture pattern. The primary goal is to relieve pain and get the patient moving again as safely and quickly as possible, often with the help of physical therapists.
Coastal Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
5145 Deer Park Dr
New Port Richey FL 34653
Phone: (727) 380-2388
Dr. Peter Candelora, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1376547729
Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by infoaging.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with healthcare partners for yourself or a loved one. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Orthopedic Surgeries like Dr. Peter Candelora are skilled in helping seniors and their families navigate their health journey. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.