Dr. Peter Szymoniak, MD, Orthopedic Surgery

Dr. Peter Szymoniak, MD

Orthopedic Surgery in Port St. Joe, FL

(25 reviews)

Dr. Peter Szymoniak, MD is an Orthopedic Surgeon practicing at his clinic in Milton, FL, and dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Orthopedic care for older adults. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine... Read More Below

Accepting New Patients Board Certified 45+ Years Experience
Professional Details

Dr. Peter Szymoniak, MD is an Orthopedic Surgeon practicing at his clinic in Milton, FL, and dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Orthopedic care for older adults. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a partner in senior health, Dr. Szymoniak understands the unique needs of this population. 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, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists to provide comprehensive and personalized care. He serves older adults (65+) and active seniors, and is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (850) 626-1461 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Peter Szymoniak, MD is an orthopedic surgeon in Milton, FL with over 45 years of experience in the medical field. He has extensive experience in Shoulder & Upper Arm Surgery. Dr. Szymoniak earned his medical degree from the University of Iowa in 1979 and is Board Certified in Orthopedic Surgery by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. With over 45 years of dedicated experience in Orthopedic care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is affiliated with Santa Rosa Medical Center and D. W. McMillan Memorial Hospital. He is accepting new patients. Dr. Szymoniak is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Peter Szymoniak provides consultations primarily in English.

A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Peter Szymoniak is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.

Dr. Szymoniak is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing compassionate and comprehensive orthopedic care. He collaborates closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to address a wide range of musculoskeletal concerns, from arthritis and fractures to spinal issues, focusing on personalized treatment plans that prioritize comfort and independence.

By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Peter Szymoniak can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.

Also Accepts These Carriers

  • APCN Choice POS II
  • Aetna
  • Ambetter
  • Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • BlueCard PPO
  • BlueCare HMO
  • BlueSelect
  • CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
  • Choice
  • Choice Care Network PPO
  • Choice Care PPO
  • Choice POS
  • Choice Plus POS
  • Choice Plus POS II
  • Cigna
  • Cigna HMO
  • Cigna PPO
  • Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
  • First Health
  • First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
  • Florida Blue
  • HMO Premier HMO
  • HealthyBlue Advantage
  • Humana
  • Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
  • National POS
  • Navigate HMO
  • Navigate Plus POS
  • Nexus Open Access
  • Open Access Plus
  • Open Choice PPO
  • Options PPO
  • Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
  • Superior Health Plan
  • UnitedHealthCare

Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Peter Szymoniak 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:

  • Chondrocalcinosis: If you've been diagnosed with chondrocalcinosis, which involves calcium deposits in your joints, know that managing the condition through medication, physical therapy, and sometimes joint injections can significantly improve your comfort and quality of life.
  • Hammer Toe: If you have a hammer toe, you might experience pain and difficulty walking, but know that there are solutions, from conservative measures like special shoes to surgery if needed, helping you maintain your independence.
  • Pyogenic Arthritis: Characterized by intense joint pain and swelling, pyogenic arthritis is a bacterial infection that needs rapid treatment with antibiotics to prevent permanent damage and ensure you can maintain your quality of life.
  • Degenerative Disc Disease: Think of your spine's discs as shock absorbers; in degenerative disc disease, these shock absorbers wear down, causing pain and discomfort; Through a combination of approaches, we can help manage your pain and keep you active.
  • Avascular Necrosis of Femoral Head: Avascular necrosis in the hip means the bone isn't getting enough blood, causing it to weaken and break down; treatments such as surgery, like a hip replacement, can often greatly relieve pain and improve your quality of life.
  • Osgood Schlatter Disease: This condition, usually seen in adolescents, causes pain and swelling just below the kneecap due to overuse; older adults are rarely affected and should consult a doctor if experiencing similar symptoms.
  • Arthritis of the Elbow: Stiffness and pain in your elbow due to arthritis can significantly impact your daily life, making activities challenging; however, with proper diagnosis and management, which may involve physical therapy, medication, or even joint replacement, you can expect to improve your comfort levels and maintain a higher quality of life.
  • AC Joint Injury: Shoulder pain stemming from an injury to the AC joint, the point where your collarbone connects to your shoulder blade, can be managed effectively through various treatments to help you get back to your activities.
  • Shoulder Bursitis: If you have shoulder bursitis, the inflammation in your shoulder joint can be eased with pain relievers, injections, and targeted exercises, allowing you to enjoy greater comfort and perform daily tasks with less difficulty.
  • Medial Epicondylitis: Golfer's elbow, or medial epicondylitis, causes pain on the inside of your elbow due to overuse; treatment focuses on reducing pain and inflammation, allowing you to enjoy your favorite hobbies again.
  • Knee Fracture: A fractured knee needs specialized treatment to heal correctly, and modern medical interventions can help you regain your strength and mobility, reducing pain and improving quality of life.
  • Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: Pain and difficulty lifting or reaching might indicate shoulder impingement; treatment options like physical therapy, medication, and even minimally invasive procedures can help relieve discomfort and restore range of motion.

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 Szymoniak offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:

  • Excision of Femur or Knee: In cases of severe arthritis or bone deformities causing significant pain and disability, excision of a portion of the femur or knee can help improve mobility and quality of life.
  • Herniated Disc Surgery: To diagnose the cause of your back pain and determine the best treatment approach, your doctor may recommend herniated disc surgery.
  • Shoulder Replacement Revision: This procedure replaces or repairs a failing shoulder replacement, helping to manage chronic pain and improve your overall health and well-being as you age.
  • Meniscectomy: To diagnose and address the source of chronic knee pain, a meniscectomy can be performed to remove damaged meniscal tissue, which contributes to pain and inflammation in the knee joint of older adults.
  • Partial Hip Replacement: For seniors experiencing hip pain and limited mobility due to arthritis, a partial hip replacement offers a less invasive surgical option compared to a total hip replacement, targeting specific areas of joint damage.
  • Spinal Nerve Block: Spinal nerve blocks can provide temporary pain relief to help manage discomfort and enable physical therapy, a key step in improving your ability to walk and stand after spine surgery.
  • Excision of Ganglion: This simple surgical procedure helps manage the symptoms of ganglion cysts, reducing discomfort and improving your ability to perform daily activities.
  • Hip Dislocation: Managing a hip dislocation often includes closed reduction, a non-surgical procedure where the doctor gently manipulates the hip back into place, aiming to minimize discomfort and accelerate recovery in older adults.
  • Total Shoulder Replacement: As part of a comprehensive care plan for managing severe shoulder arthritis, a total shoulder replacement can help seniors participate more fully in their favorite activities and social engagements.
  • Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement: Reverse total shoulder replacement is a surgical procedure that helps restore mobility and reduce pain in severely damaged shoulders, improving a senior's quality of life.
  • Hand Tendon Repair: As part of a comprehensive care plan, hand tendon repair addresses specific issues like tendon tears or ruptures, restoring hand functionality for daily living.
  • Trigger Finger Release: Trigger finger release surgery is a targeted procedure that addresses the underlying cause of trigger finger, a common hand condition impacting seniors' hand mobility and function.

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 Szymoniak 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:

  • With careful management of chondrocalcinosis, a senior was able to resume regular walks in the park, a cherished activity that had been sidelined by joint pain. The family felt a significant reduction in the patient's pain and an overall improvement in their mobility and well-being.
  • A senior woman, previously experiencing pain and difficulty walking due to hammer toe, found relief with conservative treatment and could once again confidently navigate her home and garden.
  • With the infection effectively managed through prompt antibiotic treatment, a senior was able to resume their beloved hobby of playing bridge with friends, a source of joy and social connection.

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
Education History
  • HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
Board Certifications
  • American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (Orthopedic Surgery)

Here are answers to some common questions about Orthopedic care with Dr. Peter Szymoniak:

What is an Orthopedic Surgeon?
Dr. Szymoniak and our team are orthopedic surgeons, meaning we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of the entire musculoskeletal system—bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. We provide both surgical and non-surgical options to relieve pain and restore function for seniors.
Does seeing an orthopedic surgeon automatically mean I need surgery?
Absolutely not. Dr. Szymoniak'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 beneficial approach to restoring function and quality of life.
My ankle feels weak and painful. What are my options?
Chronic ankle pain and instability in seniors can be caused by arthritis or old ligament injuries. Treatment often begins with supportive bracing, physical therapy, and injections. For severe cases, Dr. Szymoniak can discuss surgical options like ankle fusion or, in some cases, total ankle replacement to provide stability and pain relief.
What is joint replacement surgery?
Joint replacement surgery, performed by Dr. Szymoniak, is a procedure to replace a damaged or arthritic joint with an artificial implant. The goal is to relieve the bone-on-bone pain caused by severe arthritis and restore mobility. This very successful procedure can dramatically improve your ability to walk, climb stairs, and perform daily activities.
What is arthroscopic surgery?
Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive technique where Dr. Szymoniak uses a tiny camera and small instruments inserted through small incisions to see and repair problems inside a joint. It often results in less pain, less tissue damage, and a faster recovery than traditional open surgery.
What is a rotator cuff tear?
A rotator cuff tear is a problem with the group of four tendons that stabilize your shoulder joint. Tears can occur from injury or gradual wear and tear, leading to pain and weakness. Many tears are effectively managed without surgery, using physical therapy and injections. For larger tears, Dr. Szymoniak can perform arthroscopic surgery to repair the tendon.
What is a cortisone injection?
A cortisone injection is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication injected directly into a painful area, like a knee or shoulder joint. It works by reducing swelling and inflammation, often providing significant, though temporary, pain relief for conditions like arthritis or tendonitis. It's a safe and effective tool to manage flare-ups.
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 steroid injection. If symptoms persist, Dr. Szymoniak can perform a quick, outpatient surgery to release the pressure on the nerve and provide lasting relief.

6007 Berryhill Rd
Milton FL 32570
Phone: (850) 626-1461

Dr. Peter Szymoniak, 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): 1073510095

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 Szymoniak 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.

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