Richard Bellacosa, DPM is a Podiatrist practicing at San Antonio Podiatry Associates, P.C. in San Antonio, TX. He is a trusted local provider registered with The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation - Podiatric Medical Examiners Advisory Board, and practices under the Texas Podiatric Medical Practice Act. Dr. Bellacosa is dedicated to providing comprehensive podiatric care, focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle conditions for all ages, from common issues to complex surgeries. He collaborates with primary care physicians to ensure a complete and coordinated approach to patient care.
Podiatrists (DPMs), also known as foot and ankle specialists, are the healthcare experts to diagnose and treat foot and ankle conditions. Dr. Bellacosa's practice encompasses a wide range of care, including diagnosing and treating conditions related to foot & ankle surgery as part of a comprehensive healthcare plan. He brings extensive experience and knowledge to his practice, having graduated from Wilkes University, the Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine, and Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, as well as completing a two-year podiatric surgical residency at Northlake Community Hospital. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, and a past president of the Texas Podiatric Medical Association. Dr. Bellacosa is currently welcoming new patients and can be reached at (210) 490-1871 to schedule an appointment. He offers consultations in Spanish.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Bellacosa is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Bellacosa's approach to podiatric care prioritizes comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans. He expertly diagnoses and addresses a wide range of foot and ankle conditions, from common ailments to complex surgical needs, ensuring each patient receives the most appropriate and effective care. His commitment to clear communication and collaboration with patients fosters a strong therapeutic relationship, ultimately leading to positive outcomes.
By working together, you and Dr. Bellacosa can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Ambetter
Cigna
Humana
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Bellacosa offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Heel Pain: Don't let heel pain limit you! A podiatrist can help determine the underlying cause and develop a treatment strategy to reduce pain and improve your foot health.
- Ankle Fracture: Ankle fractures can be very painful and limit your mobility; a podiatrist specializes in treating these injuries, helping you heal and regain full function.
- Fracture: Broken bones in the foot or ankle, known as fractures, are expertly diagnosed and treated by podiatrists to ensure proper healing and restore function.
- Stress Fracture of Foot: A stress fracture is a tiny crack in a bone of your foot, often caused by overuse or repetitive impact, and a podiatrist can diagnose it and create a treatment plan for healing.
- Ankle Sprain and Achilles Tendon Sprain or Rupture: Ankle sprains and Achilles tendon injuries involve damage to the ligaments and tendons around your ankle and heel, and a podiatrist can diagnose the severity and recommend treatment like bracing, physical therapy, or surgery.
- Bunion: Characterized by a swollen, painful bump at the base of the big toe, bunions are a common foot condition that a podiatrist can help manage through various treatments including surgery to correct the deformity.
- Foot Fracture: Experiencing intense foot pain after an injury? A podiatrist can determine if it's a foot fracture and create a customized treatment plan, ranging from rest and immobilization to more involved surgical procedures to repair the break.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Experiencing heel pain that worsens after rest or activity? A podiatrist can help manage your plantar fasciitis with treatments like stretching, orthotics, and other therapies.
- Foot Injuries: A podiatrist is a foot and ankle specialist who can help manage your foot injury, whether it's from an accident, overuse, or a sports-related event, providing relief and restoring function.
- Foot and Ankle Injuries: Experiencing pain or discomfort in your foot or ankle after an injury? A podiatrist offers comprehensive care, including diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, to help you regain full mobility.
- Heel Spur: If you have a heel spur, a bony outgrowth on your heel, your podiatrist can help relieve pain through various treatments including custom orthotics, physical therapy, or other pain management strategies.
- Achilles Tendinitis: Achilles tendinitis is an inflammation of the Achilles tendon, the thick cord at the back of your ankle, and a podiatrist can help manage your pain and get you back on your feet.
This list represents some of the common conditions treated. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional.
To provide comprehensive and patient-centered care, Dr. Bellacosa offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Bunion Surgery: For severe bunions causing significant pain and disability, surgery offers a permanent solution by correcting the underlying bone structure and restoring foot mechanics.
- Flatfoot Correction: Many options exist to correct flat feet, ranging from simple supportive measures to more involved surgical procedures, depending on the severity.
- Foot Surgery: Depending on the issue, foot surgery might involve removing bone spurs, repairing damaged cartilage, or fusing joints to reduce pain and increase stability.
- Fracture and-or Dislocation Treatment: Broken bones and dislocated joints in the foot and ankle require specialized care to realign the injured parts and promote healing. Your podiatrist will develop a treatment plan to address your specific injury.
- Fracture Care: If you've broken a bone in your foot or ankle, a podiatrist can provide fracture care, which may include setting the bone, immobilizing it, and monitoring healing.
- Hammer Toe Repair: If you have a hammer toe causing pain or discomfort, surgery can help restore your toe's natural position.
- Ingrown Toenail Surgery: This surgery involves partially or completely removing the ingrown toenail to eliminate pain and the risk of further complications.
- Ingrown Toenail Treatment: If you have a toenail digging into your skin, causing pain and inflammation, ingrown toenail treatment can provide relief through various methods, from simple trimming to minor surgery.
- Nail Avulsion and Excision: This procedure involves the surgical removal of a toenail, often necessary for ingrown toenails or other nail problems.
- Wound Care and Management: This service focuses on treating wounds on your feet and ankles to prevent infection, reduce pain, and help them heal properly.
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 their professional license in Texas.
Dr. Bellacosa is dedicated to partnering with patients to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how proactive care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan, a patient experienced significant relief from debilitating heel pain, allowing them to return to their favorite activities without limitations.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan from a podiatrist, a patient successfully managed their ankle fracture, regaining full mobility and returning to their active lifestyle.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
14615 San Pedro Ave Ste 160, San Antonio, TX, 78232
Phone: (210) 490-1871
View on Map - Practice
8042 Wurzbach Rd Ste 440, San Antonio, TX, 78229
Phone: (210) 490-1871
View on Map
- Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine (Medical School)
- Wilkes University (Undergraduate School)
Here are answers to some common questions about receiving Podiatric care with Dr. Bellacosa:
- What is the difference between a Podiatrist and an Orthopedic Surgeon?
- Dr. Bellacosa is a podiatrist, specializing in the medical and surgical care of the foot and ankle. Orthopedic surgeons treat the entire musculoskeletal system, but some may have additional training in foot and ankle care. A podiatrist's entire training is focused on the foot and ankle.
- Do I need a referral to see a Podiatrist?
- To see Dr. Bellacosa, you may not need a referral. Many insurance plans, like PPOs, allow direct appointments. However, some plans, such as HMOs, require a referral from your primary care physician. Call your insurance provider to confirm your plan's requirements.
- My child's feet point inward when they walk. Is this a problem?
- In-toeing is very common in young children and often resolves on its own. However, if your child's in-toeing is severe, persistent, or causing tripping, Dr. Bellacosa can evaluate their gait and bone structure to determine if any intervention is needed. He can assess if stretching or special footwear is necessary.
- What are custom orthotics and how are they different from store-bought insoles?
- Custom orthotics, prescribed by Dr. Bellacosa, are medical devices made from a precise mold of your feet. They are designed to correct specific biomechanical issues and provide support where it's needed most, unlike generic, store-bought insoles, which are simply cushioned supports.
- I have diabetes. Why is it so important for me to see a podiatrist?
- Dr. Bellacosa emphasizes the importance of podiatric care for people with diabetes because diabetes can cause nerve damage and poor circulation in the feet. Small injuries can easily become serious infections without being noticed. Regular check-ups are essential for preventing complications, managing foot health, and avoiding amputations.
- What causes heel pain, and how do you treat it?
- The most frequent cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, inflammation of a thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot. Dr. Bellacosa typically starts with conservative treatments like stretching exercises, icing, supportive footwear, and custom orthotics. Other options are available if these methods don't provide relief.
- What's the best way to treat an ingrown toenail?
- Dr. Bellacosa advises against attempting to treat an ingrown toenail at home. DIY removal can worsen the problem or lead to infection. A podiatrist can safely and effectively remove the offending nail border in the office, often with a simple procedure under local anesthesia. For recurring issues, a portion of the nail root can be permanently removed.
- Do all bunions require surgery?
- Not at all. Many bunions can be managed without surgery. Dr. Bellacosa focuses first on conservative treatments to relieve pain and pressure, such as recommending wider shoes, padding, and custom orthotics. Surgery is typically reserved for cases where pain is severe and significantly limits daily activities.
14615 San Pedro Ave Ste 160
San Antonio TX 78232
Phone: (210) 490-1871
Richard Bellacosa, DPM is regulated by the the rules and regulations of the Texas Podiatric Medical Practice Act in Texas and is licensed by The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation - Podiatric Medical Examiners Advisory Board.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1700802576
Registration can typically be verified through The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation - Podiatric Medical Examiners Advisory Board website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by kellysearch.com, is for informational purposes to help you connect with local healthcare providers. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Healthcare providers like Dr. Richard Bellacosa are trained to manage a wide range of health concerns. 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.