Physician Spotlight: Dr. Heerwagen

At Orthopedic Associates, we are proud to offer a team of 12 specialists who can assist with a full range of conditions. Orthopedic specialists have focused-training beyond medical school, giving them the knowledge and skills to specialize in a specific part of the body.

While every orthopedic doctor has training in all types of orthopedic services, a sub-specialist hones in on a treatment area. Our team consists of doctors who provide a full range of sub-specialties for the entire body.

When you contact Orthopedic Associates, we will pair you with a doctor who is the best match for your condition. You can have confidence in knowing that your specialist has the training and expertise to assist with your diagnosis and treatment with top-notch precision.

Dr. Heerwagen: Hip and Knee Specialist

Today, we’d like to highlight the services available from a hip and knee specialist at Orthopedic Associates: Dr. James R. Heerwagen. If you have injuries or pain in these areas of the body, then Dr. Heerwagen is a great resource!

He completed his medical education at Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine and has board certification through the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.

For a full overview of his training, certifications, fellowships, and more, you can visit Dr. Heerwagen’s profile here on our website.

Additionally, Dr. Heerwagen has received multiple awards and honors. For example, he was voted Best Orthopedic Surgeon of Denton County in 2016 & 2017.

“My 16-year-old son has unfortunately been to this office for 4 different injuries. Dr. Heerwagen and his staff are wonderful!” – Kristin B.

Available Services for Hip and Knee Conditions

If you have pain or discomfort in the hips or knees, then our team can schedule an appointment for you to visit with Dr. Heerwagen. He can assist with a variety of knee and hip problems:

• Soft tissue injuries
• Fractures and broken bones
• Chronic knee or hip pain
• Injury or fall that results in pain
• Dislocations
• Popping noise in the joint
• Inability to put weight on the joint
• Difficulty walking
• Osteoarthritis
• Hip replacement surgery
• Knee replacement surgery
• Injuries affecting sports performance

These services begin with a thorough examination, including a conversation about your symptoms. Often, digital imaging can shed light on the condition to further investigate the issue.

In many cases, hip and knee pain can be corrected with minimally-invasive services, such as physical therapy, injections, and anti-inflammatory medications. If these treatments aren’t sufficient to address and correct the problem, then surgery might be recommended.

Treatment for Athletes of All Ages

An injury in younger patients can disrupt daily activities and take you off the sports field for recovery. Not only does Dr. Heerwagen help with immediate care to speed up your healing time, but he is also proactive about protecting the joint to minimize the risk of chronic issues in the future.

Athletes can benefit from regular sports medicine services in several ways:

• Injury: Don’t push through the pain when an injury happens! Immediate care from an orthopedic specialist can help to minimize further injury.
• Chronic Pain: Athletes sometimes experience chronic pain from repetitive motions, and the impact training has on the body. Sports medicine can address chronic pain, helping you enjoy your sport with minimal pain in the future.
• Performance: Even if you aren’t in pain, it can be helpful to work with a sports medicine doctor. These services can optimize your performance and reduce the risk of injury when you are training or in a game.

Dr. Heerwagen takes a proactive approach with each patient, giving you a full range of care to address your unique needs.

Aging Care Orthopedic Services

Sports medicine can also be helpful for middle-age patients and retirees. The best way to enjoy your life to the fullest is to maintain strength and a good range of motion.

Dr. Heerwagen can assist with services that support the needs of people with chronic health conditions. If you have old injuries from youth that are resulting in mobility issues now, then schedule an appointment.

Additionally, proactive orthopedic services are essential for preventing falls and broken bones. When a hip or leg injury occurs, it can be a serious condition at any age. People in their later years of life have a higher risk of losing independence and mobility.

If complications occur after a broken hip or fractured bone, it could potentially turn into a life-threatening issue depending on the patient’s age and overall health.

Often, these injuries require surgery and physical therapy to restore function. The goal is to help each patient maintain independence as much as possible, which means they need to be able to perform daily life activities.

Sports Medicine Care for Flower Mound High School Athletes

Dr. Heerwagen provides sports medicine support for novice and professional athletes, treating injuries, and reducing recovery time. This personalized care focuses on each patient’s unique needs, with the goal of getting you back on the field as soon as possible.

In November 2020, Dr. Heerwagen was presented a plaque for being the Flower Mound Jaguar Football at Flower Mound High School Team Doctor since inception, 1999- 2020!

Dr. Heerwagen, Hip and Knee Specialist

Whether you need help with a hip injury or have chronic knee pain, Dr. Heerwagen is just a phone call away. Contact our pro team at Orthopedic Associates for full-service care.

Dr. Heerwagen is one of 12 specialists in our clinics, giving you access to a range of services based on your unique needs. Call at your convenience to book an appointment.