OsteoarthritisofHand near Uvalde, TX

Care Philosophy: Centered on keeping patients healthier by treating the whole person rather than a single illness or injury.

Care Philosophy: We aim to provide specialized orthopedic care that fits your lifestyle goals so you can live the way you imagined.

Care Philosophy: Dr. Heckman takes pride in offering high-quality, personal care to all his patients. He strives to ensure every patient has a positive experience working with him and his team and experiences the best possible outcome from the care Dr. Heckman provides. Dr. Heckman and his team understand the importance of communicating with patients and responding quickly to their inquiries. He has a wide range of services available, all of which are focused on getting his patients back to their healthy, active lifestyles as soon as possible.

Biography: Dr. Allen is Board Certified in both Foot Surgery and in Rear foot (Ankle) and Reconstructive Surgery, by the American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgery.He is also a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, and the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine; a member of the American College of Sports Medicine, the American Podiatric Medical Association, and the Texas Podiatric Medical Association; and a Diplomate of the American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgery. He has been in academic and private practice in San Antonio, TX since 2001 and is a founding partner of Sports Medicine Associates of San Antonio.Dr. Allen completed his undergraduate studies at Rowan University of New Jersey in Glassboro, NJ, and has been recognized as a Distinguished Alumni (2010). He obtained his medical doctorate from Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in his native Philadelphia, PA. He then completed five years of additional focused training in foot and ankle injuries and surgery. He completed his internship at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA and his foot and ankle surgical training residency within the Thomas Jefferson University Health System. His additional postgraduate training includes a fellowship at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, TX.Dr. Allen has presented nearly 100 lectures, instructed numerous surgical courses, and been published in multiple publications throughout the United States. In 2010, he served as senior author and wrote three chapters for the International Advances in Foot and Ankle Surgery Textbook. His research experience includes the role of Primary Investigator for a Phase Four clinical trial for the management of postoperative pain following bunion surgery (2002-2003).Dr. Allen's enthusiasm and energy contribute to his ongoing success in many roles, including assistant clinical professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center Department of Orthopaedics/Podiatry and expert analyst and consultant to The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery since 2001. He has also been recognized as one of the most influential Podiatrists in the nation (2012) by Podiatry Today magazine.Dr. Allen has served the Texas Podiatric Medical Association in several different executive level capacities (2010-2015), including a term as President (2013-2014). He is also a past-President of the Bexar County Podiatric Medical Association (2008-2010).Dr. Allen is a lifelong athlete whose accomplishments include the Texas State Mountain Bike Championship (2004) and multiple international competitions. Dr. Allen has a profound appreciation for and understanding of sports of all varieties and elite and amateur athletes alike. He believes that the spirit of an athlete exists in us all and as we age, life itself becomes a competitions. This personal motivation, coupled with his medical expertise, makes him well equipped to serve as a Team Foot & Ankle Consultant.

Biography: Nicholas E Gerken, MD is a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon with Methodist Physicians | Orthopedic Specialists in San Antonio, Texas. He is fellowship trained in adult reconstruction and joint replacement, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of knee and hip pathology. He specializes in treating the full spectrum of hip and knee disorders from joint preservation to minimally invasive primary hip and knee replacement, to complex hip and knee revision and reconstructive surgery.Dr. Gerken believes he gives patients the best possible results by looking at the complete needs and expectations of his patients, and individualizing their care using modern advancements in technology and techniques. He is known as being one of the few surgeons in the San Antonio area who successfully performs Minimally Invasive Anterior Hip Replacement Surgery. Carried out on select patients, Dr. Gerken makes smaller incisions with minimal soft tissue dissection. The results are faster recovery, shorter hospital stays, less pain and decreased need for narcotics.Not all physicians get to see someone go from essentially not being able to walk to ambulatory within a day after surgery like I do, he says. That's how I know I'm making a substantial difference in a patient's life.Originally from Wilton, Connecticut, Dr. Gerken obtained his medical degree from St. George™s University School of Medicine in West Indies. He completed his Orthopedic Surgery Residency at University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio before finishing an Adult Reconstruction Fellowship at University of Virginia in Charlottesville.He is a member of many professional organizations, including American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, The Texas Orthopaedic Association and Alamo Orthopaedic Society. He was voted by his peers as the Top Orthopedic Surgeon for Joint Replacement in San Antonio Scene's S.A. Doctors and Dentists: Best of 2020.Dr. Gerken sees patients in the V. Benson Pavilion adjacent to Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak and every other week at an outreach clinic in Castroville.