Fort Walton Beach, Fla. – September 28, 2026 — Orthopaedic Associates is proud to announce that it has been named the 2026 Best Orthopedic Surgical Practice on the Emerald Coast by Emerald Coast Magazine. The annual recognition celebrates businesses and organizations throughout the region, with winners selected through community voting. For Orthopaedic Associates, the award
Orthopaedic Associates is expanding access to specialized orthopaedic care with the launch of Saturday hours for its ORTHO EXPRESS program, giving patients a convenient, lower-cost alternative to the emergency room for many bone, joint, and muscle injuries. Beginning Saturday, September 12, ORTHO EXPRESS will offer walk-in orthopaedic urgent care every Saturday from 8 a.m. to
For more than two years, Beth lived with severe hip pain that affected nearly every aspect of her daily life. After being told she had only mild arthritis, she continued searching for answers and scheduled an appointment with board-certified orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Jake Hawkins at Orthopaedic Associates. During Beth’s first visit, X-rays revealed advanced bone-on-bone
Like many people living with chronic knee pain, Charles M. found that arthritis was gradually making it more difficult to stay active and enjoy everyday life. Although he had concerns about surgery, he eventually realized his pain was limiting the activities he loved and decided it was time to explore his treatment options. At 79,
Patients across Northwest Florida now have access to one of the most advanced technologies available for shoulder replacement surgery as Orthopaedic Associates announces that Dr. David Dean, board-certified orthopaedic surgeon, is the first surgeon in Northwest Florida and the surrounding Gulf Coast region to perform total shoulder replacement using Mako Shoulder SmartRobotics™ technology. Patients across
Student-athletes across Okaloosa County Public Schools will receive enhanced sports medicine and athletic training services beginning this school year through a new partnership between Orthopaedic Associates, Axis Physiotherapy Institute and the Okaloosa County School Board. Under a newly approved Athletic Trainer Services Agreement, Orthopaedic Associates will serve as the district’s Sports Medicine Director and medical
Dr. James Watt was involved in a new multicenter study comparing two common surgical treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome: traditional open surgery and a newer ultrasound-guided approach. Using real-world patient data and closely matched groups, the research examined recovery, pain, hand function, medication use, and complications during the first three months after surgery. The study
Fellowship-trained hand surgeon Nicholas I. Pilla, M.D., will join Orthopaedic Associates Sept. 2. Dr. Pilla is an expertly trained surgeon offering care for the hand, wrist and elbow and will be available to see patients in Fort Walton Beach at 1034 Mar Walt Drive, in Destin at 36474C Emerald Coast Parkway, Suite 3101, and in
David P. Johnson, M.D., fellowship-trained interventional pain medicine specialist, is set to join Orthopaedic Associates on Oct. 1. Dr. Johnson is available to see patients at the practice’s offices located in Fort Walton Beach, Destin, and Crestview. Patients in need of specialized pain management care are encouraged to call 850-863-2153 to schedule an appointment. Having
Board-certified orthopaedic surgeon and fellowship-trained upper extremity specialist Dr. James Watt was recently featured in a news article by Sonex Health for his work and dedication in the field of ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release. The Institute of Advanced Ultrasound Guided Procedures has named Dr. Watt a national Center of Excellence Physician for his dedication to
Even after going to a doctor in Pensacola for three years, Holly J., 44, of Miramar Beach couldn’t lead a normal life due to severe pain. She also wasn’t getting the help she needed. Then she saw Dr. T. Jacob Seales in Destin, who diagnosed her right away and got her in surgery weeks later.
Over the past few years, Tara S., 53, had chronic back pain and mobility issues. Tara is retired Air Force and a current CrossFit coach. She needed a solution to be able to keep pursuing her passion. Tara eventually discovered that the underlying issue was hip arthritis. This diagnosis, while daunting, only fueled her determination
