As a lifelong athlete, OrthoIndy patient Heidi Leonard is no stranger to injuries or to the determination it takes to overcome them.
After moving to Indianapolis over a decade ago, Heidi and her husband, both competitive athletes, began relying on OrthoIndy for their orthopedic care, a decision that’s been key to staying healthy and performing at a high level.
“I am a competitive tennis player, and I am out on the court almost every single day,” said Heidi. “I travel for competition too, and the game has brought me so much joy since picking a racket up for the first time several years ago.”
Overcoming a Spine and Knee Injury
In early 2025, Heidi faced a series of challenges involving both her spine and a knee – challenges that ultimately highlighted the strength of OrthoIndy’s collaborative approach to care.
She first scheduled an appointment with OrthoIndy non-operative spine specialist and physiatrist Dr. Mark Osborne after experiencing persistent back pain and chronic inflammation stemming from a previous tennis injury.
Dr. Osborne immediately approached her spine care with the level of attention and expertise that defines OrthoIndy’s reputation. He started with non-operative treatment, including physical therapy, before recommending a back injection, which ultimately brought relief.
But as she recovered from back issues, Heidi sustained a knee injury that proved to be more serious than initially expected. Dr. Osborne quickly referred Heidi to OrthoIndy orthopedic sports medicine surgeon Dr. Michael Thieken, who also happened to perform her husband’s previous ACL repair, for further evaluation.
“I was dealing with a lot,” said Heidi. “But the way Dr. Osborne and Dr. Thieken worked together to make sure I had the right diagnosis and care plan gave me confidence from the start.”
A Fast Diagnosis
Dr. Michael Thieken, known for his work with athletes, especially at OrthoIndy Fishers, was able to see Heidi the same day she was referred.
An MRI confirmed a meniscus tear in her knee, a result of a curb misstep compounded by her active lifestyle. Although devastated by the diagnosis, Heidi worked with Dr. Thieken to develop a personalized surgical and rehab plan with Heidi’s long-term health in mind. This was especially important to Heidi, now that she was 50 and focused on keeping her body strong and active for as long as possible.
“I felt like they really got me,” she says. “They didn’t just want to fix the problem. They wanted to help me stay strong for the long haul.”
Heidi also underwent meniscus surgery in June 2025, and was given the green light to return to the court for the 2026 tennis season.
“My knee repair was tailored to my lifestyle,” said Heidi. “Dr. Thieken emphasized the importance of being pain-free. Not just now, but decades from now. That mindset made me feel like I’m truly in the best hands.”
Back to Being Active
From initial evaluation through diagnosis, treatment and rehab, Heidi says her experience at OrthoIndy has been nothing short of outstanding.
“My experience has been great,” said Heidi. “They listen. They collaborate. They do what’s right for you and for your future. That’s what sets OrthoIndy apart.”
Heidi is looking forward to her next tennis season. And thanks to the expert care of OrthoIndy, she’s confident she’ll be back on the court, stronger than ever.
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Experienced a sports-related injury? We can help get you back to performing at your best. Schedule an appointment today at 317.802.2000.
