The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics is redefining the way musculoskeletal care is delivered across the region with locations throughout Maryland, DC, Virginia and Pennsylvania.
I broke my ankle in a fall in 1982. It was broken in 3 places and required surgery.
What did your pain or other symptoms prevent you from doing?
Although I was not excessively limited over the past 25 years, I did, over the past 5 years, start having increased pain. I was receiving a steroid shot once a year which helped for a few years and then suddenly stopped working in the fall of 2018. It became difficult for me to walk or stand for long periods of time which greatly impacted my life since I am an active person.
Why did you choose Dr. Neufeld and Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Center?
A combination of personal recommendations and a belief that he had the skill for the surgery and the staff to support the recovery.
What procedure/treatment did you have done?
Full ankle replacement.
How did you feel after your treatment?
Overall, I am extremely pleased with the outcome and can certainly physically challenge myself in a way that I was not able to do in the last few years.
Do you have any advice for other patients?
I spoke to a few doctors in the area when I was considering this surgery. It was clear that I was a good candidate for the surgery – as one said, it is not a question of if but when. I am pleased with the outcome of the surgery and the attention and caution of the staff in the weeks after the surgery, even if that was frustrating for me. My major advice would be to prepare for a long recovery, and to start physical therapy as quickly as possible, ideally with someone who has experience with this kind of surgery and to work on the whole body. Because of my years walking with a slight or more pronounced limp, I have had to work on additional issues relating to alignment.