They say, ‘It all adds up.’
The cumulative effects of a sprain in 8th grade, a cracked bone in high school, a dislocation during baseball as a young adult, and torn ligaments from a ladder fall years later made Gerald Fink’s ankle very angry. Imaging tests showed that Gerald had debilitating ankle arthritis, and the pain and swelling that often accompanies the condition.
After a lifetime of injuries, he was in a lot of pain, and he wasn’t able to work or play like he wanted to. He says, “I was to the point of being immobile. I struggled on the stairs, walking on an incline was nearly impossible, and I was sick of hobbling around.”
A New Resource at FHN
Gerald had previously received fusion surgery that didn’t really help, so his primary care provider, April Moore, MD, FAAFP, from FHN Family Healthcare Center – Forreston, suggested he consult with Podiatry at FHN Family Healthcare Center – Burchard Hills.
He made an appointment with Sherjeel Hassan, DPM, who served a foot and ankle surgery residency at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford. There, Dr. Hassan trained extensively and focused on total ankle replacement surgery. That appointment was a game changer.
‘Best of all, the Pain is Gone!’
Until recently, surgeons and their patients could opt for the fusion surgery Gerald originally had – which fuses the bones of the joint together completely – to reduce pain, but which doesn’t allow the ankle to move or bend freely. In contrast, Dr. Hassan says, “Total ankle replacement surgery, once healed, restores pain-free range of motion to the ankle joint.”
Gerald scheduled his surgery for a convenient time in his busy life, and feels that his preparation paid off. He used a knee cart for several weeks post-surgery, and believes his physical therapy (PT) was pivotal in his recovery. “Stephanie Snider, my therapist at FHN Rehab, did a great job helping me gain strength and flexibility. After three months, I was doing activities I had not done for years – pivoting, retrieving items from a high cupboard, and effortlessly getting into the vehicle,” says Gerald. “And driving was a lot easier, too. As a truck driver, I use my left foot for the clutch, and I had to adapt before my surgery. Now, I can do everything more naturally, without thinking about it. Best of all, the pain is gone!”
As he continues to gain strength and pursue his previous lifestyle, Gerald appreciates all the help he got from the FHN Orthopedic and Podiatry teams. “They were all so great. Dr. Hassan, Keri Wall (podiatry/orthopedic total joint replacement coordinator), and Lorrie Heeren (podiatry nurse navigator) were helpful and encouraging. I don’t know what I’d have done without them. I have my mobility back, and I am so grateful.”
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Read more of Gerald's story in FHN's Insight magazine.
