Due to a degenerated posterior tibial tendon, my foot had completely collapsed and could only be described as looking like a seal's flipper. I had significant pain, and difficulty walking. Two other orthopedic foot and ankle specialists were unsuccessful in correcting the problem. One said that there was nothing that he could do, and the other one wanted me to wear a very cumbersome brace for the rest of my life. When I met with Dr. Nelson SooHoo, he said that I was too young to spend the rest of my life in a brace, and that he could do surgery to correct the problem. He said that there would be a difficult recovery, but it could be repaired. The surgery went very smoothly, and while the recovery was difficult (non-weight bearing for 2 months, and then only partial weight bearing for 2 more months, with several additional months of limping around), it was worth it. I now have a normal looking foot, that allows me to walk without pain! Eleven months following the surgery, I traveled on a tour overseas, walking upwards of 5 miles per day, easily keeping up with the others in the group. I now regularly walk several miles at a time, which is nothing short of miraculous. Dr. SooHoo gave me my life back!!!!

Tags: Doctors Day, Dr. Nelson SooHoo, foot and ankle specialists, Orthopaedic Surgery, orthopedic, patient stories, posterior tibial tendon