From an article in McLeod Magazine by Leslie Mikell with
Dr. Jason O’Dell, McLeod Orthopaedics Florence
 
“I was in a lot of pain before the surgery, and Dr. O’Dell gave me my life back. I am bowling again, doing what I love.” — Lavel Price

After months of physical therapy and, then, wearing an orthopedic walking boot, Hartsville resident and avid bowler Lavel Price’s ankle pain kept getting worse. It was time to seek more permanent treatment.

Lavel was referred to McLeod Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Jason O’Dell, who specializes in foot and ankle problems.

“The Achilles tendon can tear, rupture or degenerate,” explains Dr. O’Dell. “Achilles tendon degeneration, also known as tendinitis, occurs from repeated stress or overuse of the tendon in the ankle. Lavel’s X-rays and MRI clearly showed degeneration in the Achilles tendon. With her current treatments not working effectively, it was time to consider Achilles reconstruction surgery.”

Before her ankle began giving her trouble, Lavel traveled with her bowling league and attended her grandson’s baseball games in Georgia. With the ankle pain, traveling became difficult. Laval had to stop bowling and cut back her work, which required prolonged painful standing.

The largest tendon in the human body, the Achilles tendon helps individuals walk, run and jump. Often a minimally-invasive procedure, Achilles reconstruction surgery involves several small incisions instead of one large incision. During the procedure, Dr. O’Dell removed the damaged part of her Achilles tendon and reinforced it with tendon from her big toe.

“Dr. O’Dell was the absolute best,” remarks Lavel.

ACTION YOU CAN TAKE
If you are experiencing similar ankle pain and limitations, consider seeing an orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon.

Read the entire article on Page 8, McLeod Magazine.

Find an Orthopedic Specialist near you.