Patient Story: Melissa Cook's Journey to Recovery with Dr. John Paul Elton

Melissa Cook, an avid skier and hiker, found her active lifestyle interrupted by severe arthritis in her big toe, also known as hallux rigidus. "Due to the pain in my big toe, I wasn't able to comfortably walk, let alone ski or hike," Melissa recalls. "It was incredibly frustrating."

Melissa turned to a support group on Facebook for those suffering from Hallux Rigidus. The collective experiences shared in the group offered some solace, but the pain persisted. “I had seen several other doctors for the treatment of my hallux rigidus, but continued to have persistent pain,” Melissa stated. A friend, who is also a physician, referred her to foot and ankle specialist Dr. John Paul Elton at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery.

In early 2023, Melissa met with Dr. Elton and his team. They explored conservative treatments first. Despite their efforts, the pain continued to hinder her daily activities. By July 2023, Melissa decided to proceed with surgery, opting for a big toe fusion, also known as arthrodesis. This procedure permanently joins the bones of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. "I wish I had moved forward with the surgery sooner," she reflects.

"Dr. Elton was so thorough and kind throughout the entire process," Melissa shares. "From pre-op to post-op, he took the time to talk with me, answered all of my questions, and made sure I never felt rushed. His team handled all the insurance details, which was a huge relief."

The surgery went seamlessly. "It was exactly as Dr. Elton described—no surprises," Melissa says. "He fused the big joint together, and the whole experience was amazing."

Post-surgery, Melissa's recovery plan was straightforward. "There was no physical therapy needed," she explains. "I started with crutches, then moved to a boot, and eventually shoes. Within 6 to 8 weeks post-op, I was fully on my feet again—which was exactly as I was told."

Today, Melissa is back to enjoying her favorite activities. "I can now ski, hike, run, and cross-country ski," she beams. Reflecting on her journey, Melissa feels grateful for the care she received. "Dr. Elton and his team made a world of difference in my life. I can’t thank them enough."

Melissa Cook's story is a testament to the expertise and compassionate care provided by Dr. John Paul Elton and his team at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery. Her journey from pain to recovery highlights the impact of dedicated medical professionals in restoring an active lifestyle.