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.
Colorado's
Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Specialist
Practicing out of three convenient clinics in Summit and Eagle County, Dr. Elton is the go-to foot and ankle physician in Western Colorado - with patients traveling from across the country to experience his renowned care. Known for his empathy, Dr. Elton believes that truly listening to and connecting with his patients is the most important diagnostic tool at his disposal. Dr. Elton takes the time to learn what outcomes are best for his patients, gearing their recovery plan towards getting them back to doing the activities they love.
Dr. Elton sees many patients who have visited a podiatrist before visiting him, and now they are seeking additional help with their issue because it has not been properly treated. Although most podiatrists are well-trained, they are not MDs and are not as extensively trained as orthopedic foot and ankle specialists. As an orthopedic surgeon and medical doctor, Dr. Elton’s education and experience allows him to treat and understand the entire body, determining the most effective treatment approach for your unique condition.
Want to know the difference between a podiatrist and an orthopedic physician?
Expertly Treating Traumatic Sports Injuries and Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
Due to its unique anatomy, the foot and ankle joints are susceptible to a wide range of injuries that cause significant, often debilitating, pain. These injuries can be the result of improper footwear, falls, forceful impact, or chronic inflammation. Common sports injuries to the foot and ankle include:
General Trauma Work
Traumatic injuries, such as fractures and strains
Overuse injuries, such as stress fractures and Achilles tendon tears
Chronic conditions, such as arthritis, plantar fasciitis, and ankle instability
Deformities, such as bunions and flat foot
Because the foot and ankle joints are constantly weight-bearing, these injuries do not just "go away." Ignoring a foot injury or ankle condition can cause additional damage to the bones, tendons, nerves, and ligaments of the foot and ankle. If you're suffering from a traumatic or sports-related injury to the foot and ankle, contact Dr. Elton today. He and his team are often able to provide urgent care or next-day appointments.
A Patient-Focused Approach to Treatment Outcomes
From making your appointment to post-operative recovery, Team Elton prioritizes patients every step of the way. Together, Dr. Elton and his team work with their patients to design a treatment plan that's best for their lifestyle.
Philosophically, Dr. Elton will recommend surgical intervention only when other non-operative treatments have failed. A good surgeon, in his opinion, is first and foremost a good doctor: listening to a patient to understand how the injury or illness fits into the larger context of the patient’s life.
"Outstanding! Dr. Elton and his team operated on a staph-infected foot joint which was getting worse and resulted in very strong pain. A year after two operations with 5 screws and a bone implant, I’m running 20-25 miles and ready for my seventh NYC Marathon in November!"
~Frank Sprow
Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Specialties
Practicing in an active mountain community, Dr. Elton has treated everything from ski injuries to running heel pain. As an orthopaedic foot and ankle physician, his specialities include (but are not limited to):
Lateral Ligament and Ankle Sprains
Chronic Ankle Instability
Syndesmosis Injuries
Ankle and Foot Arthritis
Bunions
Hammertoe
Plantar Plate Injuries
LisFranc Injuries
Fractures and Stress Fractures
Morton’s Neuroma
Sesamoiditis
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles’ Tendon Ruptures
Plantar Fasciitis
Compartment Syndrome; Exertional and Acute
Total Ankle Replacements
Bone Shaving Foot Surgery
Foot Reconstruction
Flat Foot and Collapsing Foot Arch
Dr. Elton and his team are known throughout Eagle and Summit County for their skill, expertise, and compassion. If you are experiencing a foot or ankle condition that's limiting your quality of life, contact Team Elton today!