A Homerun Experience
Steve Petlick
Jul, 2020
Physicians: Kenneth Edwards, MD
Orthopedic surgeons are specially trained to help patients manage certain conditions, relieve pain, restore mobility and independence, or return to work and other daily activities. To find an orthopedic surgeon near you, contact us.
One, two, three strikes…you’re out? This wasn’t the case for 65-year-old, Steve Petlick, who refused to let pain win.
As a local high school baseball umpire and football referee, Steve spent a lot of time on his feet. It was during the fall football season that running became increasingly more painful.
“I would experience pain from time to time and normally it would go away within a couple weeks,” said Steve. “This time it stuck with me and was beginning to interfere with my ability to keep up on the field.”
Steve decided it was time to seek help. After discussing the situation with family and friends, and doing his own research online, he scheduled an appointment with orthopedic surgeon, Kenneth Edwards, MD.
“I knew I wanted to receive care locally and took comfort in the fact that Dr. Edwards was well known in the community,” said Steve.
During his initial consultation, Dr. Edwards performed a series of x-rays which revealed both of Steve’s knee joints were bone on bone.
“It was easy to see why I was in so much pain,” said Steve. “I didn’t have a good leg to stand on.”
After discussing his treatment options with Dr. Edwards and knowing there were still a few months left until football playoffs, Steve decided to pursue cortisone shots as a first round of treatment.
“Dr. Edwards was very upfront with me and explained this would only be a temporary fix because of how far the arthritis in my knees had progressed,” said Steve. “The shots provided instant relief at the time, but when the pain returned a few months later I knew I needed to find a permanent solution.”
Steve decided to undergo double knee replacement surgery which would replace both knee joints at the same time with an artificial one called a prosthesis. The surgery was a success and Steve returned home to begin his recovery journey. All the while his sights were set on getting back in the game in time for baseball season in the spring.
“I knew my recovery would only be successful if I was an active participant,” said Steve. “I was committed to following Dr. Edwards’ instructions and completing the exercise plan provided by my physical therapy team.”
Eleven weeks after his surgery Steve returned to work full-time at a distributing company. Four weeks later he stepped foot on the baseball diamond to umpire a double header at Benton Harbor High School.
“I no longer experience any pain in my knees,” said Steve. “I didn’t realize how much it was impacting my quality of life. There’s no reason for anyone to suffer longer than they have to–it just isn’t worth it.”
Watch more of Steve's story in the video below: