Living With Severe Foot Pain
For Sandy Haines, foot pain made everyday life unbearable.
Working 10-hour shifts on concrete floors, the pain eventually became impossible to ignore.
“I couldn’t walk,” Sandy said. “I was coming home crying because it hurt so bad.”
After seeing her regular doctor, Sandy was referred to Dr. Saller at BayCare Clinic Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. Imaging revealed plantar fasciitis and painful bone spurs. While surgery was discussed early on, Sandy appreciated that Dr. Saller supported trying conservative care first.
“He said, ‘Let’s try physical therapy,’ and it really helped at first,” she said.
But when the bone spurs worsened, every step became excruciating.
“It felt like I was walking on knives,” Sandy said.
That’s when she knew it was time to move forward. Once she reached out, everything moved quickly, and her surgery was scheduled within a week.
Orthopedic Care That Made a Difference
From the very beginning, Sandy felt comfortable and informed.
“He was so easy to talk to,” she said. “He explained everything — the procedure, the screws, the X-rays. I knew exactly what he did because he took the time to explain it all.”
Sandy also appreciated the care she received from the entire team, whether she was seen in Marinette or Green Bay.
“It felt like family,” she said. “They made me feel like they wanted me there — not like I was an inconvenience.”
Recovery and Returning to Life Without Foot Pain
Sandy’s surgery took place in November, and her recovery progressed smoothly. After a short time in a cast and boot, she was cleared to return to work — and back to the activities that matter most to her.
“My kids and grandkids are everything to me,” Sandy said. “Now I can do more with them again — go to games, take trips, just be there.”
Looking back, Sandy has one piece of advice for others dealing with similar pain.
“I strongly recommend surgery,” she said. “I wish I would’ve done it sooner.”
And when it comes to her care?
“I think Dr. Saller is one of the best doctors I’ve been to,” Sandy said. “He’s down to earth and treats you like an equal. I highly recommend him.”