After Years of Foot Pain, Barb Finds Comfort and Relief in Every Step

For years, Barb Mitchell lived with foot pain. At 68, the St. Charles, Missouri, resident had learned to navigate discomfort that affected nearly every step she took. Like her grandmother and father before her, Barb developed bunions, a condition that causes the big toe to shift out of alignment and form a painful bump at the joint. She underwent surgery on both feet 20 years ago, but the difficult recovery and the lingering pain she endured was an experience that has stayed with her.

Over time, Barb’s foot problems returned and walking without pain became more difficult, something she knew was possible after her first surgery. A bunion came back in her right foot, and a hammer toe developed—a condition in which a toe bends downward at the middle joint instead of lying flat. Also, her third toe crossed underneath the second, making it uncomfortable and difficult to ignore. Eventually, the pain reached a point where Barb felt she had no choice but to explore surgical options again.  

A surgeon she knew and trusted

Barb’s confidence in BJC Medical Group orthopedic surgeon Ali Dalal, MD, didn’t start with her own care. Years earlier, Dr. Dalal treated her husband for complex foot and ankle issues, including a fallen arch and a torn Achilles tendon. Barb attended many of her husband’s appointments, seeing firsthand how Dr. Dalal cared for his patients.  

“He was professional, confident, and took the time to explain everything,” Barb says. “I could see how much he truly cared for his patients.”

A recommendation from a close friend who also had an excellent experience with Dr. Dalal reinforced Barb’s growing trust. By the time Barb needed surgery herself, she felt certain she had found the right surgeon.  

Specialized foot and ankle expertise

Dr. Dalal specializes in foot and ankle surgery and hip and knee replacement, bringing more than 10 years of practice experience to his patients. He provides treatment of foot and ankle conditions such as fractures, bunions, flatfeet, toe deformities, chronic ankle sprains, Achilles disorders, and arthritis of the ankle. Dr. Dalal has extensive training and experience treating hip and knee arthritis.

Last summer, Barb underwent outpatient surgery at Christian Hospital to correct her bunion and hammer toe.

“Dr. Dalal was very honest about what my surgery would involve,” Barb says. “I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I knew I was in good hands.”  

During surgery, Dr. Dalal corrected Barb’s bunion by realigning the bones in her foot and stabilizing the joint with a fusion, secured with a small screw. To help the joint heal properly, a small amount of bone was taken from her heel and used to support the fusion. He also repaired her hammertoe by straightening her second toe and placing a small pin to hold it in position. Dr. Dalal determined that a pin wasn’t needed in the third toe, a decision Barb says reflects his careful, individualized approach.  

“The surgery was very involved,” Barb says, “but everything was explained clearly ahead of time.”

A different recovery experience

This recovery was nothing like Barb’s first surgery. For seven weeks, she followed Dr. Dalal’s recovery plan, elevating her foot, avoiding bearing weight on it, and using a scooter wheelchair. She didn’t experience any complications and managed pain with Tylenol®.

“This recovery experience was the opposite of my first surgery,” Barb says.  

Although physical therapy was optional, Barb chose to participate for a few weeks, helping her regain strength, improve her balance, and rebuild confidence with every step she took.  

Barb is back to walking without pain and enjoying the activities she loves, including spending time with her family and friends, playing pickleball and golf, and traveling.  

During her follow-up appointment, Dr. Dalal was impressed.  

“He couldn’t believe how well I had healed,” Barb says. “And neither could I.”

Looking back, Barb says choosing Dr. Dalal gave her more than pain relief—it gave her confidence. “If someone is living with foot pain and afraid of surgery, I’d tell them not to wait,” Barb says. “Find a surgeon who specializes in foot and ankle care and takes the time to understand what’s right for you.”

To learn more about our practice or schedule an appointment, call 314-953-8250 or visit BJC Medical Group Orthopedics and Sports Medicine at Christian Hospital​. 

Foot and Ankle Care