From Fractures to Freedom
How one woman found holistic healing at Aspirus St. Luke’s
Autumn leaves danced as Cathy Slack returned from a memorable September 2022 trip with her husband. However, her joy shortly turned to concern. A growing pain in her foot intensified with each passing hour. As the swelling increased, she decided to visit the emergency department.
Soon, Cathy found out she was dealing with a stress fracture. She would need to wear a stabilizing boot for several months. What she didn’t know at the time was that this would be the first of three fractures in the same foot. These injuries, on top of two unrelated surgeries, would put her in recovery mode for the next two years.
“After the second fracture, I had about two months before feeling that same pain again. I was so discouraged,” said Cathy. “I knew there had to be an underlying issue.”
When she got in to see Dr. Zubaria Sarooj, a podiatrist at Aspirus St. Luke’s Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, she found out that she was right.
Treating the whole person, not just the problem
“With Cathy’s past medical history and previous fractures, I quickly suspected that low bone density could be the real issue,” said Dr. Sarooj. “Post-menopausal women are at higher risk for this primarily due to the drop in estrogen levels and the decrease in bone density that naturally comes with aging.”
Women can prevent bone density issues by maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes:
- A balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D
- Weight-bearing exercises and staying active
- Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
- Regular bone density screenings
Cathy and her husband had a healthy lifestyle. They had also been active, often enjoying walks and hikes with their dog. However, due to Cathy’s health issues, she was forced to adopt a more sedentary lifestyle which furthered her bone density loss.
In addition to wearing another boot, Dr. Sarooj recommended that Cathy begin taking medication that would help strengthen her bones. She also suggested that Cathy use a bone stimulator. “I had never heard of that before,” said Cathy, “but at that point I was so happy that Dr. Sarooj was thinking of me as a whole person and treating the root of the issue. I was ready to try anything.”
Healing with a bone stimulator
A bone stimulator machine is a medical device used to promote bone healing and growth. It typically uses low-intensity pulsed ultrasound or pulsed electromagnetic fields to stimulate bone cells. This encourages them to regenerate and heal more efficiently.
For three months, Cathy used her machine diligently for three hours every day, following Dr. Sarooj’s direction. “All I had to do was slide my foot in, turn it on and relax!” said Cathy. “I didn’t feel anything. It was so simple and easy.”
As Cathy readied herself for her last visit with Dr. Sarooj, she made sure to grab the shoe for her healing foot. Exiting the clinic later that day, without her boot for the first time in months, she could hardly contain her excitement. She was finally free to get back to the life she had missed so much.
Foot care with compassion at Aspirus St. Luke’s
“I have never felt better!” said Cathy. “My husband and I can finally get out for walks again. I can even wear a low heel! Because of Dr. Sarooj, I have my life back. I am so grateful.”
As a podiatrist, Dr. Sarooj treats various foot issues, from bunions to toenail conditions, including diabetic foot care. “Promptly addressing any foot discomfort is so important,” she said. “Early intervention can prevent worsening issues that could impact mobility and overall quality of life.”
If Cathy ever has an issue again, she knows exactly who she’ll call. “I just can’t say enough about Dr. Sarooj,” she admitted with a smile. “She truly listened to me, going above and beyond. She didn’t just treat my injury; she treated the cause and I’m better for it.”
If you have any concerns regarding your foot health, schedule an appointment at Aspirus St. Luke’s Orthopedics & Sports Medicine – no referral required. Call 218.249.6370 or visit slhduluth.com/ortho.