Hip replacement recovery story

Knee and Hip Replacement Helps a Dressage Rider Return to Pain-Free Riding

Joan Buvala, in her 70’s, of Cedar Lake, IN, has been riding horses for more than 60 years. “I was just born loving horses,” she explains. As a young girl, she began trail riding, and over time, she honed her skills in the saddle. Eventually, she galloped racehorses, competed in hunter jumper, and specialized in breaking difficult horses. Continue reading about Joan's Story

From Surgery to Santiago: A Patient's Incredible Journey on the Camino de Santiago

“Hola Dr. Karas and Staff, Greetings from Santiago de Compostela, Spain, and the conclusion of my Camino!”

Those words, sent to us with stunning photos from across the Atlantic, filled our office with pride and awe. In 2021, this remarkable patient underwent bilateral knee replacements performed by Dr. Karas. Just a few years later, they’ve completed one of the most physically demanding walking pilgrimages in the world — the Camino de Santiago.

The Camino de Santiago, also known as The Way of St. James, is a historic pilgrimage route with many paths leading to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain. Our patient walked two major segments of the Camino Francés (French Way):

• Stage 1: From Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France over the Pyrenees mountains to Roncesvalles, Spain — a 15-mile stretch completed in two days.
  
  
• Stage 2: From Sarria, Spain to Santiago de Compostela — an astonishing 72 miles in just five days.
  
  

That’s 139 kilometers in total — far surpassing the 100-kilometer minimum required to receive the coveted “Compostela” certificate of completion.

“Something I had been wanting to do for the last 10 years!” the patient wrote.

They proudly shared photos holding their “pilgrim passport”, a booklet stamped at cafes, hostels, and churches along the route to document their journey. Even more memorable was attending Mass at the Santiago Cathedral and witnessing the incense ceremony — a rare and spiritual experience for many pilgrims.

The Journey to Get There

This achievement becomes even more powerful when you hear what came before it.

Before surgery, the patient was struggling with severe arthritis, stiff joints, and significant mobility issues.

“Hard to walk… the surgery was a miracle. Never would have been able to make the trip without it.”

The turning point came during a move. As someone who typically liked to help with everything and stay active, they realized how difficult it had become to go up and down stairs — and decided it was time for a change.

They had both knees replaced in the summer of 2021, with the surgeries performed just six weeks apart. After the first surgery, they were back to normal within five weeks and ready for the second. Remarkably, this patient is a school bus driver and was able to return to work in time for the fall school year.

Preparation and Recovery

With the dream of walking the Camino on the horizon, they began preparing for the journey in November for a June departure. Training hikes were part of the process — and the results were inspiring.

“My knees felt fine during the hikes — no problem at all. I felt like I could walk forever. 10 or 15 miles a day. I could’ve walked farther!”

Words of Encouragement

For anyone hesitant about having knee replacement surgery, the patient offers this heartfelt advice:

“If your knees bother you and it’s arthritis — go for the surgery. You’ll be happier.”

This is more than a story about a successful operation — it’s a story about reclaiming independence, achieving long-held dreams, and living life fully again.

We are incredibly honored to have been part of this journey. Congratulations on your Camino — and thank you for inspiring all of us at Karas Orthopedics with your courage and spirit.