Conditions + Treatments
Foot Injury/Condition
Knee Replacement (Total)
My name is Valerie Pendley. I was born and raised in Atlanta, and in 1981 I married my husband, Nelson. That same year, we moved to Alabama and have lived in Walker County ever since. We have two adult children, Reese and Kayla, and five grandchildren.
My medical journey began with chronic knee pain caused by years of work. My colleague, James Suchey, recommended that I see a doctor at Andrews Sports Medicine. Dr. Jay Umarvadia started me on injections, which provided temporary relief, but he always told me that one day I would need a knee replacement—and that I’d know when the time was right.
For 10–12 years, I lived with constant knee discomfort. Then in 2014, I was also diagnosed with Charcot, a serious foot condition related to my diabetes and severe osteoarthritis. The doctors I saw at the time offered little help, only suggesting I take Advil while my condition gradually worsened.
In July 2024, I finally decided to have knee replacement surgery with Dr. David Moore. It was truly life-changing. I came home with minimal pain and quickly regained the ability to bend, kneel, and move in ways I hadn’t been able to for years. My only regret is not doing it 10 years earlier. Today, I have no knee pain and can even get down on the floor to play with my five grandchildren.
Meanwhile, my foot condition was getting worse. Over time, I developed a severe deformity—a “rocker foot” with a large hump on the bottom and a painful knot on the inside of my left foot. I sought help from several medical professionals, and a podiatrist referred me to a surgeon in Cullman. That surgeon wanted to fuse my foot in three places, which would have severely limited my mobility. I refused that option.
In October 2024, I found Dr. Charles Pitts. From the start, his team was incredible—explaining my condition thoroughly and recommending specific shoes and insoles to help manage my foot issues prior to surgery.
When we moved forward with surgery, Dr. Pitts trimmed the hump on the bottom of my foot, removed the knot on the inside, and realigned the ligaments. Two months after surgery, the results have been amazing. Before the procedure, every step felt like I was being stabbed with a knife. Now, that stabbing pain is completely gone.
Both Dr. Moore and Dr. Pitts were extraordinary—not only as skilled surgeons, but as compassionate professionals who took the time to explain everything and answer all my questions. Their bedside manner was outstanding, and they truly made me feel heard and cared for.
My medical journey has been long and challenging, but Andrews Sports Medicine has given me my life back. I can move freely again, enjoy time with my grandchildren, and live without constant pain. My advice to others is simple: don’t wait—these surgeries can be life-changing.
I’m currently two months post-foot surgery and expect to be fully released soon. The improvement in my mobility and pain levels is remarkable. Where I once struggled just to get out of bed or walk, I now have hope for a much more active, pain-free life.
