My name is Holly Tidball and I am an Arkansas native. I first noticed something was wrong with my Achilles tendon about seven or eight years ago. At the time, I went to several different doctors, trying to figure out what was going on. Nothing seemed to help. Then one day, it ruptured. That was the moment I realized I needed to do something different. I ended up at OrthoArkansas, and looking back, I only wish I had gone there sooner.

Living with the injury was awful. Stairs became a challenge—I had to avoid them completely. As a teacher, that made my job much harder. Walking, standing for long periods, even just moving around my classroom became a struggle. I did physical therapy to help with the pain, but it was only a temporary fix. At one point, I wore a boot and scheduled an appointment with another doctor. But when I found out they couldn’t do surgery for four months, I knew I needed another option.

A friend referred me to OrthoArkansas, and that’s when everything changed. I saw Dr. Ardoin, and he was able to get me into surgery just two days after my first visit. That kind of care and efficiency made all the difference. The team at OrthoArkansas was incredible—attentive, knowledgeable, and always available when I had questions. I felt like I was finally in the right place.

During my pre-surgery evaluations, I discovered my A1C levels were off the charts. That was a huge wake-up call for me. I had to make some serious changes, not just for my Achilles, but for my overall health. Over time, I lost 60 pounds, and that experience ended up being one of the most life-changing aspects of my journey.

“This patient came to us struggling with daily movement—stairs were difficult, and physical activity was nearly impossible,” said Dr. Ardoin. “To see her not only recover but return to activities she never thought she’d do again is inspiring. Her dedication to both her recovery and overall health played a huge role in her success.”

Surgery went smoothly, and the care I received was top-notch. The nurse called me beforehand, making sure I knew exactly what to expect, which helped ease my nerves. After the procedure, I started the recovery process. I wore a soft cast before transitioning to a hard cast for four to six weeks. I used a scooter to get around and did two months of physical therapy. The follow-up care at OrthoArkansas was fantastic. Every step of the way, the team made sure I was healing properly and getting stronger.

After years of struggling with pain, I finally felt free. I wasn’t just able to walk without discomfort—I could move in ways I hadn’t been able to in years. I had always loved dance as a child, and I set a goal to get back to it. Now, I’m tap dancing and even doing hip-hop again. I can get up off the floor easily at work, climb stairs without hesitation, and spend time with my family without limitations. I even completed the Little Rocker Marathon, something I never thought I’d be able to do.

I can’t say enough good things about OrthoArkansas. Their team was there for me every step of the way. The doctors, nurses, and even the nurse practitioner were all incredibly helpful. If I had a question, they answered it. If I needed reassurance, they provided it.

If you’re dealing with an Achilles injury, my advice is simple—go to OrthoArkansas first. At the very least, get evaluated and see what they recommend. If surgery is the right option, don’t hesitate. I know it’s scary, but the experience was life-changing for me. I’ve been referring people to OrthoArkansas ever since because I know firsthand how much of a difference they can make.

I want to thank Dr. Ardoin and OrthoArkansas for giving me my life back.