When Earline Cade relocated from Chicago to Indianapolis, she was already living with significant joint pain. Years earlier, doctors in Chicago had diagnosed her with a severely arthritic knee, but it wasn’t until her move to Indianapolis that she felt ready to take the next step toward treatment. As someone deeply passionate about travel and the owner of a travel agency, Earline knew she couldn’t let pain dictate her future.
Her search for high-quality orthopedic care led her to OrthoIndy, and what she found exceeded her expectations.
A Physician-Owned Practice
“I did a lot of research when I got to Indy,” said Earline. “I loved that OrthoIndy was physician-owned. That gave me a different kind of confidence. It felt like the doctors were truly invested in patient outcomes. From the moment I walked in, everyone was so positive and professional. The energy of the place was just different.”
X-rays of Earline’s left knee confirmed what she already suspected: bone-on-bone arthritis. Before jumping into surgery, she and OrthoIndy total joint replacement surgeon Dr. Timothy Hupfer, who would go on to guide her through multiple procedures, first tried conservative treatments like injections. But ultimately, surgery was necessary.
“Dr. Hupfer is an incredible doctor,” Earline says. “He’s calm, caring and very thorough. He explained everything clearly and gave me complete confidence in the plan.”
Multiple life-changing procedures
The knee replacement surgery was a success. After just a few months of physical therapy, Earline could walk pain-free and return to the active lifestyle she loved. She credits not just Dr. Hupfer, but also the outstanding physical therapy team at OrthoIndy.
“I’ve worked with Mindy, Megan and Celis in physical therapy multiple times,” said Earline. “They were all so encouraging and really helped push me through recovery. The amazing thing is they’ve all been with OrthoIndy for years, which says a lot about the environment there.”
After her knee surgery, Earline continued to stay active while walking her dog, running her travel agency and taking regular cruises. But a few years later, she began experiencing pain in her neck due to cervical spondylosis, a common condition involving wear and tear of spinal disks. Once again, she turned to OrthoIndy.
“I had neck injections a few years after my knee surgery, and they really helped,” said Earline. “OrthoIndy makes it easy. Everything is in one place: the diagnostics, the treatment, the billing. It’s a one-stop shop, which makes a big difference.”
In early 2025, Earline faced another hurdle: her right shoulder had become arthritic, and her rotator cuff was degenerating. “I’d known for a while that I’d probably need something done eventually,” said Earline. “We tried injections first, of course, but I knew it was time for a shoulder replacement.”
With complete trust in Dr. Hupfer, she moved forward with surgery once again. Just like with her knee, the procedure went smoothly, and her recovery was focused and efficient. “I did my physical therapy, and within a few months, I was feeling great,” said Earline. “My next cruise is in September 2025, and I’m right on track.”
Looking forward to a new future
Now 72, Earline is thriving. Her travel agency continues to flourish, and she’s able to maintain her active lifestyle thanks to the care she’s received at OrthoIndy. While she knows she’ll eventually need her other knee replaced, there’s no question where she’ll go.
“It has been a beautiful journey with OrthoIndy getting my body back to where it needs to be,” said Earline. “They made sure I was comfortable, and I always felt secure in my detailed care plan with Dr. Hupfer and the whole team. I’m so thankful to have found them.”
For Earline, OrthoIndy hasn’t just been a healthcare provider – it’s been a trusted partner in helping her continue doing what she loves most: traveling the world and helping others do the same.
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Schedule an appointment with our team at OrthoIndy and get back to what you love doing most. Call us at 317.802.2000.
