Rockhill Orthopaedic Specialists Helps Former Bodybuilder Find Lasting Relief

Steven Tinkham was always proud of his active lifestyle. A born athlete, he grew up to find passion in biking and bodybuilding. But by the time he reached his 40s, an undiagnosed condition was beginning to take its toll—one joint at a time.

“I was 47 and I started having pain in my right knee,” Steven says. “I thought it might be my gym routine or just old age. Eventually, it became too much to ignore, so I reached out to Rockhill Orthopaedic Specialists.”

Steven met with Wesley Frevert, MD, a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon. After a few years of carefully managing Steven's pain through nonsurgical methods, the two agreed that a total knee replacement was the best path toward long-term relief. Steven had a successful surgery in May 2020 and enjoyed a few years of pain-free life.

Then came his shoulders.

“Fast forward to 2023, and I started having shoulder problems,” Steven says. “I had lost some range of motion, and everyday tasks like lifting a cup of coffee had become too difficult, so I reached out to Dr. Frevert once again.”

Dr. Frevert’s exam and imaging revealed that Steven's shoulder joints had deteriorated beyond repair. Steven had one shoulder joint replaced in April 2023, and the other in August 2023. Both surgeries were successful, and Steven recovered without complications.

Then came his hips—and Steven's patience was wearing thin.

“I was barely 50 years old, I had three joints replaced, and I was looking at a double hip replacement,” Steven says. “I didn’t understand how that was possible.”

In fall 2023, a routine physical offered an explanation. Steven was diagnosed with hemochromatosis, a rare condition that causes the body to absorb too much iron. Over time, excess iron creates crystals in the major joints, leading to severe pain and degeneration. Although hemochromatosis begins at birth, it takes decades for symptoms to emerge, and most patients aren’t diagnosed until they are in their 40s or 50s.

“It was a real lightbulb moment for me and Dr. Frevert,” Steven says. “It didn’t change anything about my treatment, but I was relieved to finally get an answer for everything I had been through.”

In 2024, Steven had both hips replaced with Dr. Frevert, and today, he feels like a brand-new person. “I couldn’t believe it—all the pain was gone,” Steven says.

“A lot of people think they’re too young or old for joint replacement,” Dr. Frevert says. “But when joint pain starts to interfere with your daily life and you have exhausted conservative treatment, it’s time to think about your options. Joint replacement can improve your quality of life, regardless of age.”

Steven had a total of five joint replacements with Dr. Frevert. Each one began with a joint replacement class, where Steven learned about the process and what he could expect from his surgery and recovery. After each surgery, he was surrounded by a team of therapists helping him get up and moving as quickly as possible.

Now 53, Steven is back to doing what he loves, from hunting to biking to working out. He credits Dr. Frevert and the team at Rockhill Orthopaedic Specialists for their care and professionalism during a difficult time in his life. And although his left knee still needs to be replaced one day, Steven's not letting it slow him down—and he knows exactly where to go.

“After everything I’ve been through with Rockhill—knees, shoulders, hips—I wouldn’t go anywhere else,” Steven says. “Dr. Frevert gave me my life back.”

Rockhill Orthopaedic Specialists has delivered high-quality care for more than 75 years. The team is affiliated with Saint Luke’s East Hospital and includes 18 board-certified and board-eligible orthopedic surgeons and physiatrists who have a combined 200 years of experience. 

Visit Rockhill Orthopaedic Specialists for more information.