From COVID Runner to Marathoner
Alex Wu is an athlete who began running during COVID and ran his first marathon in 2020.. In fact, before his injury, he was running 70 miles per week and had just qualified for the Boston Marathon.
The First Signs of Trouble
Just about a year ago (Alex remembered one run specifically) where he was running, and suddenly experienced pain in his hip. It was a new, odd type of pain that he had never experienced before. Over the next 2 months, the pain worsened.
Conflicting Advice from Doctors
Alex saw 3 or 4 orthopedic doctors for his hip pain, all who had different recommendations. One doctor said he should have a steroid shot in his hip and physical therapy. Another doctor advised immediate surgery. Alex didn’t feel great about any of the suggestions he was receiving so he went to see Dr. Benedict Nwachukwu.
Choosing Dr. Nwachukwu
Alex had done his research! He scoured the internet: reviews, blogs and Reddit. Everywhere he turned, he found positive things people were saying about Dr. Nwachukwu and how he had positive outcomes, especially with athletes. Alex scheduled a consultation. “I felt listened to,” he told us. “Dr. Nwachukwu heard the struggle I was having and was sympathetic to what I was going through.”
A Conservative Approach for Treating Hip Pain
Dr. Nwachukwu spent time with Alex, discussed his symptoms, and did additional testing. His advice was to be conservative: try physical therapy for a while and see what happened. Alex did exactly what Dr. Nwachukwu suggested.
When Rest Wasn’t Enough
However, after 3 months of inactivity, he was feeling pretty defeated. Not only could he not run, but he also couldn’t sit for long periods of time. He was unable to hang out with friends, sit at a bar or at dinner, it was even difficult to navigate the streets of New York City. “It wasn’t just the running,” he explained, “I couldn’t do anything without hip pain.”
Turning to Hip Surgery
Alex returned to Dr. Nwachukwu where they talked over his surgical treatment options, expectations, and recovery process.
“I was 27-years-old and didn’t want to have hip surgery, but I realized I was out of options,” Alex explains.
The Day of Surgery
The day of his surgery was simple, he even rode his bike to the hospital. His friend and girlfriend picked him up and he began his recovery. Shortly after, he went back to physical therapy.
Understanding Alex’s Condition
Dr. Nwachukwu performed a hip arthroscopy on his right hip. Alex had a hip condition that Dr. Nwachukwu is very familiar with called FAI (Femoroacetabular Impingement) with his specific type of impingement being CAM impingement. Alex also had a labral tear in his hip, a condition that causes instability and pain.
The Hip Procedures Performed
Dr. Nwachukwu is well known for “Fixing hip pain” and his procedures for Alex included:
- Hip Arthroscopy: Dr. Nwachukwu prefers to do postless hip arthroscopy for his patients.
- Labral Repair: Done to repair a torn hip labrum
- Femoroplasty Done to correct Alex’s CAM Impingement: a type of FAI
The Road to Recovery
The next 3 months after surgery were rocky and difficult for Alex. Alex had constant hip pain during those 3 months following surgery. The pain relented slightly and was then off and on for the next 3 months.
“I was getting depressed,” he admitted. “My quality of life was not the same. I was still having hip pain and I had just about given up on ever getting back to the level I was at before my hip pain began.”
A Turning Point
Alex continued physical therapy. “At 6 months, I hit a turning point,” Alex told us. “I was finally feeling better, had less pain and felt like I was ready to do serious rehab.”
Running Without Pain
During months 6-9, Alex felt like his body was finally coming around. At month 9 he was running without any discomfort. “It was almost strange,” Alex explained, “waiting for my hip to hurt, but it didn’t.”
Returning to Form
At months 9-12 his running took off and he was feeling like the “old Alex.” He increased his training from 2-times a week to 3-times a week, and still felt great.
A Marathon Comeback after Hip Surgery
One week before the anniversary of his hip surgery, he ran the New York City Marathon. He said the whole week leading up to the race and toeing the start line felt surreal. Less than 6 months ago, he couldn’t walk without pain, and now he had the chance to be racing the biggest marathon in the world again. He finished in 3:04 and was actually on pace for a 2:50 and a personal record through mile 20 before his lack of training/fitness from being out for surgery and rehab, caught up to him. He said that for most of that race, he was thrilled to feel the rush and adrenaline of racing again.
Words of Encouragement
Alex was delighted to report that even after the marathon, his hips didn’t hurt.
Alex’s advice for other athletes facing hip surgery:
“HANG IN THERE! It’s tough and it takes a long time to recover. I didn’t even feel better until after the 6-month mark but then everything got remarkably better. Keep the faith, give it time, and don’t give up!”
A Note from Dr. Nwachukwu:
It’s not unusual for athletes to experience hip pain and FAI (Femoroacetabular Impingement). It is imperative, however, that these athletes receive appropriate care and follow a patient-specific physical therapy routine. I’ve had extensive, specialized training in diagnosing and treating hip pain for athletes and non-athletes alike. I’ve also had extremely successful outcomes for my patients in and around the United States.
Special thanks to Alex for sharing his story!
I unfortunately dislocated my knee on October 31st, 2020. I was in tremendous pain and my right knee was very swollen. Six days later I dislocated my knee again and three weeks after that I did it once more. After visiting a local orthopedic specialist I promptly returned to sports. I once again dislocated my kneecap four weeks later and decided enough was enough. My mom, being an expert mom, researched for the best orthopedic surgeons in the world and we found HSS. When I arrived I received a warm welcome and tremendous care. Dr. Nwachukwu provided excellent bedside manner in explaining that surgery was my best option. Something that was so tremendously difficult to hear considering that I was supposed to be leaving in six months to compete at a Division I school for track and field. The bedside manner and flawless surgical procedure has me well on the way to recovery. As I write my story I am more than six weeks post-op and feeling fantastic. I couldn’t be more thankful to the HSS and the excellent care I received from Dr. Nwachukwu, the nurses, and athletic trainers who’s care I was in.
– Dominic Carlucci, Stone Ridge, NY
As an athlete most of my life, aches and pains were pretty normal, but in my early 20s I encountered a new pain in my hips that sidelined me from running consistently for almost 10 years. I tried countless rounds of PT, received incorrect diagnoses such as it just being muscular tightness to a possible hip fracture, and nothing ever really helped so I kind of assumed this pain would be my new normal. In the Summer of 2020 through that Fall, I had my longest span of running with limited pain, however of course it eventually returned. I was so frustrated and desperate to find an answer. While searching for every hip condition on the internet I stumbled upon an article written by Dr. Nwachukwu about hip preservation and I decided I had to make an appointment to meet with him. Within 3 minutes of meeting him, he had given me an answer I had been searching for for almost 10 years. He explained my conditions and all my options, and a few weeks later I had my first of two hip arthroscopies. At my first post-op we decided to schedule the next surgery 5 1/2 weeks later and while nervous to do back-to-back surgeries, I knew what amazing hands I was in. After two femoroplastys and two labral repairs I am now 7 and 8 months out of both surgeries and I am running my fastest times ever with no more aching groin pain which is absolutely amazing. I cannot thank Dr. Nwachukwu enough!
– Emily Glazer, Long Beach, NY
I had two surgeries done by Dr. Benedict Nwachukwu for tear of the right acetabular labrum and tear of the right gluteus medius tendon on April 27th, 2021. A friend strongly recommended that I go to HSS to see medical help after sustaining a snowboarding injury. After reading his impressive medical career, I have chosen to see Dr. Benedict Nwachukwu. I was under the care of high professionals: physical therapist Joseph Malizia, Dr. Benedict Nwachukwu, and his medical staff. I felt safe and believed that I would have a complete comeback to my many sports activities. I am back to scuba diving, and I am looking forward to riding my snowboard and doing downhill skiing next skiing season. I am grateful to the medical staff of HSS for putting me back in my tracks and the care I needed.
– Olga Torrey, New York, NY
In April 2021 while out running, I suffered a quadriceps rupture. Knowing I needed surgery, I went to HSS knowing I will get the best orthopedic care. At my consultation with Dr. Benedict Nwachukwu, he patiently explained to me the repair he will be performing and the timeline of recovery. Dr. Nwachukwu, with his amazing skill as a surgeon, made a great repair. I was able to be functioning again 3 months post-op. Because of the great surgical outcome I am now fully recovered and was able to complete the 2022 United Airlines NYC Half Marathon. Along the way PA Erin Paolini and Athletic Trainer Jason D’Amelio also gave me great care and medical advice. I highly recommend Dr. Nwachukwu, his staff and HSS if you ever need orthopedic care.
– David Lee, Brooklyn, NY
“From the very first appointment with Dr. Nwachukwu to the 2nd post-op check-up, I truly felt taken care of. Through every step of the process I was told what to expect and was well prepared. I think this was due in large part to the level of detail Dr. Nwachukwu and his team demonstrated. I had an invasive surgery which required removal of a decent amount of calcification from my left rectus femoris. It was supposed to take roughly 3-6 months for full recovery. However, I was able to make a full recovery in 5 weeks. I credit my recovery wholly to Dr. Nwachukwu and Dr. Gausden.”
– Jonathan Onyiriuka, Brooklyn, NY
HSS Providers: Dr. Benedict Nwachukwu, MD, MBA; Dr. Elizabeth B. Gausden, MD, MPH
“Dr. Ben,
Thank you for fixing my hip!
Throughout this entire recovery period, you have been so kind and considerate. Thank you for always making sure you answered all my questions and getting me all the appointments that fit into my busy schedule, and ordering me that Uber so I didn’t miss the bus to my game. I wish you the best and stay in touch!
Go Lions!”
I am a high performance athlete and have developed some injuries over time. After a few years of struggling with hip pain, I consulted with Dr. Benedict Nwachukwu and his team. I was diagnosed with tears of the right and left acetabular labrum, and he recommended surgical repair. Even during this pandemic period, I felt very safe and happy to be able to have this procedure performed by a spectacular professional Dr. Benedict and his team at HSS. Today my feeling is one of enormous gratitude. A week after surgery, I am 100% pain free. I am firmly committed to physical therapy every day with professional Nick preparing me physically and mentally for the permissions that God gave me in 2021.
Pain is a warning sign that something is wrong with your body. Don’t suffer alone. There are many trained professionals who can help you.
-A.P.
Dr. Nwachukwu is extremely knowledgeable about his area of expertise. He answered all of my concerns about my knee. Stated to me , in detail, what to expect and how long my recovery will take. I would recommend his service to any recreational athlete.
E.A.
Dr. Nwachukwu’s authority and expertise concerning my injury are unquestionable. He took the time to explain all the particularities of my case in great detail and answer all questions. He gave me the range of options and talked me through possible outcomes in each case. His calming demeanor inspires confidence, and his team of allied practitioners — indeed, the entire operation, staff, and facilities — are top-ranking. I would highly Recommend Dr. Benedict Nwachukwu and the HSS team to anyone seeking the best in orthopedic surgery.
-D.P.
