Elisa Schneider had been running for most of her adult life. She first saw Dr. Alfandre due to hip pain, then again while training for the Philadelphia Marathon for severe muscle strain two weeks out from the race. Each time, Dr. Alfandre helped ensure she could continue running.
Then in the fall of 2022, her calf began to hurt. She went to physical therapy and even the chiropractor because her mechanics seemed off. Thinking she didn’t need surgery, she went to another local provider and the unthinkable happened.
That doctor said, “You will never run again.”
She immediately called OrthoNY and went back to Dr. Alfandre now knowing that surgery was potentially on the table. And Dr. Alfandre’s words put her at ease, “we’re going to get you back running.”
In December of 2022, Dr. Alfandre performed a Medial Meniscal Repair on Elisa’s left knee. With time, her knee began to get stronger. “Injuries like Elisa's do not mean the end of the road. With current advanced surgical techniques, patients like Elisa can not only safely get back to running and sports, but the surgery also supports long term preservation of the knee joint, oftentimes preventing the need for knee replacement in future," Dr. Alfandre shared.
After giving her knee time to recover and completing a home exercise program provided by Dr. Alfandre, she felt she was ready and laced up her running shoes. She soon began training for her first race. Since then, she has run three races with her most recent begin the Delightful (formerly Freihofer’s) Run for Women on June 1, 2024.
“I am so thankful to Dr. Alfandre. He gave me hope. I went to that first appointment with him holding so much fear. I had been told by the other doctor I would never run again and that was crushing. Dr. Alfandre was confident and calm. And when he said, I’m going to get you running again – I believed I would. I knew I was in the right hands.”
The comprehensive orthopedic & sports medicine care at OrthoNY covers everything from sprains and complex fractures to sports injuries and total joint replacement. If you are suffering from chronic pain or if a recent injury is keeping you from doing the things you love, learn more about how OrthoNY can help you by visiting.us at orthony.com or by calling (518) 489-2663.
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Deborah R
It was very crowded, but everyone was treated kindly. Dr. Utsav Hanspal was excellent he listened and when I need medicine he sent it over to the pharmacy right away. Thank you.Google
Claudine J R
Dr. Okali is very personable and friendly and I was completely at ease in his office. We discussed immediate and longer term treatment options and opted for an in-office treatment measure for immediat...Google
Robert R
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Linda R
The doctor was very personable. He listened to me and explained my condition and follow up needed. I was extremely pleasedGoogle
Wes A
Extremely good technique. Always on schedule. You always know what they are doing as they talk you through the process. Highly recommend.Google
Dave B.
Dr. Hanspal was awesome. Very professional and he gave me clear instructions as well as explained my options. I took his advice and prescribed medication and felt better in 2 days. Thank you. Great ov...Google
Judy A
Dr. Okoli is very thorough and caring. I am very pleased with with his help with my shoulder issue.Google
Diane M
Dr Fletcher was thorough in explaining my problem and exploring treatment options. I felt that he cared and took time with me.Google