Berkshire Orthopedics LLC

A Division of Keystone Orthopaedic Specialists, LLC

Contact Us: 610-375-4949

Dr. Soffer

How Long After Total Knee Replacement Can You Walk?

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If a patient suffers from ongoing knee pain and reduced mobility, there are a variety of conservative treatments they may try to help manage their condition and promote healing. But unfortunately, these first-line options may not offer full relief in certain cases. Depending on the specifics of a patient’s knee issue, total knee replacement (TKR) surgery may be necessary. Naturally, when considering this procedure, a patient may wonder: How long after total knee replacement can you walk? Let’s discuss the typical recovery timeline following knee replacement surgery.

How Long After Total Knee Replacement Can You Walk?

Upon completion of total knee replacement surgery, you’ll begin physical therapy to strengthen and mobilize your knee right away by standing up and walking for brief periods. You’ll likely be in the hospital for 1-2 days, where you’ll receive instructions on how to safely move around and use assistive devices such as crutches or a walker.

In the days and weeks to follow, you’ll focus on gradually increasing your amount of physical activity. Here are some guidelines for what to expect throughout your recovery, in terms of how long after total knee replacement can you walk and resume other activities:

  • Within 2-3 weeks post surgery, you should be able to walk a short distance – or for around 10 minutes – without depending on a mobility aid. 
  • About 4-6 weeks after surgery, you’ll likely be cleared to go back to work as normal, if you have a sedentary occupation. However, if your job requires a significant amount of walking or standing, you may be advised to wait up to three months to return.
  • By week 12, many patients report a drastic improvement in their knee symptoms, including restored range of motion and knee stability, plus little or no pain with activity. Depending on your specific level of healing, you may be cleared to do any and all of your favorite physical activities again by this point.

In order to speed your rehabilitation and get the maximum benefits from total knee replacement surgery, it’s crucial to closely follow the post-surgery plan provided by your orthopedic surgeon and physical therapist. These directions will be designed to help protect and strengthen your knee and to promote the most successful possible outcome.

Address Your Knee Discomfort & Dysfunction with Dr. Soffer

Eager to return to a fulfilling lifestyle with no more knee pain? Dr. Soffer offers cutting-edge knee care for patients in and around Reading, PA. His extensive training includes a sports medicine fellowship with world-famous sports surgeon Dr. James Andrews, and he has successfully performed knee surgery on numerous patients. He also offers a full range of nonsurgical treatment options for various knee injuries and conditions. To learn more about Dr. Soffer and schedule an appointment with him, call our office at 610-375-4949.

Arthritis in Elbow Joint: Treatment and Recovery Info

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Elbow arthritis can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, weakness and limited range of motion in the elbow joint, making it difficult to perform your everyday activities, job or hobbies. If you are being impacted by these symptoms, you may wonder about arthritis in elbow joint treatment modalities you might try to help ease them. Let’s discuss elbow arthritis therapies offered by Dr. Soffer in Reading, PA, along with what to expect in terms of recovery time.

Arthritis in Elbow Joint: Treatment and Recovery Info

If you are dealing with any type of elbow arthritis – whether it’s rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis or post-traumatic arthritis – seeking professional treatment as soon as possible is key to maximize your chances of successfully managing your symptoms with conservative treatment.

Typically, nonsurgical methods of arthritis in elbow joint treatment are recommended to start out. These might include:

  • Avoiding activities that irritate your elbow
  • Using heat and ice therapy to reduce swelling and stiffness
  • Taking pain-relieving medications
  • Wearing an elbow brace or splint to support the joint
  • Getting cortisone injections to help with discomfort 

In the event that these initial treatment options fail to significantly improve elbow function and alleviate pain, an orthopedic expert may recommend surgical treatment. Surgery can be used to remove loose bodies and adhesions (scar tissue) as well as the bone spurs.

Whether arthroscopic or open surgery is more appropriate will depend on individual factors like the type & severity of arthritis, along with age & activity level. Dr. Soffer prioritizes arthroscopic surgery whenever possible because it is minimally invasive and generally comes with a shorter recovery process than open surgery. Even so, keep in mind that recovering from arthroscopic elbow surgery can still take weeks to months. Based on your individual case, Dr. Soffer can provide a more detailed view of what to expect in terms of your rehabilitation timeline.

See Dr. Soffer for Cutting-Edge Elbow Treatment 

If you’re eager to find relief for lingering elbow symptoms through individualized treatment, depend on Dr. Soffer to deliver top-notch care. As a testament to his expertise, Dr. Soffer coauthored the first elbow arthroscopy textbook published in the U.S. alongside Dr. James Andrews. Today, he proudly offers a full range of advanced surgical and nonsurgical treatments for elbow arthritis and other orthopedic conditions. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Soffer, call our Reading, PA area office at 610-375-4949.

All About Tennis Elbow Repair

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Based on its common nickname of “tennis elbow,” you may assume that lateral epicondylitis only affects tennis players. However, this injury can happen to anyone who overexerts their elbow joint. Let’s discuss the symptoms, various treatment routes and circumstances under which surgical tennis elbow repair might be necessary.

All About Tennis Elbow Repair

After overusing or straining your elbow, you may develop pain and weakness in the joint, possibly extending to the forearm or wrist. These are telltale signs of tennis elbow. Although conservative, nonsurgical treatments are often helpful in relieving these symptoms, tennis elbow repair surgery might be needed in order for certain patients to see significant improvement. 

If treatment interventions like avoiding activities that aggravate symptoms, taking pain relievers and performing physical therapy exercises don’t offer a full solution, a patient may explore this procedure with an orthopedic surgeon. 

When considering surgical repair for tennis elbow, here are a few important things to know about the typical recovery process:

  • After the procedure, your arm will be placed in a bandage to protect the surgical wound and stitches. You might also need to wear a splint or cast for around 7-10 days following surgery to support your arm as it heals. Since you won’t be able to use your operated arm during this time, it’s vital to arrange for someone to help you around the house.
  • You’ll return to your orthopedic doctor for follow-up appointments to evaluate your healing and determine when you are ready to begin physical therapy. Performing the exercises may feel uncomfortable at first, but any pain should resolve within 3-6 months as your elbow strength and range of motion improve. You may be instructed to continue physical therapy for up to one year, depending on your progress.
  • After tennis elbow surgery, most patients are able to resume their normal daily activities within around 2-6 weeks. Those who enjoy sports will likely be advised to allow 4-6 months for their elbow to heal before returning to athletic activities. 

Ultimately, your rehabilitation journey and its timing will depend on your unique case, including the severity of your elbow damage, your personal healing rate and the type of surgery you opt to undergo. In many cases, elbow surgery can be done arthroscopically to minimize invasiveness and speed healing time. 

See Dr. Soffer for Expert Elbow Treatment

If you’re experiencing lingering elbow pain and dysfunction, it may be time to see an orthopedic specialist like Dr. Soffer in Reading, PA. As an esteemed orthopedic surgeon and a co-author of the first elbow arthroscopy textbook published in the U.S., Dr. Soffer is well versed in elbow issues and how to address them effectively. He offers a full range of nonsurgical and surgical treatments to patients ranging from young athletes to elders, prioritizing the least invasive methods whenever possible. 

To find out more about Dr. Soffer’s care offerings and schedule an appointment with him, call our office at 610-375-4949.

Severe Shoulder Arthritis Treatment: An Orthopedic Surgeon Explains

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Among the most common causes of shoulder discomfort and dysfunction, shoulder arthritis can be highly disruptive to an individual’s life. When severe, this condition may even prevent a patient from performing their occupation and participating in the hobbies they love. In such a case, a patient may benefit from exploring severe shoulder arthritis treatment options with an orthopedic expert. 

Severe Shoulder Arthritis Treatment: An Orthopedic Surgeon Explains

While conservative treatment methods are typically the first to be tried for shoulder arthritis, severe arthritis may require surgery in order to be resolved. Let’s talk about the various types of arthritis that can affect the shoulder joint and possible treatment options for each:

  • Cuff tear arthropathy, which results from an irreparable rotator cuff tear, is a severe, complex type of shoulder arthritis that is often treated through a reverse shoulder replacement. In this surgical procedure, the positions of the ball and socket are reversed in the shoulder joint to promote better mobility and reduce pain.
  • Osteoarthritis involves gradual wearing of shoulder cartilage over time and most commonly affects patients 50 years of age and above. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that may cause painful swelling in the lining of one or both shoulder joints. 
  • Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis may be treated using minimally invasive shoulder arthroscopy, which allows an orthopedic surgeon to view and address shoulder damage via a small device called an arthroscope, without creating a large open incision.
  • In some cases, total shoulder arthroplasty (aka total shoulder replacement) may also be suitable for patients with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis; however, it is not generally suggested for cuff tear arthropathy. During this procedure, the surgeon removes damaged pieces of bone and cartilage from the shoulder and replaces them with plastic and metal implants.

Ultimately, the most appropriate severe shoulder arthritis treatment will vary from patient to patient depending on the type of arthritis they are experiencing, their age and activity level and other individual factors.

Receive the Top-Level Shoulder Care You Deserve from Dr. Soffer

If you are struggling with intense, lingering shoulder pain and decreased joint mobility, Dr. Stephen Soffer can help you make an informed decision on the best way to proceed. Having completed a sports medicine fellowship with renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews, Dr. Soffer has extensive knowledge and skill in the treatment of shoulder arthritis through both operative and nonoperative methods. Call 610-375-4949 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Soffer at our office in Berks County, PA.

How Long Does It Take Elbow Tendonitis to Heal?

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Characterized by inflammation in the tendons linking the elbow and forearm muscles, elbow tendonitis may develop due to repetitive use/overuse of the forearm muscles. The resulting symptoms may include pain, stiffness and tenderness in the affected elbow. Often, discomfort is particularly bothersome in the morning, at night or when performing motions like grasping something or rotating the wrist. Upon recognizing these symptoms, one may wonder: How long does it take elbow tendonitis to heal? 

The rate and success of rehabilitation will largely depend on individual factors, including the extent of the condition and the steps a patient takes to address it. Let’s discuss strategies to promote quick and total healing of elbow tendonitis.

How Long Does It Take Elbow Tendonitis to Heal?

For the most optimal outcome, it’s advisable to see an orthopedic expert as soon as possible if you’re experiencing symptoms of elbow tendonitis. The best doctor for elbow pain is an orthopedic surgeon, as this professional has extensive, specialized knowledge of orthopedic issues and the ability to perform the full range of elbow treatments.

Dr. Stephen Soffer is a trusted provider of orthopedic care for patients of all ages in the Reading, PA area. Seeing him for evaluation and treatment at the first sign of elbow tendonitis symptoms is wise to accelerate healing and prevent the condition from worsening. Failure to seek prompt and professional treatment increases your risk of elbow tendonitis becoming prolonged, more extensive or more complex to treat.

First-line treatments which may be prescribed for elbow tendonitis include:

  • Avoiding activities which exacerbate symptoms
  • Icing the affected area to reduce inflammation
  • Taking anti-inflammatory and/or pain relieving medications
  • Wearing an elbow brace
  • Performing stretching exercises to promote mobility and healing

Because patients often have success with these treatments, surgery is rarely necessary for elbow tendonitis. However, surgical intervention may be recommended if significant improvement is not seen after several months of conservative treatment. 

As a practiced orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Soffer is qualified to perform both arthroscopic (minimally invasive) and open elbow surgery when needed. As a testament to his knowledge and experience, he coauthored the first elbow arthroscopy textbook published in the U.S. alongside Dr. James Andrews.

See Dr. Soffer for Comprehensive Orthopedic Care You Can Rely On

Hopefully this overview has helped you understand why the answer to “how long does it take elbow tendonitis to heal?” varies based on how the patient proceeds after noticing symptoms. For professional and compassionate assistance with resolving your elbow issue as quickly as possible, schedule an appointment with Dr. Soffer by calling our office at 610-375-4949.

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