Berkshire Orthopedics LLC

A Division of Keystone Orthopaedic Specialists, LLC

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How Do Doctors Diagnose a Concussion?

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how do doctors diagnose a concussion

Although they are considered a “mild” type of traumatic brain injury, concussions are serious and should be treated as such. While some patients experience concussion symptoms almost immediately following a blow to the head, it can take hours or even days for them to appear. If an individual begins to experience nausea, vomiting, headache, light/sound sensitivity and/or trouble recalling information, they should seek medical attention right away. What is the importance of doing so, and how do doctors diagnose a concussion? Keep reading for answers to these commonly asked questions.

How Do Doctors Diagnose a Concussion?

There are several methods a physician may use in order to determine whether a patient has a concussion and, if so, what kind of treatment is needed. Here are a few possibilities:

  • Cognitive testing – Concentration, memory and ability to recall information can all be affected by a concussion. Thus, concussion testing often includes a series of questions designed to assess whether these cognitive skills are intact.
  • Neurological exam – A neurological exam may also be conducted to check for signs of a concussion. This will likely include an evaluation of the patient’s balance, hearing, coordination, vision, reflexes and strength/sensation.
  • Brain imaging – If a patient’s symptoms are severe or worsening, brain imaging may be used to check whether the head injury has caused swelling or bleeding in the skull. It is common for doctors to order a cranial computerized tomography (CT) scan to evaluate the condition of the brain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may also be used to identify complications or changes in the brain.

Ultimately, the answer to “how do doctors diagnose a concussion?” will vary depending on the type and severity of the symptoms a patient is exhibiting. In any case, prompt examination by a medical professional is crucial when one or more concussion symptoms are present. Seeking a diagnosis early on will allow the patient to receive treatment if necessary. In turn, it will prevent potential lasting impacts such as post concussion syndrome (PCS).

Dr. Gill Has Years of Experience in Evaluating & Treating Concussions

If you or a loved one is showing signs of a concussion, you can depend on Dr. Timothy Gill to provide an accurate diagnosis and an individualized treatment plan. When evaluating a possible head injury, he will ask questions about the accident and the symptoms which are present. Then, he will use a combination of the methods described above to make a diagnosis. Based on what he finds, he will recommend steps and precautions which should be taken to facilitate healing.

If you are concerned about a possible concussion, head injury expert Dr. Gill can typically see you in his office within 24 hours of the head injury. He also offers a weekly concussion clinic. To arrange an appointment with Dr. Gill, call our office at 610-375-4949. We are dedicated to helping our patients manage their concussion symptoms and get the treatment they need to make a full recovery.

What Is a Total Knee Replacement?

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What Is a Total Knee Replacement

In many cases, knee conditions such as osteoarthritis can be managed using conservative methods. However, some patients facing chronic knee pain and disability may require total knee replacement surgery to ease their symptoms. What is a total knee replacement? It’s important to be informed about what this procedure and its recovery process entail before deciding if it’s right for you.

What Is a Total Knee Replacement?

Also known as total knee arthroplasty, total knee replacement surgery involves removal of the diseased joint followed by insertion of an orthopedic implant in its place. Here are the four major steps involved in a total knee replacement:

  • Damaged cartilage removal – In order to prepare the knee, your orthopedic surgeon will remove all damaged cartilage from the femur and tibia, plus some of the bone underneath.
  • Implant positioning – Replacing the damaged cartilage and bone with plastic and/or metal implants is the next step. The replacement joint will mimic the feeling and function of your natural knee. Once the implants are in place, they will be cemented or “press fitted” into the bone.
  • Patella resurfacing – After the implants have been inserted and secured, the surgeon will then resurface the underside of the patella, or the kneecap. This step may be skipped for some patients.
  • Spacer insertion – Finally, a medical-grade plastic spacer will be inserted between the implants. This small but mighty device will serve to maximize joint mobility by minimizing friction between the components.

Typically, total knee replacements are performed in the hospital under anesthesia. The procedure usually takes 1-2 hours, and patients generally stay overnight after surgery.

Recovering from Total Knee Replacement Surgery

Now that we’ve answered “what is a total knee replacement?”, we’d like to talk a bit about the recovery timeline for this procedure. As with any kind of surgery, you can expect to experience some pain following a total knee replacement – especially in the first week after surgery.

In the weeks and months following surgery, you will be instructed to perform physical therapy exercises. These will help you regain strength and range of motion in your operated knee. You will have restrictions for up to three months, but you will likely be able to return to work in 2-4 weeks if your job is sedentary. Generally speaking, patients are normally able to resume their regular activities around the three-month mark.

Dr. Soffer Provides Qualified Care for Chronic Knee Conditions

With more than 700,000 performed each year in the U.S., total knee replacements are among the most common orthopedic procedures. For knee replacement surgery and other cutting-edge knee care options, patients in the Reading, PA area depend on Dr. Stephen Soffer.

If you are eager to find the most appropriate solution to resolve your lingering knee discomfort, call our office at 610-375-4949. We look forward to helping you leave knee pain in your past.

What to Expect After ACL Surgery: Recovery Time, Exercises & More

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what to expect after acl surgery

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) plays the important role of helping to keep the knee joint stable. When this essential ligament is torn or overstretched, it can lead to uncomfortable and persistent symptoms such as swelling, pain and a popping sensation in the knee. While many ACL injuries can be effectively treated using conservative methods, surgery may be needed in some cases. Should your orthopedic physician recommend surgical ACL reconstruction, it is important to be aware of what to expect after ACL surgery.

What to Expect After ACL Surgery: Recovery Time, Exercises & More

If you are considering surgery as a treatment for your ACL injury, here are a few key things you should know about the rehabilitation process:

  • What can I expect immediately after surgery? Carefully following your orthopedic surgeon’s post-surgery instructions is crucial, particularly in the first two weeks after the procedure. During this time, your primary focus will be managing your pain and swelling while preventing fluid buildup around the affected knee joint. You will be advised to elevate your leg and apply ice every few hours. Further, you should plan to use crutches during this time. You will be partial weight bearing on your operative leg during these first few weeks.
  • What exercises will I do to aid in my recovery? Throughout the rehabilitation process, you will be instructed to perform certain exercises to strengthen your knee and regain full range of motion. You can expect to start out with low-impact movements, such as squatting and walking. You’ll gradually work your way back up to more intense exercises like jumping and jogging.
  • How long will it take for me to recover fully? As every patient is different, there is no way to predict exactly how long it will take for you to get back to normal. However, you should expect to spend at least 7-9 months recovering from ACL surgery. Assuming your knee injury has fully healed at this point, you will likely be cleared to return to all of your normal activities, including sports. Still, you may be advised to wear a knee brace during activities for one to two years after surgery to prevent a repeat injury.

Hopefully, these guidelines have provided valuable insight into what to expect after ACL surgery and you now feel well informed about the rehabilitation process for this procedure.

Find the Right Treatment for Your Knee Injury with Dr. Soffer

If you are experiencing lingering symptoms which seem to indicate an ACL injury, it is important to consult a skilled orthopedic surgeon for prompt diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Stephen Soffer is a qualified surgeon who can walk you through your various treatment options. He will help you choose the most appropriate option given your individual circumstances.

As a knee specialist with extensive experience performing ACL surgery, Dr. Soffer will treat you with compassion and ensure you receive the very best care for your knee injury. If you would like to arrange an appointment, please call our office at 610-375-4949. We look forward to helping you resolve your knee symptoms so that you can get back to doing what you love.

What Precautions Should Be Taken After PRP Injection?

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precautions after prp injection

PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections are an up-and-coming treatment option for individuals with orthopedic problems such as knee arthritis, tendinitis and rotator cuff tears. If you are considering this cutting-edge therapy, it is important to familiarize yourself with the restrictions you may have during the rehabilitation process. This includes learning about precautions after PRP injection which you could be advised to take.

Precautions After PRP Injection: What to Expect Throughout Your Recovery

While each patient’s recovery timeline will be different, there are general guidelines you can use to prepare yourself for the procedure and the weeks after. Here are some precautions after PRP injection which you may be instructed to take during the various phases of your rehabilitation:

  • Phase 1 (0-3 days post procedure) – In the days following PRP injection, the primary goals will be to protect the affected joint and manage discomfort. The joint may be immobilized using a sling or a walking boot. If you receive injections in your knee, foot or ankle, you may be advised to use crutches.
  • Phase 2 (3-14 days post procedure) – During the second phase of recovery, you will begin to bear more weight as tolerated and slowly discontinue use of assistive devices. However, it is important to continue avoiding activities that may put too much stress on the tendon, including lifting and impact exercise.
  • Phase 3 (14 days to 6-8 weeks post procedure) – The focus during this phase will be to achieve full range of motion while increasing strength and balance. You may be instructed to perform therapeutic exercises which will help you reach these goals. Still, you should not resume strenuous exercise yet, and you should avoid activities that cause pain.
  • Phase 4 (around 6-8 weeks post procedure) – At this point, patients are usually cleared to return to their normal activities at full intensity. Keep in mind that soreness may occur after participating in athletics, but it should go away within 24 hours.

This is by no means a full list of precautions after PRP injection – this is simply a general overview of what patients can anticipate following this procedure.

See Dr. Gill & Dr. Soffer for Advanced, Innovative Orthopedic Care

If you are experiencing symptoms of an orthopedic condition or injury, Dr. Timothy Gill and Dr. Stephen Soffer can help you find the best course of treatment for your individual needs. With decades of combined experience in orthopedics, they specialize in performing PRP injections for joint issues – in addition to many other advanced treatments.

For patients seeking relief from a chronic orthopedic condition or a sports injury, Dr. Gill and Dr. Soffer are the most qualified care providers in the Reading, PA area. If you would like to set up an appointment with one of these skilled physicians, please call our office today at 610-375-4949.

How Do You Treat Tennis Elbow?

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how do you treat tennis elbow

Lateral epicondylitis, more commonly known as “tennis elbow,” is a type of tendinitis caused by overuse of the elbow. This common injury affects more than just tennis players and other athletes. It can happen to anyone who frequently engages in activities that involve repetitive gripping. Tennis elbow can cause pain and tenderness in the elbow as well as the wrist and upper or lower arm. If these symptoms persist, it may lead an individual to wonder: “How do you treat tennis elbow?”

Treatments to Consider for Tennis Elbow

With conservative treatment, tennis elbow will sometimes heal on its own over the course of a few days or weeks. How do you treat tennis elbow with first-line treatments? Here are a few methods to try, with the guidance of your orthopedic surgeon:

  • Resting the elbow and avoiding activities that cause pain
  • Icing the elbow to help ease swelling and relieve pain
  • Taking anti-inflammatory medications to manage discomfort and swelling
  • Wearing an elbow strap to protect the affected tendon from further injury/strain
  • Doing range of motion exercises to decrease stiffness and restore strength and flexibility
  • Getting steroid injections to reduce pain and swelling in the elbow joint

Many patients with tennis elbow experience relief after using a combination of these conservative treatment methods. In more severe cases, however, surgery may be needed to fully address symptoms of tennis elbow.

How do you treat tennis elbow with surgery? Typically, the procedure involves removal of the damaged section of tendon and repair of the remaining tendon. For more information on tennis elbow surgery and what to expect after tennis elbow surgery, please click over to our recent post on this topic.

Discuss Your Elbow Treatment Options with Dr. Soffer

Experiencing lingering elbow symptoms such as pain, weakness and reduced range of motion? It may be time to see Dr. Stephen Soffer for orthopedic care. As an elbow expert serving patients in the Reading, PA area, Dr. Soffer focuses on treating orthopedic conditions with skill and compassion. Along with Dr. James Andrews, Dr. Soffer coauthored the first elbow arthroscopy textbook published in the US.

If you or a loved one is suffering from persistent elbow discomfort, Dr. Soffer will use the most advanced diagnostic tools available to determine the cause and prescribe the most appropriate course of treatment.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Soffer, please call our office at 610-375-4949. We look forward to making your acquaintance and providing the care you need to get back to your normal lifestyle as quickly as possible.

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