We are proud to announce that Dr. Soffer has been chosen as a Top Orthopedic Surgeon 2020 by Pennsylvania Magazine! This honor recognizes Dr. Soffer’s expertise and dedication to improving the mobility and quality of life in his patients. Congratulations Dr. Soffer!
Blog
How Do I Know If I Tore My ACL? Typical Signs & Symptoms
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the four major ligaments in the knee. Responsible for controlling forward movement and rotation of the shin bone (tibia), the ACL is located in the center of the knee. When this crucial ligament is torn or sprained during activity, it can compromise the functionality of the entire knee joint. “How do I know if I tore my ACL?” is a common question among patients experiencing knee discomfort after physical activity. Let’s review symptoms which may indicate an ACL injury.
How Do I Know If I Tore My ACL?
Typically, ACL tears and sprains happen during activities which involve abrupt changes in direction, sudden stops, pivoting and/or jumping and landing. Football, basketball, soccer, downhill skiing and gymnastics are a few common sports which fall under this category.
So, how do I know if I tore my ACL? Here are the signs and symptoms which generally accompany an ACL injury:
- A popping sensation in the knee, sometimes with a loud popping sound at the time of injury
- Severe pain & swelling
- Difficulty walking
- Reduced range of motion
- Knee instability (inability to bear weight)
If you are experiencing knee symptoms which interfere with your daily activities, it is important to seek prompt treatment from a sports medicine physician. This medical professional can diagnose your knee issue and prescribe the appropriate course of treatment.
Depending on the severity of the injury and individual factors such as your age and activity level, nonsurgical therapies may be sufficient to resolve a torn ACL. However, ACL reconstruction surgery may be beneficial if you are a young, active individual wishing to return to athletic activities after healing, plus reduce your risk of reinjury and other complications.
Visit Dr. Soffer for Expert, Patient-Centered Orthopedic Care
Hopefully, this article has given you a clear answer to “how do I know if I tore my ACL?” If you are concerned that you may have sustained an ACL tear or another type of orthopedic injury, you can depend on Dr. Stephen Soffer to provide skillful, individualized care.
Whether your injury necessitates surgery or it can be effectively managed with first-line treatments, Dr. Soffer will help you heal using cutting-edge therapies. Prioritizing minimally invasive approaches whenever possible, he is committed to helping patients make a full recovery and resume a fulfilling lifestyle. To arrange an appointment with Dr. Soffer, call our office at 610-375-4949.
Rotator Cuff Surgery: What to Expect During and After the Procedure
Rotator cuff injuries are among the most common causes of shoulder discomfort. While many rotator cuff tears respond well to conservative therapies, surgery may be needed to fully resolve symptoms and restore shoulder function in some cases. Patients considering surgical rotator cuff repair should be well informed about what the procedure and its recovery process entail. Read on for a detailed overview of rotator cuff surgery: what to expect if your orthopedic physician determines that you are a good candidate and you elect to have the procedure.
Rotator Cuff Surgery: What to Expect During and After the Procedure
- The day of surgery – The surgeon will provide preoperative instructions to prepare for rotator cuff surgery. The procedure is typically done under general anesthesia in an outpatient setting. It may take up to a few hours, depending on the severity of the tear and the extent of repair work needed. Once the surgery is complete, the operated arm is placed into a sling, and the patient is moved to a postoperative recovery room. Generally, patients are able to return home the same day.
- The days after surgery – In the days following rotator cuff surgery, it is normal to experience pain and swelling in the shoulder region. Pain relievers, intermittent icing and resting with the arm in an elevated position can help ease any discomfort.
- The weeks after surgery – To avoid buildup of scar tissue and inflammation, use of the operated arm should be limited for the first 4-6 weeks after surgery. Generally speaking, patients are able to remove their sling and begin physical therapy around this time. Performing physical therapy exercises as instructed is crucial to regain shoulder strength & mobility and prevent reinjury.
- The months after surgery – While every patient’s rehabilitation timeline will be slightly different, most recover within 4-6 months. Ultimately, the severity of the patient’s injury and their body’s natural healing rate will dictate how long it takes to return to normal activities after surgical rotator cuff repair.
For patients deciding whether to undergo rotator cuff surgery, what to expect during and after the procedure is pertinent information. Knowing what to anticipate will help you make an educated choice and set you up for a successful recovery.
Find the Right Shoulder Treatment for You with Dr. Soffer
A rotator cuff injury can greatly impact a patient in their day-to-day life. If you suspect that you may have a torn rotator cuff, it is vital to seek prompt treatment in order to avoid worsening injury. Patients in the Reading, PA area count on Dr. Stephen Soffer for world-class shoulder care with a personalized approach.
Specializing in minimally invasive arthroscopic rotator cuff repair as well as nonsurgical treatment methods, Dr. Soffer will recommend the most appropriate course of treatment for your unique case. To request an appointment with him, contact our office at 610-375-4949. We look forward to helping you resolve your shoulder issue so that you can get back to doing what you love.
2020 Marquis Who’s Who Nomination
We are proud to announce that Dr. Soffer has been nominated for the 2020 Marquis Who’s Who!
The Who’s Who is the best known, most trusted biographical resource on America’s most accomplished individuals since 1898. Inclusion in the Who’s Who is considered a hallmark of achievement. Congratulations Dr. Soffer!
Ankle Fracture Treatment: What to Expect
When one or more bones in the ankle joint break, it is known as an ankle fracture. Symptoms of a fractured ankle may include severe pain, tenderness, bruising, swelling and difficulty moving or bearing weight on the affected ankle. If you believe you may have broken your ankle, you should seek ankle fracture treatment from a skilled orthopedic doctor as soon as possible.
Ankle Fracture Treatment: What to Expect
In order to diagnose an ankle injury, an orthopedic physician will generally start by performing a physical examination. They may also use advanced imaging techniques such as an X-ray, an MRI scan or a CT scan to get a more detailed view of the injured joint.
Depending on the location, type and severity of the fracture, the right course of treatment for a broken ankle will vary. Ankle fracture treatment methods may include:
- Icing the affected ankle to decrease swelling and discomfort
- Wearing a cast, splint or walking boot to stabilize the ankle bone while it heals
- Using crutches to keep weight off of the injured ankle
- Undergoing ankle surgery to realign the broken bone(s) and facilitate proper healing (used only for severe fractures)
How Long Is Recovery for a Fractured Ankle?
For more minor ankle fractures that can be treated without surgery, the typical recovery timeline is somewhere between 6 and 12 weeks. If a broken ankle is severe and requires surgery, however, it may take 12 weeks or longer to heal completely. Aside from the specifics of the injury, several other factors will also play a role in determining how long recovery takes. These include the patient’s age and overall health status.
Regardless of which ankle fracture treatment methods are prescribed, it is important to visit your orthopedic doctor for regular checkups throughout the recovery process to ensure your ankle is healing correctly. Furthermore, you should get approval from your physician before returning to your normal activities.
Visit Dr. Soffer for Expert Ankle Care & Rehabilitation
If you are experiencing pain and other symptoms of a broken ankle, it is advisable to see a qualified orthopedic doctor right away. As a highly ranked orthopedic specialist, Dr. Stephen Soffer offers the full spectrum of treatments for ankle fractures, including cutting-edge nonsurgical and surgical options.
Whether your ankle injury is mild or severe, you can depend on Dr. Soffer to carefully diagnose it and provide effective, individualized treatment. To request an appointment with our foot and ankle specialist, call our 24-hour sports injury hotline at 610-375-4949.
How Do I Know When It’s Time to See an Orthopedic Specialist?
Orthopedic conditions and injuries affect parts of the musculoskeletal system, including the elbow, knee and shoulder joints. Depending on the specific case, orthopedic issues may be managed at home, or they may require treatment by an orthopedic specialist to be resolved. Patients experiencing symptoms of an orthopedic injury or condition often wonder: How do I know when to see an orthopedic doctor? Let’s discuss a few signs which may indicate that it’s time to visit an orthopedic physician.
When to See an Orthopedic Doctor: 4 Signs That It’s Time
- The issue is interfering with your everyday life – Occasional joint discomfort is a normal part of aging and typically no cause for alarm. However, if symptoms get to the point that you are consistently struggling to perform your everyday activities, seeing an orthopedic specialist is a wise course of action.
- You are experiencing limited range of motion – Reduced joint flexibility may be a sign of a condition such as arthritis. To prevent a joint disease and its symptoms from worsening, it is crucial to seek treatment for the condition as early as possible.
- Your pain becomes chronic – Many minor orthopedic injuries resolve within a few days or weeks through the use of an at-home regimen called the RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevation) method. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. If pain and other symptoms persist for more than 12 weeks, it becomes a chronic condition. When a musculoskeletal issue gets to this point, it is advisable to seek care from an orthopedic expert.
- You have sustained a soft tissue injury & are not improving after 48 hours – In some cases, acute orthopedic injuries may need to be promptly addressed by a professional. Using the RICE method can help to ease pain and swelling caused by a soft tissue injury such as a twisted ankle or knee. However, if you have not seen significant improvement after 48 hours of treating an injury at home, you should make an appointment with an orthopedic physician as soon as possible.
Wondering when to see an orthopedic doctor? If one or more of the above is true for you, it is in your best interest to be examined by an orthopedic specialist.
Dr. Stephen Soffer Provides Expert Orthopedic Care in Wyomissing, PA
Patients in Wyomissing, PA and the surrounding area trust Dr. Stephen Soffer for world-class orthopedic care with personalized attention. Recognized for his expertise in performing arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder, knee and elbow, Dr. Soffer is one of the top orthopedic doctors in the country. He prioritizes minimally invasive treatments whenever possible to speed patient recovery time and optimize treatment outcomes.
Patients of Dr. Soffer can attest to the skillful, compassionate care he provides. Take a look at this review from Jim F.:
“As a real estate agent, my knees had gotten to the point where they affected my job. Dr. Soffer replaced my left knee and now I often forget it is a replacement. In fact, my right knee hardly ever bothers me. Thanks, Doc for improving my life.”
If you are living with persistent symptoms which point to an orthopedic problem, Dr. Soffer is here to help you get back to a pain-free lifestyle. Call our office at 610-375-4949 to set up an in-person or telemedicine appointment.