Berkshire Orthopedics LLC

A Division of Keystone Orthopaedic Specialists, LLC

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How to Determine Rotator Cuff Injury: Common Signs 

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how to determine rotator cuff injury

If you’re experiencing bothersome shoulder pain, aching, weakness or limited function, there is a chance you may have injured your rotator cuff. This can happen due to an acute incident or age-related shoulder muscle degeneration. In either case, it’s important to know how to determine rotator cuff injury so you can get the necessary treatment as soon as possible, before the issue gets worse or more complex. This article will go into more detail on how to identify a rotator cuff injury and how to get a professional diagnosis and skilled care.

How to Determine Rotator Cuff Injury: Common Signs 

Rotator cuff injuries may cause a variety of symptoms, depending on the severity. The spectrum of side effects from rotator cuff damage can include:

  • Pain and weakness in the affected shoulder or the entire arm
  • A dull aching sensation in the injured shoulder 
  • Reduced range of motion 
  • Trouble lifting and reaching overhead/behind your back
  • Disrupted sleep 
  • Limited ability to perform your occupation or hobbies 

If you’re dealing with one or more of these symptoms, the best method for how to determine rotator cuff injury is to see an orthopedic specialist. This professional can perform a physical examination and other testing on your shoulder to pinpoint whether a rotator cuff injury or something else is causing your discomfort. From there, they can diagnose your condition and its severity, then recommend an appropriate course of treatment based on these particulars.

Find an Answer to Persistent Shoulder Pain with Dr. Soffer 

For any sort of rotator cuff injury, seeking treatment early on will help to avoid further complications. In many cases, rotator cuff damage can be treated effectively without a need for surgery, if it is addressed promptly. Still, some patients require rotator cuff repair surgery to completely resolve this type of injury. Regardless of the level of treatment you need, you’ll be able to trust that you’re in good hands by choosing Dr. Stephen Soffer for your shoulder care. 

Dr. Soffer is known to offer individualized, highly skilled care, enabled in part by his completion of a sports medicine fellowship with one of the world’s leading sports surgeons, Dr. James Andrews. To learn more about Dr. Soffer’s credentials and schedule an appointment, call our Wyomissing, PA office at 610-375-4949.

What is Involved in a Surgical Trigger Finger Procedure?

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Stenosing tenosynovitis is known as “trigger finger” due to its trademark symptom of the affected finger or thumb being locked in a bent position and then snapping straight with a motion similar to a trigger being pulled and let go. This condition can be very painful and restrictive, prompting many patients to search for an effective treatment. Read on for an overview of possible therapies, including surgical trigger finger procedure options for cases in which symptoms do not resolve with nonsurgical treatment.

What Is Involved in a Surgical Trigger Finger Procedure?

Trigger finger may develop as a result of inflammation in the tendon sheath of a finger or thumb. In the event that first-line treatments (resting the affected digit, taking anti-inflammatory medication, wearing a splint and performing stretching exercises) fail to provide relief, surgery may be the next recommended step in a patient’s treatment plan.

There is one main type of trigger finger release surgery:

  • Open surgery – To perform open surgery for trigger finger, an orthopedic surgeon creates a small incision in the palm, providing access to the affected tendon. The risk of complications is very low with this method, giving it preference in some cases.

The purpose of this procedure is to create more room for movement of the constricted flexor tendon in the affected digit, thus allowing the patient to bend and use the digit freely and without pain. The procedure has a relatively short recovery time (typically between 3-6 months) and has been shown to be safe and effective.

Get World-Class Orthopedic Care Locally in Reading, PA

Wondering if you may be a good candidate for trigger finger release surgery? Dr. Stephen Soffer is here to help you explore your options and find the best treatment to get you back to normal, painless hand and finger movement. 

Along with a list of other achievements and high-level training experiences, Dr. Soffer completed a sports medicine fellowship with renowned sports medicine surgeon Dr. James Andrews. In addition to prestigious, skilled treatment, he prides himself on offering compassionate and individualized care. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Soffer, call our Wyomissing, PA office at 610-375-4949.

Carpal Tunnel and Arthritis: What’s the Difference?

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Like carpal tunnel, arthritis can affect both the hands and the wrists. In some cases, arthritis may even contribute to the development of carpal tunnel. Still, the two conditions are distinct – but because their symptoms commonly overlap, patients often wonder how to tell which one they are experiencing. In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between carpal tunnel and arthritis.

Carpal Tunnel and Arthritis: What’s the Difference?

Carpal tunnel is a syndrome that originates from repetitive movement or inflammation of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel space, a passageway connecting the hand and wrist. Arthritis, on the other hand, is a condition that develops in one or more joints due to wear and tear, inflammation, repetitive movement and/or joint damage. Depending on the specific type of arthritis an individual has, their symptoms may vary.

To determine whether discomfort in your wrist/hand region is coming from carpal tunnel or arthritis, consider:

  • Where are your symptoms concentrated? Carpal tunnel symptoms are typically most prominent in the thumb, forefinger and middle finger, although they may extend to the entire hand/wrist and up the arm to the shoulder and neck. Arthritis typically affects the finger joints and the base of the thumb. 
  • Do you experience numbness and tingling in your thumb/fingers? This is a textbook sign of carpal tunnel. Wrist arthritis is more commonly associated with tenderness, swelling and stiffness, while both conditions can cause weakness in the affected wrist(s).
  • When is your discomfort the worst? Carpal tunnel symptoms typically worsen with activities like writing or typing, as well as in the morning/at night. Arthritis is marked by joint pain with movement and stiffness upon waking up.

As mentioned above, wrist arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome can have similarities and may even occur simultaneously, so it can be tricky to pinpoint which condition is causing your symptoms. If you are bothered by ongoing discomfort and reduced function in your wrists or other joints, an experienced orthopedic physician can perform an examination to differentiate between carpal tunnel and arthritis, allowing them to recommend the most appropriate course of treatment. 

Visit Dr. Soffer for Cutting-Edge Orthopedic Care in Reading, PA

Whether you are suffering from carpal tunnel, arthritis or another orthopedic condition, you can count on Dr. Stephen Soffer for compassionate and highly skilled care. Having completed high-level training including a sports medicine fellowship with world-famous orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews, Dr. Soffer is equipped to diagnose and treat the full range of orthopedic issues and injuries. 

Specializing in both nonoperative and operative therapies, he individualizes treatment to each particular patient and their unique lifestyle and situation. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Soffer, call our office at 610-375-4949.

Is There a Non Surgical Treatment for Trigger Finger?

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non surgical treatment for trigger finger

When an individual’s finger or thumb gets stuck in a bent position – known as trigger finger – this can be very painful and disruptive to their daily activities. The formal name for this condition is stenosing tenosynovitis, but it is nicknamed “trigger finger” because the affected digit may bend/straighten in a snapping motion, calling to mind a trigger being pulled and released. Those experiencing this condition may wish to explore non surgical treatment for trigger finger with an orthopedic expert. 

Is There a Non Surgical Treatment for Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger develops due to inflammation in the affected digit’s tendon sheath, which may lead to some or all of the following symptoms:

  • Restricted movement
  • Digit stiffness/palm tenderness
  • Popping/clicking with attempted movement 
  • A bump at the base of the digit 

The good news is, there are numerous options for non surgical treatment for trigger finger. Conservative strategies that an orthopedic specialist may suggest to help restore normal finger function include:

  • Taking time off from activities that involve grasping/gripping
  • Managing pain and discomfort with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication
  • Doing stretching exercises to increase finger flexibility and mobility 
  • Wearing a finger splint to reduce strain on the tendon 

While many patients report a major improvement in their symptoms after trying these first-line treatments, it’s wise to be under the care of a trained orthopedic surgeon in case they fail to provide full relief. In this case, trigger finger release surgery or steroid injections may be the next recommended step in the patient’s treatment plan.

Get Attentive, Individualized Orthopedic Care from Dr. Soffer 

For patients in the Reading, PA area, Dr. Stephen Soffer offers a full range of nonsurgical and surgical treatments to help resolve pain and dysfunction caused by trigger finger. His extensive training included a sports medicine fellowship with world-famous orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews, under whom he learned how to provide advanced orthopedic care. Dr. Soffer is also board certified in orthopedic surgery. 

If you’d like to learn more about him and schedule an appointment, you can reach our office at 610-375-4949.

How to Find the Best Elbow Specialist Near Me

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Elbow discomfort is no fun. What’s more, if it’s severe and ongoing, elbow pain can begin to interfere with your daily life, occupation and hobbies. If you’re suffering from an elbow issue that isn’t resolving, it may be time to locate the best elbow specialist near me. In this case, you might wonder how to go about finding a skilled orthopedic expert who truly cares about your recovery and wellbeing. Keep reading to learn what to look for to identify a qualified provider.

How to Find the Best Elbow Specialist Near Me

To receive the very best care for an elbow injury or condition, locate a physician who is:

  • Board certified – This certification verifies that a doctor has passed a specialty-specific exam assessing their clinical knowledge, skills and training. Maintaining board certification from the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery – as Dr. Stephen Soffer does – indicates that the provider is up to date on the latest and most advanced orthopedic treatments.
  • Equipped to provide both nonsurgical & surgical treatments – In some cases, elbow issues can be solved through a strategic combination of conservative treatments like physical therapy, medication and rest. However, patients with certain elbow conditions may require surgery. Thus, it’s wise to visit an orthopedic surgeon like Dr. Soffer from the start in case your condition ultimately necessitates surgical intervention.

Along with seeking out these credentials, it’s important to factor in the doctor’s personality and care philosophy in order to find the all-around “best elbow specialist near me.” Take a look at their patient testimonials to make sure they have a reputation for providing the high level of care you deserve.

Depend On Dr. Soffer for State-of-the-Art Elbow Care, In or Near Reading, PA

If you are experiencing persistent elbow pain, stiffness, swelling or dysfunction, trust Dr. Soffer to help you address it with an effective, individualized treatment plan. As one of the nation’s foremost elbow experts, Dr. Soffer completed a sports medicine fellowship and co-authored the first elbow arthroscopy textbook published in the US with Dr. James Andrews. 

Dr. Soffer is recognized for his skill in performing arthroscopic surgery, as well as for offering compassionate treatment to patients of all ages and life roles. To schedule an appointment with him, call our office at 610-375-4949.

Possible Causes of Shoulder Pain and Popping

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The shoulder is a complex ball-and-socket joint made up of several interconnected parts. When one or more of the structures becomes inflamed, injured or displaced, it can lead to discomfort and dysfunction. In this article, we’ll outline some possible causes of shoulder pain and popping, which are two commonly reported symptoms associated with shoulder injuries and conditions.

Possible Causes of Shoulder Pain and Popping

Inside the shoulder are ligaments, tendons, cartilage, bone and fluid-filled sacs called synovial bursae, which facilitate normal shoulder function and smooth motion between the other components. The tissues in the shoulder can become irritated for a number of reasons, ranging from overuse to sports injuries to trauma from an accident or fall. 

If you’re experiencing discomfort and/or a popping/cracking sensation in your shoulder, you may be wondering about potential causes of shoulder pain and popping. A few common culprits of these shoulder symptoms include:

For any of these issues, an experienced orthopedic surgeon can pinpoint what is causing your shoulder problem and recommend the right course of treatment. After a shoulder injury, it’s wise to see an orthopedic expert as soon as possible to prevent symptoms from worsening and the problem from becoming more difficult to treat.

Reading, PA Area Patients Depend On Dr. Soffer for Top-Notch Shoulder Care 

Offering all the latest and most advanced operative and nonoperative treatments for orthopedic injuries and conditions, Dr. Stephen Soffer strives to help Reading, PA area patients resolve their symptoms with the least invasive treatment methods possible. His extensive training included a sports medicine fellowship with world-famous orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews, with whom he has co-authored textbook chapters on treatments for knee, shoulder and elbow issues. 

Shoulder pain can seriously disrupt your everyday life, from your job to your favorite pastimes. Fortunately, Dr. Soffer is here to offer you world-class shoulder care to help you get back to normal. Call our office at 610-375-4949 to schedule an appointment to obtain an accurate diagnosis and an individualized treatment plan.

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