Berkshire Orthopedics LLC

A Division of Keystone Orthopaedic Specialists, LLC

Contact Us: 610-375-4949

Blog

Can a Meniscus Tear Heal Itself Without Surgery?

by Leave a Comment

Can a meniscus tear heal itself

Generally speaking, the knee is a strong joint which can handle a lot. However, it isn’t always the best at withstanding certain movements. Twisting, squatting and changing positions quickly can all put stress on the knee joint – particularly on its wedge-shaped cartilage called the meniscus. If the strain is great enough, a meniscus tear may result. This can cause symptoms such as knee stiffness, swelling, pain and instability. Should this happen to you, you might wonder: Can a meniscus tear heal itself, or am I going to need surgery?

Can a Meniscus Tear Heal Itself Without Surgery?

As is the case with virtually any orthopedic injury, whether surgery is necessary to heal a torn meniscus will largely depend on individual circumstances. For a specific patient, the answer to “can a meniscus tear heal itself?” will be determined by a combination of these factors:

  • Age
  • Activity level
  • Size of the tear
  • Location of the tear
  • Pattern of the tear (horizontal, radial, etc.)
  • Overall health status

If the tear is located on the outer part of the meniscus, there is a chance that it may heal well on its own. However, if the tear is on the inner two-thirds – where blood supply is limited – it will most likely require surgery.

A patient’s activity level will also play a large role in determining whether they are able to recover from a meniscus tear without surgery. Typically, the more active an individual is, the more likely they are to need surgery in order to return to their normal activities and a pain-free lifestyle.

Seeking Treatment for a Meniscus Tear: Why It’s Important

You may be tempted to “tough it out” and continue your daily activities with a meniscus tear. However, doing so can result in lasting consequences. An untreated meniscus tear can cause more serious knee issues such as arthritis. Further, carrying on with activities can potentially make a meniscus tear more complicated and severe by pulling cartilage fragments into the joint.

Ultimately, finding out if torn meniscus surgery is needed requires examination of the knee by an orthopedic specialist. A skilled orthopedic surgeon can determine the location and severity of your meniscus tear using advanced technology. Taking these findings into account, they will then suggest an individualized treatment plan. 

Dr. Soffer Is Here to Help You Recover from a Meniscus Tear

If you are experiencing symptoms of a torn meniscus, you can trust Dr. Stephen Soffer to provide an accurate diagnosis and any treatment you may need. Dr. Soffer is certified in the treatment of cartilage injuries of the knee, making him a highly qualified choice for your knee care.

To set up an appointment with Dr. Soffer, please call our office at 610-375-4949. We are committed to offering exceptional care so that our patients can recover from their orthopedic injuries as quickly as possible.

What Is a Grade 2 Partial MCL Tear?

by Leave a Comment

grade 2 partial mcl tear

Known as the MCL, the medial collateral ligament connects the thigh and shin bones. This ligament also provides strength and stability to the knee joint. When an individual takes a blow to the outer knee, it can cause the MCL to be stretched or torn. Those who play contact sports such as football are at an increased risk for MCL injuries, but they can affect anyone. MCL tears/sprains are ranked by severity using a graded scale. For instance, a moderate MCL injury might be described as a grade 2 partial MCL tear.

Types of MCL Injuries: Grades 1-3

Similarly to other ligament injuries, MCL tears and sprains are categorized by grade, with grade 1 being the least severe and grade 3 being the most severe. Here is a brief overview of the three different types of MCL injuries:

  • Grade 1 (mild MCL injury) – When the MCL is stretched but not torn, or less than 10% torn, it is referred to as a grade 1 injury. Symptoms of a grade 1 MCL injury are typically mild. They may include minor pain/pressure in the knee, especially when force is applied. These injuries often resolve on their own within 1-3 weeks.
  • Grade 2 (partial MCL tear) – Tending to cause swelling, knee instability and more severe pain, a grade 2 partial MCL tear is an incomplete but significant tear. Patients with this kind of MCL injury can expect a recovery period of around 2-4 weeks.
  • Grade 3 (complete MCL tear) – A grade 3, total MCL tear may be indicated by symptoms such as difficulty bending the knee, trouble bearing weight and significant pain, swelling and tenderness in the knee joint. The recovery period for this type of injury is generally six weeks or longer.

Many MCL injury symptoms overlap with those of other knee injuries and conditions. If knee symptoms linger, it’s advisable to visit a sports medicine physician so that you can receive an accurate diagnosis and any necessary treatment.

Dr. Soffer Specializes in Caring for Patients with MCL Injuries

Are you experiencing persistent knee discomfort that is interfering with your quality of life? It may be time to see an orthopedic doctor. Dr. Stephen Soffer is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with extensive experience in diagnosing and treating injuries involving the MCL, ACL and other ligaments.

After examining your knee, Dr. Soffer will advise you on the right course of treatment for your injury. He uses cutting-edge methods and prioritizes minimally invasive treatments whenever possible. Above all, his mission is to help his patients make a full and speedy recovery so that they can resume a rewarding lifestyle.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Soffer, please call our office at 610-375-4949. We look forward to helping you resolve your knee issue as quickly as possible.

How Do Doctors Diagnose a Concussion?

by Leave a Comment

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?

by Leave a Comment

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

by Leave a Comment

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?

by Leave a Comment

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.

Schedule An Appointment With Us ›