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Knee Surgeon in Pottstown, Pennsylvania

Knee Surgeon Pottstown, PA

Common Knee Injuries and Treatment Options

Our knee surgeon in Pottstown, PA knows that the knee has a crucial job — to support the body and execute many of the movements you perform every day. Those functions, coupled with the complex nature of the knee joint, make the knee susceptible to many types of injuries and disease conditions. Knee pain and stiffness can derail your ability to perform everyday activities and move through your day with ease.

If you’re looking for someone to treat your knee pain like a physical therapist or knee surgeon in Pottstown, PA, look to the physicians at Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania before subjecting yourself to a more invasive treatment plan. With us, you’ll find much less intimidating and invasive options for addressing knee pain. Our team of professionals understands the essential role the knee plays in your ability to get around. Patients trust us to provide knee pain relief and return of function without invasive surgeries or potentially harmful prescription drugs.

Meet Your Pottstown, PA Knee Surgeon and Knee Pain Alternative Provider

When knee pain is chronic or the knee has been injured, you may need to visit a knee doctor. Many different types of knee treatments exist, and some are less invasive than others. If you are looking for evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of your knee problem, call us before seeking a knee surgeon Pottstown, PA patients rely on, for alternative types of knee care.

At the Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania, we have treated many patients through non-invasive treatments, such as injections with a fluoroscope. In our specific fluoroscopy technique, a natural, FDA-approved substance is injected into the knee joint using a technologically-advanced medical fluoroscope to pinpoint the exact placement of the injection. This enables us to put the medication into the joint with 95% accuracy, increasing the likelihood of providing substantial knee pain relief for patients with injured or arthritic knees.

Rest assured that you’re in good hands with Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania overseeing your knee care. Many of our patients return to their active lifestyles after receiving our non-surgical procedures.

Common Issues that Cause Knee Pain and Poor Function

The knee is a complicated and many-structured joint that joins the thigh with the lower leg. It is a hinge-like system of moving parts consisting of muscles, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. It provides support for the full weight of the body and allows many motions to be performed.

Knee pain can come from an acute injury, trauma sustained from sports-related activities, or from everyday activities. Or, the pain can be chronic, building up over time due to normal wear and tear or a continually worsening arthritic condition. All knee pain can interfere with your ability to perform everyday activities. Fortunately, our knee care professionals in Pottstown, PA treat knee ailments and injuries, helping you get back on the playing field or back to your healthy, active lifestyle.

You are well-advised to contact our medical professionals if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

  • Knee giving out or buckling
  • Stiffness or restricted range of motion
  • Bony lump in the kneecap area
  • Knee pain upon bending or straightening
  • Pain in your kneecap
  • Popping, cracking, or snapping noises
  • Sharp or burning pain in the knee
  • Swelling, redness, or throbbing 
  • Severe bruising

We focus on knee pain relief and functional repair. If you have any of these or other knee discomforts, it is a wise idea to make an appointment with our knee pain doctor for assessment and diagnosis. We can discuss your treatment options with you.

How Serious Is Your Knee Injury?

In addition to these symptoms above, a knee surgeon in Pottstown, PA can help you determine the severity of your injury. The following symptoms could mean there is an underlying problem that you’ll want to get checked out:

  • Instability – though this may seem like a minor issue, it’s important to figure out why you’re having trouble walking or moving. Your knee joint is connected by ligaments that can wear down over time due to overstretching or overuse. Instability can be a sign that your ligaments are severely worn.
  • Swelling – The timing of swelling is important when you want to find out the severity of your injury. If the swelling develops immediately following an injury, that means it could have resulted from a severe injury to the internal joint structure. This requires immediate attention by a Pottstown, Pennsylvania knee surgeon. If the swelling develops a few days after the injury, the damage may not be as severe. Common reasons for delayed swelling are a ligament sprain or a torn meniscus. If swelling occurs without any inciting injury, it is most likely due to osteoarthritis, or less commonly due to gout, joint infection, or inflammatory arthritis.
  • Crunching or grinding sounds – When you move your body and hear a crunching or grinding sound, this could mean there’s something more serious happening under the surface. These sounds usually indicate a damaged cartilage, which can lead to knee arthritis.
  • Locking – Locking occurs when you cannot bend or straighten your knee. There are a variety of reasons for why your knee locks, one of them being a torn meniscus. Diagnosing the cause of your knee locking usually requires a knee doctor administering numbing medication to your knee. While your knee area is numb, the doctor will be able to move it around and see what is causing the locking. 

If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, you may have a severe knee injury that requires a proper diagnosis by an experienced knee surgeon. The professionals at Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania have the knowledge and experience to help ease your pain and address both minor and serious knee concerns. Consult a Pottstown, PA knee surgeon at the Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania today.

5 Common Knee Surgery Procedures

1. Knee Replacement Surgery

When the cartilage of the knee is severely damaged due to arthritis, a knee replacement surgery at Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania may be the only option. A total knee replacement consists of a metal joint that is surgically cemented to the thighbone (femur) and shinbone (tibia) after portions of each are removed to make room for it. In a partial knee replacement, only a portion of the joint is removed and replaced with metal components. 

2. ACL Reconstruction

Another procedure frequently performed by a knee surgeon in Pottstown, PA, is a reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament. Crossing over the front of the knee joint, the ACL is one of its main stabilizers. If the ligament is torn, it can cause the knee to give way, and if it is not possible to repair it, replacing it becomes necessary. Anyone can experience an ACL injury, but it occurs most frequently in athletes that do a lot of cutting and pivoting. 

3. Lateral Release

The lateral retinaculum is tissue on the outside of the knee that helps to hold the kneecap (patella) in place. However, sometimes it causes knee pain by pulling too hard on the patella. By releasing the lateral retinaculum, a knee surgeon in Pottstown, PA, may be able to help the patella track better and relieve the pain. 

4. Plica Removal

The knee has naturally occurring folds in the tissue that help you move your leg by facilitating the bending motion. These folds are called plica. Frequent bending of the knee, as well as trauma, can irritate the medial plica and cause pain. If symptoms do not resolve with conservative treatment, it may be necessary to have a plica removal performed at Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania. 

5. Meniscal Surgery

A meniscus is a flat, crescent-shaped, cartilage structure found along the side of the knee. Each of your knees has two menisci, with the medial meniscus being on the inside of your knee and the lateral meniscus being on the outside. Each meniscus helps to stabilize the knee and absorb shocks to the joint. Trauma to the knee may cause a meniscus tear, which can be treated surgically by either repairing the tear or removing the torn portion, a procedure called a partial meniscectomy. If there is adequate blood flow to the tear to promote healing, a meniscal repair may be performed. Otherwise, a partial meniscectomy is indicated. 

 

Six Myths About Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee replacement surgery is becoming more and more commonplace in the U.S. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, by 2030, there will be more than 3 million knee replacement surgeries performed in America. They also report that 90% of patients who have had a knee replaced experience a dramatic decrease of knee pain. However, there are many myths about knee replacement surgery that may have you putting off having the surgery done in a timely manner. Here are just six such myths.

I’m Too Young or Too Old for a Knee Replacement

When it comes to knee replacement surgery, you’re never too young and rarely too old. Your knee surgeon in Pottstown, PA, will be able to evaluate your candidacy for knee replacement surgery based on your levels of pain and immobility.

Knee Replacement Surgery Will Limit What I Can Do

Your knee surgeon in Pottstown, PA, at Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania may have a list of things you can and can’t do after your surgery. Rest assured, the list of activities you shouldn’t attempt after knee replacement surgery is short. It may include things such as playing basketball, tennis or football.

I Should Wait as Long as I Can To Have Knee Replacement Surgery

If you put off having knee replacement surgery, you’re robbing yourself of years you could be spending pain-free, with greater mobility. According to a study in Arthritis & Rheumatism, delaying surgery not only decreases your quality of life before the operation, but it also has a negative impact for up to two years after surgery.

I Will Have To Be On Bed Rest for Months

On the contrary, your knee surgeon in Pottstown, PA, will have you gently moving your knee within 24 hours of having surgery. You’ll be encouraged to use crutches or a walker to get around while keeping most of your weight off your knee initially, then slowly rely on walking assistance aids less and less. Within just a few weeks, you’ll begin physical therapy.

Replacement Knees Are Only Good for 10 Years

This may have been true in the past, but with new advances in medicine, a knee replacement may be good for the rest of your life. Don’t hesitate to see a knee surgeon in Pottstown, PA, at Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of  Pennsylvania to discuss whether you’re a good candidate for knee replacement.

Recovery Takes Months

With the appropriate replacement knee and quality surgery, you can resume most of your normal, day-do-day activities within weeks of having a knee replacement done. 

Common Knee Conditions and Injuries

Unfortunately, knee pain and problems are incredibly common. Many different people of different ages and groups are affected by knee pain. It can greatly impact your ability to do recreational activities and in some cases, even affect your work life. Some common knee conditions and injuries that can be assessed, diagnosed, and treated by a knee pain professional at Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania include:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injuries or tears
  • MCL (medial cruciate ligament) injuries or tears
  • PCL (Patella cruciate ligament) injuries or tears
  • Kneecap fracture
  • Cartilage or tendon damage
  • Sprains and strains
  • Tendonitis
  • Bursitis
  • Collateral ligament injuries
  • Iliotibial band syndrome

For the most part, many of these and other knee injuries and conditions can be treated through conservative techniques that are not only effective but provide complete recovery. You need to contact a knee specialist to determine whether physical therapy, exercises, or surgery is the best option for you. It will all depend on your demographics, the likelihood your injury will heal on its own, and how much the pain is affecting your day to day life. Do not hesitate to reach out for help. The sooner you begin getting treatment, the faster you will be able to heal and get back to living life the way you are used to. 

We Provide an Alternative to Common Surgical Knee Procedures

Surgical procedures are invasive and painful. They often require substantial recovery time. The alternatives we provide at Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania may delay or prevent surgery if you are facing any of these types of surgical procedures:

  • Partial knee replacement
  • Knee replacement (or knee arthroplasty) 
  • Knee revision surgery
  • Meniscus repair
  • Cartilage repair and transplantation
  • ACL and PCL reconstruction 
  • Ligament repair and reconstruction
  • Meniscus transplant
  • Plica excision
  • Discover Our Knee Pain Alternatives

If you suffer from knee pain, you’re not alone. Knee pain is a common complaint among many adults. It can make it difficult to do everyday activities, like walking, climbing stairs, and exercising. The good news is that there are several treatment options available, starting with physical therapy, medications, and weight loss. However, if those options don’t provide relief, you should learn about the fluoroscope-assisted injection options we offer at Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania.

Here are some signs you may need this treatment option:

Debilitating Pain

While pain in your knee every once in a while might not be a huge cause for concern, it most certainly is if you are experiencing severe pain daily. If you have pain in your knee during exercise or another routine activity, it’s a sign your knee isn’t performing the way it should. Knee pain can also make it difficult for you to fall and stay asleep at night, creating a substantial problem. You need to be treated for terrible pain. There are many different treatment options available so if one does not work for you, you may need to try another. It can be a basis of trial and error to find something that works well for you. Do not give up. There is hope in getting to live a pain-free life. 

Poor Range of Motion

If you have bad knees, you’ll have problems moving around like you’re accustomed to. You may notice that you have a hard time climbing stairs or participating in exercises. Even slightly bending your knee might seem quite challenging. If you have osteoarthritis, knee cartilage may break down or wear away over time, making it more and more difficult to perform everyday tasks.

Lifestyle Limitations

When your knee prevents you from exercising or traveling, it’s a major inconvenience. You don’t want something like knee pain and movement restriction limiting your ability to do the things you love. If you talk to our medical professionals about knee surgery alternatives, you may find that your knee function can be restored, and you can live pain-free again without surgery.

Can a Knee Surgeon in Pottstown, PA Help?

We know that not everyone who deals with knee pain thinks they need to see a knee surgeon Pottstown, PA offers. Instead, some people hope that they can take the pressure off their knee, ice it, and it will heal. We understand that in many circumstances, a person’s knee may begin hurting because they twisted it or put too much pressure on it and icing it and resting it can do the trick. In fact, we encourage the least invasive method whenever it is possible. However, it is also important to know when your knee pain may be something more serious and taking a few pain relief pills may not help you for very long. If you have questions about knee pain and would like to see which methods we offer, call our office to speak with us now before speaking with a Pottstown, PA knee surgeon now.

When Is It Time to See a Knee Surgeon in Pottstown, Pennsylvania?

Your knees will usually give you good warning signs when they are not up to performing certain tasks. However, when you are suffering from a serious knee injury, you should know some of the signs to look out for before you see a Pottstown knee surgeon.

  • Your knee feels unstable. This is a classic sign that something more serious is going on with your knee. If you feel like you are waiting for your knee to give out and need to keep bracing it, it could mean that you are having ligament problems. It is possible that this injury is not severe, but torn ligaments can lead to stability problems.
  • Your pain won’t go away. You have probably heard of the RICE method by now: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. A simple bruising or sprain may call for this method, but more severe injuries should be seen by our team before you consider getting help from a Pottstown, PA knee surgeon. If your pain is not subsiding within a few weeks, it may be more than just a sore knee.
  • Your knee is beginning to look different. If the knee you injured begins to look different than your other one (it could be inflamed, you may be able to move it around, or swollen) then you should speak with us about seeing a knee surgeon in Pottstown, PA. A deformed knee may be a sign that you have dislocated your knee cap.

Call Our Clinic Today 

At Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania, our knee care professionals are dedicated to providing non-invasive approaches to treating your acute and chronic knee conditions. Our intervention in knee injuries and ailments can help to reduce pain, restore function, provide relief, and prevent further damage from occurring. To find out how we can address your unique circumstances, contact our team before searching for a knee surgeon in Pottstown, PA to schedule a consultation.

Why Might You Need the Help of a Local Knee Surgeon?

If you are suffering from knee pain, you may be wondering if you need the help of a surgeon. Not every knee injury will require the attention of a professional surgeon, but there may be some situations where a surgeon can help you. If you are looking for a knee surgeon in Pottstown, PA, you might be able to learn more about knee surgery by visiting https://www.endmykneepain.com/. What do you need to know about knee pain? Why might you need a surgeon? 

You Need a Knee Replacement

You might need to work with an orthopedic surgeon if you need a knee replacement. As people get older, the stress, wear and tear, and injuries might be too much for their joints the bear. In this situation, it might be helpful to remove a diseased joint and replace it with a synthetic option. An orthopedic surgeon can review the benefits and drawbacks of a knee replacement before making a decision in conjunction with the patient.

You Have Torn a Ligament in Your Knee

You might also made a knee surgeon in Pottstown, PA if you have a torn ligament in your knee. There are several important ligaments in the knee including the ACL, MCL, PCL, and LCL. All of these ligaments need to work together to protect your joints and maintain your range of motion. If you have suffered a torn ligament in a motor vehicle accident, while playing sports, or while taking the stairs, you might need a knee surgeon to repair your ligaments for you. 

You Need Your Knee Scoped by a Knee Surgeon

Finally, an orthopedic surgeon can also scope your knee. This procedure is usually done to remove inflammation, debris, and bone spurs from the knee. Even though this is not nearly as invasive as other procedures, it might still require the attention of a professional surgeon. If you think you might benefit from having your knee scoped, you could talk with your doctor to learn more about how this procedure works. 

Work with a Trained Knee Surgeon

In the end, these are just a few of the many reasons why you might need a knee surgeon in Pottstown, PA. You can learn more about knee pain by visiting https://www.endmykneepain.com/. Even though it can be stressful to live with knee pain, this is not something you need to go through alone. There are surgeons who can help you. 

How to Recover from Knee Surgery

Knee surgery can relieve your knee pain once and for all and help you live a normal life again. However, it is important to take extra good care of yourself after the procedure to ensure a successful recovery. Here are some helpful tips to recover from knee surgery.

  • Wear your knee brace. After your knee surgery, your knee pain surgeon in Pottstown, PA may ask you to wear a knee brace for a while. It will help stabilize your knee and prevent unnecessary strain. Although wearing a brace may feel strange at first, you will get used to it. 
  • Eat a nutritious diet. Now that you have had knee surgery, it is essential for you to consume wholesome foods. What you eat can have a big impact on your recovery time. If you feed your body good foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats, you will feel stronger in no time.
  • Take the necessary pain medications. Some people are under the impression that they have to push through the pain after knee surgery. However, dealing with debilitating pain will just make you feel miserable and slow down your recovery. If your doctor prescribed you pain medication, do not hesitate to take it.
  • Get plenty of rest. When you are trying to recover from knee surgery, proper rest becomes of the utmost importance. As you sleep, your body will have a chance to repair itself, helping you recover from your surgery faster. Aim to get at least eight hours of sleep a night.
  • Do not sit around too long. While adequate rest is essential for knee surgery recovery, you should not just sit around all day. If you do not move much, your knees may become stiff, increasing your pain and delaying your recovery. Try at least walking around the house once your knee pain surgeon in Pottstown, PA gives you the go-ahead.
  • Go to physical therapy. Your doctor will likely advise you to see a physical therapist after your knee surgery. A physical therapist will have you perform various exercises to increase strength and flexibility in your knees. If you attend all of your physical therapy appointments, you may be able to recover from your surgery faster. If your therapist asks you to perform exercises on your own at home, do not forget to do them.

These are a few tips and tricks to know before you even get surgery. Afterward, the more diligent you are about staying on top of managing your pain, the easier the recovery process will be. You need to follow the protocol so that you can make a full recovery and eventually get back to living your normal life. 

What to Expect After Knee Replacement

A patient’s recovery and rehabilitation plan is crucial to the overall success of knee replacement surgery. A recovery and rehabilitation plan can help the patient:

  • Leave the hospital sooner
  • Regain knee strength and range of motion more quickly
  • Resume independent living sooner
  • Avoid potential complications

Typically, knee replacement patients are able to leave the hospital within 1 to 5 days (often 2 or 3), and they can take care of themselves and resume most activities 6 weeks after surgery. The majority of patients are 90% recovered after 3 months, though it can take 6 months or longer before they are 100% recovered.

Some knee replacement patients do not follow the typical recovery timeline. For example:

  • Patients who did knee-strengthening exercises in preparation for surgery sometimes recover more quickly
  • Patients who are older, smoke, or have other medical conditions may take longer to heal.

Deviation from the “typical” recovery timeline cannot always be predicted, but these differences are usually okay as long as the patient, doctor, and physical therapist continue to work together towards a full recovery.

The First 24 Hours After Knee Replacement Surgery

After surgery, the patient will wake up from anesthesia and begin to regain feeling in his or her legs. Doctors will preemptively treat pain using a combination of pain-relief methods that complement each other and minimize side effects, an approach that is called multimodal analgesia.

Within 24 hours, if pain is under control, the patient may be asked to stand up and take a few steps with the aid of a physical therapist and/or a walker. Patients who get up and bear some weight (with assistance) on their new knees soon after surgery tend to recover more quickly than patients who do not.

Discharge to a Rehabilitation Facility

Patients who live in multi-level homes, who do not have live-in caregivers, or who face other rehabilitation challenges may be discharged to a short-term care facility that provides health care and physical and occupational therapy. These stays may be covered by insurance, depending on the policy and patient circumstances.

Knee Surgeon Pottstown, PA

When it comes time to find a knee surgeon in Pottstown, PA it can be a great cause of anxiety. This is a very personal decision and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. In most cases, your primary care doctor has recommended you see an orthopedic surgeon for your pain. What the main question you likely have is how do you go about finding the right orthopedic surgeon for you? It can be a truly daunting task and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. 

Here are some tips to help you find the surgeon that is going to work best with you and your needs: 

  • Get referrals. No matter when you need a surgeon it is always important to get a list of referrals. Ask your primary care doctor for a list and they should have a few that they trust. Also ask your family, friends, or any other health care professional for a list of recommendations. Once you have a list you need to take the time to go through and research each of the doctor’s credentials and experience. This can help you narrow down your list before racing out to make a consult appointment. 
  • Research the credentials. Every surgeon that you look at should be board certified. This certification tells you that the doctor has the necessary training, skills, and experience to provide you with orthopedic care. You should also confirm that the orthopedic surgeon has no history of malpractice claims or disciplinary actions. You don’t want anyone with these claims or actions as it shows they cut corners in their practice. 
  • Consider experience. When you consider an orthopedic surgeon or any surgeon the more experience the doctor has the better. This experience shows that they know and understand what they are doing. The longer the doctor has been practicing the better your results are likely to be. Ask the doctor if they have treated anyone with a condition like yours. Don’t forget to ask about the number of procedures the doctor has performed and find out the complication rates. Ask about the complications and what the doctor has done to help eliminate the risk for these complications.  
  • Research hospital quality. Sadly not every hospital is the same. If that was the case then you wouldn’t have to worry about the quality of care that happens. Make sure that you look into the quality of care as the patients at top-rated hospitals have fewer complications and better survival rates. However, you also need to look into the location as orthopedic procedures often have frequent follow-up and rehabilitation visits. 
  • Read patient reviews. Always read what other people are saying about a doctor. What previous patients say can really show if a doctor does a good job or if they have complications. It can also let you know what the doctor’s communication style is like and what the experience working with them is like. Once you learn that, you can see if this doctor would be a good fit for you or not. 

If you are looking for a knee surgeon in Pottstown, PA then reach out to Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania today. 

Taking Care of Yourself After Knee Surgery 

It is crucial to take care of yourself after undergoing any kind of procedure, but knee surgery is not something that should be taken lightly. You need lots of rest and to be able to heal. It may take a little time in bed before you are able to begin doing things again, then you may find that you are still limited in what you can do. It is important to follow the instructions of your surgeon and other medical professionals who are trying to help you heal. You should plan to be in bed to elevate, rest, ice, and even potentially use heat on your knee if instructed. After a certain amount of time, you will likely be recommended to start physical therapy and other treatments to promote healing. Your knee may be improved, but surgery still takes a toll on people and needs rehabilitation after. 

While you are resting, you should have a loved one close by so that you can get the rest you need. You may not be able to drive for a short time, which is why it will be important to either be able to order groceries and food to your home or have someone on hand to be able to help. Knee surgery can be difficult to go through, as you are likely used to being able to get around by yourself without needing to ask for help. It can be hard to tell people that you need assistance, but if your doctor recommends something, you need to follow his or her instructions to promote healing. Your friends and family will more than likely be happy you are able to ask for help. 

After you have rested some, you will likely start doing physical therapy. This will include doing gentle exercises to begin strengthening the muscles around your knees to reduce stress on your new knee. It will also include stretching and other gentle movements to improve your range of motion and the things you are able to do. A physical therapist will be able to help you recover and have your body become stronger than it has been in a long time. He or she will eventually give you homework to do every day on your own to promote healing and prevent things from getting worse in the future. It is important to be diligent about doing your exercises and anything else your doctor recommends after surgery. 

Speak with Someone from Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania Today

If you or someone you care about has been having knee pain, you should set up a consultation with an experienced knee surgeon from Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania right away. The surgeon will want to go into great detail about your health history, what has been going on with your knees, and what your everyday activities look like. Surgery is not always the best first option, but it is completely necessary for many people and can offer a new lease on life. To learn more, please contact our office today! We can set up an appointment to get all of your questions answered and help determine what the best next steps should be for you. Hurry — the sooner you come in, the faster we can help you get your life back on track.