Dr. Phillip Branson, MD

Yes. Many cases of impingement improve with modification of activity, injections and physical therapy. Non-surgical treatment can continue for up to a year If the rotator cuff is intact and the shoulder is stable.

Total Knee replacement is the most common procedure for knee arthritis. Robotic surgery procedures take 30 to 45 minutes, but plan to be in surgery and recovery for several hours.

Hi, that needs medical attention. Infection can cause that. Gout and some types of arthritis can too. But a hot painful red knee should be checked in person by a doctor.

DIY options include ibuprofen, tennis elbow splint, ice, and heat.

If both ankles are swollen, probably need to see a doctor. Medications, kidney problems, and heart problems can cause ankle swelling. Best to see your doctor.

Hi, While hernia may be a problem, it sounds like you need your hip checked! That can cause groin and knee pain.

Hi,
At your age, buckling can be a symptom of meniscus tear, patellofemoral problems, or ligament tear. Ligament tears are usually have a history of a significant knee injury with swelling and a recovery time of 3-12 weeks. Meniscus problems at your age usually follow injury as well. With meniscus tears, the knee may become stiff or swollen following giving way, and there may be point tenderness at the edge of the top of the tibia on either side. Giving way due to patellofemoral problems is more common in females, and typically happens going down stairs or inclines. Less common causes include osteochondritis dessicans, where a portion of the bone dies, loose bodies and muscle weakness.

Evaluation starts with xrays and exam. Patellofemoral problems often respond to physical therapy and exercise. Meniscus and ligament tears may require surgery. MRI is useful if the symptoms have been present for >3 months or physical exam findings suggest meniscus or ligament problem.

Goal at your age is to get back to full activity. Long term patients that stay active with good muscle tone and normal body weight do best over time.

Hi,
If your ACL is is the only structure injured, you can begin rehab immediately. The function will gradually return as the swelling subsides. Younger patients recover more quickly. 30 and above, typically 6-12 weeks. Early treatment targets return of motion correction of muscle inhibition. Once muscle inhibition subsides, focus shifts to strengthening to maximize knee function. In a PT supervised program, activity is progressed based on function of the knee. Exercise intensity and complexity is increased based on objective testing.

Patients engaging in start / stop and pivoting activities will need to modify or restrict activities that cause the knee to "slip" or give way. An ACL functional brace can be used to improve stability of the knee.

ACL reconstruction can return significant stability, but will not restore full function to the knee. The rule of 1/3's for ACL reconstructed knees says that 1/3 of athletes can return to unrestricted sport. 1/3 will participate, but modify activity. 1/3 of patients may have persisting symptoms severe enough to either curtail or discontinue participation.

Good luck with your knee!

Hi,

There are several possibilities for pain over the tibial tunnel. In some cases, there may be prominence caused by healing bone, the end of the graft, or the device used to secure the graft. There are also tendons in the area, which can be sensitive. Nerves in the area can also cause pain in the area. Your surgeon will be best suited to evaluate you and let you know what's causing the pain and how to treat it.

Low back pain may have several causes. Classic disc problems present as leg symptoms like pain radiating down the leg, numbness in the leg foot or toes, and may be associated with muscle weakness. Disc disease can also cause low back pain and muscle spasm in the lower back. Strictly muscular strain presents with tenderness in the muscles on either side of the spine. Prostate problems, kidney stones and certain infections may present with similar symptoms.

Note the location of pain or numbness and what activities increase symptoms. Accurately describing your symptoms will help your doctor determine the best course of action.

Back or leg pain associated with loss of control of bladder, or numbness in the "saddle" area (where your bottom contacts a saddle) is an emergency, and requires immediate attention.

Hope that helps.

The most common cause for finger numbness is carpal tunnel. That's unusual at age 17. Other causes include disk problems in the neck, inflammatory conditions and endocrine problems like hypothyroidism or diabetes. The exact location of the tingling and activities that make symptoms worse are clues for your doctor. A detailed neurological exam will often give the answer. In some cases, blood tests, nerve conduction tests or imaging studies are performed to understand the cause.

It sounds like you have rib pain. The decision to see a doctor should is a judgement call. Many rib fractures heal on their own. At the other end of the spectrum, rib fractures may be associated with lung injuries, bleeding into the chest or loss of the ability to breathe. More serious injuries are frequently associated with higher energy injuries like motorcycle or car accidents, and may involve fractures of several ribs.

That depends on the type of surgery. For simple removal of a bump, it can be as soon as the wound is fully healed. Other procedures involve cutting bone (osteotomy), and therefore recovery is similar to healing a fracture. Weight bearing may be restricted, and exercise may be restricted for 2 to 3 months or more. Best to ask your doctor. Be specific about what exercise you are planning. Jot your questions down so you do the best to get a great result.

Hi,

Your surgeon should address safe return to driving with you based on your specific circumstances. In my practice, return to driving is based on the individual ability to safely operate the car rather than a specific number of days. Patients may return to drive when they are no longer taking narcotic pain medication and have sufficient strength and coordination of the non-surgical arm to operate their specific vehicle safely. In addition, the operative arm must be sufficiently mobile to assist in the event of an emergency. It's better to err on the side of caution for safety and liability reasons.

Hi,

174/113 should be addressed by your doctor. Both numbers are high. Appropriate treatment will be based on your individual situation. Please contact your doctor.