Dr. Robert Reisch - Encino Orthopedics July 26, 2016
ACL, MCL, and rotator cuff injuries are among the most common when it comes to orthopedic injuries. Dr. Reisch has extensive experience and unmatched knowledge when it comes to successfully treating these injuries. In order to best treat your ACL, MCL, or rotator cuff injury, it's important to understand the treatment options available to you.
Treatment for ACL Injuries in Encino
Among knee injuries, an ACL tear—or anterior cruciate ligament tear—is one of the most commonly sustained. Whether you are an avid athlete or have suffered an accident that resulted in an ACL tear, these types of injuries are often significant, and it’s not uncommon for other parts of the knee and leg to be affected. For instance, the meniscus (the knee), the cartilage, and/or the ligaments might also suffer because of a tear to the ACL. It’s worth noting that a healthy ACL is responsible for much of the leg and knee’s stability, so when a tear to ACL is sustained, it can be especially problematic in terms of steadiness and mobility.
When the ACL tears, those who have experienced this injury often describe symptoms such as a “popping” sensation, or like the knee has suddenly given out. Following an injury, those who have suffered an ACL tear endure swelling, tenderness, and stiffness in the affected knee region. ACL tears are serious injuries that may affect the strength and health of other parts of the knee, too. That’s why Encino Orthopedics recognizes the integral role an experienced orthopedist plays in the treatment and healing process of ACL tears.
If you have suffered an ACL tear, the best way to prevent future complications and to expedite the healing process is to enlist the expertise of an Encino orthopedic specialist. Your Encino orthopedist will utilize imaging technology like X-rays and MRIs to map the extent of the ACL damage, then determine the grade of your ACL tear. Depending on the grade of your ACL tear—ranging from 1-3 in severity—Dr. Reisch, founder of Encino Orthopedics will craft a personalized treatment plan to address your specific case.
Typical non-surgical routes of treatment include R.I.C.E—or resting, icing, compression, and elevation—bracing and splinting, and medication to reduce any painful symptoms of your ACL tear. Should your ACL tear require surgery, your Encino orthopedic specialist will walk you through the steps necessary to restore strength and range of motion to your affected ACL, as well as the details of any potential surgical procedures.
Treatment for MCL Tears in Encino
Affecting the medial collateral ligament, MCL tears are painful, debilitating, and severely affect mobility in the affected leg. Because the function of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) is to stabilize the knee and leg’s side to side stability and range of motion, a tear to MCL can be a devastating injury. Usually MCL tears occur as a result of impact to the outside of the knee, and the subsequent symptoms include: pain at the inside of the knee, just above the affected MCL ligament, along with stiffness, discomfort, and swelling.
Just like in cases of ACL tears, an MCL tear, sprain, or rupture is measured in grades, ranging from 1-3 in severity. Utilizing an exam, X-Ray, and/or MRI, only an experienced Encino orthopedist can accurately assess the grade of your MCL tear and then determine the subsequent treatment necessary. MCL tears that are low in grade may only require non-surgical methods of treatment by your Encino orthopedic specialist, however, MCL tears in higher grades may require surgical intervention to properly repair your tear.
As far as surgical and non-surgical MCL treatments go, the options available involve arthroscopic surgery for serious MCL tears. In MCL tears that do not require surgery, bracing, rest, and rehabilitation are often the route of treatment. Whatever course of treatment is required for your particular MCL tear, Dr. Reisch, expert orthopedic surgeon and founder of Encino Orthopedics, possesses the experience, knowledge, and resources necessary to provide the best orthopedic care that the San Fernando Valley area has to offer.
Treatment for Rotator Cuff Injuries in Encino
The rotator cuff is certainly a workhorse ligament for the arm and shoulder. In addition to stabilizing the arm and shoulder, the rotator cuff is responsible for the arm’s full and extended range of motion. Not to mention, the rotator cuff is the shoulder hub where many of the arm’s tendons and muscles meet. Injuries to the rotator cuff often occur as a result of sports related impact or overuse injuries. For instance, baseball players often suffer from rotator cuff tears because of their frequent overhead arm/shoulder use. Swimmers and softball and tennis players are also common sufferers of rotator cuff injuries. Sometimes rotator cuff tears occur over time, as the ligament suffers small, repeated tears. In other instances, rotator cuff injuries occur as a result of sudden impact to the shoulder.
When the rotator cuff is damaged, it typically causes inflammation, instability, weakness, immobility, and discomfort in the arm and shoulder. The intensity of these symptoms, along with the appropriate treatment plan, depends on the severity of the rotator cuff tear. Sometimes non-surgical methods of treatment are adequate to restore full range of motion and strength to the affect rotator cuff. In other instances, surgery may be required to fully repair the damaged rotator cuff. Encino orthopedic specialist Dr. Reisch, will conduct an x-ray or MRI to determine the extent of the damage to your rotator cuff, and then draft a personalized treatment plan that best addresses your case.
ACL, MCL, and rotator cuff tears are certainly common injuries for athletes and the average individual alike. But no matter the cause of your ACL, MCL, or rotator cuff tear, the most important aspect of treatment and recovery is to recruit the help of an Encino orthopedist with a wealth of knowledge and experience in specifically treating these types of injuries. There is no substitute for quality, comprehensive care when it comes to treating injuries that affect your strength, stability, and overall quality of life.
Contact Encino Orthopedics today to schedule an appointment with San Fernando Valley expert orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Reisch. Our full-service Orthopedic Care practice in Encino is designed to treat patients of all ages suffering from orthopedic injuries, diseases and conditions, including joint pain, arthritis and osteoarthritis. In many cases, same day appointments are available. Call 818-784-9593.
