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Living with SI joint dysfunction can turn everyday routines into a series of mindful practices. Each morning, getting out of bed or putting on shoes involves slow, deliberate movements to prevent sharp pain in the lower back and hips. Even routine tasks like sitting at a desk or driving for long periods can require strategic planning, with frequent breaks for stretching and adjusting posture to avoid discomfort. With thoughtful adjustments and consistent care, you find ways to manage SI joint dysfunction while continuing to lead an active and fulfilling life.

Image of hip model si joint dysfuction

What is Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction?

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SI joint dysfunction) refers to pain in the sacroiliac joint, which is located where the spine connects to the pelvis. The SI joint is crucial in transferring weight and forces between the upper and lower bodies. When the sacroiliac joint becomes inflamed or moves abnormally, it can cause significant pain and discomfort, affecting daily activities.

Symptoms of Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

SI joint dysfunction can present a variety of symptoms that may be mistaken for other conditions, such as lower back pain or sciatica.

Treatment Options for Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

Treatment for SI joint dysfunction often involves a combination of self-care, physical therapy, and medical interventions. Here are some standard treatment options:

When to See an Orthopaedic Specialist

You should consider seeing an orthopaedic specialist if:

An orthopedic specialist can perform a comprehensive evaluation, including imaging tests, to accurately diagnose the cause of your pain and recommend suitable treatment options.


Why you can trust us:

Want to know more? Visit our website.


When to Seek Urgent Care

Need Care Now? POA Has Six Urgent Care Facilities

Monroe

11 Centre Drive
Monroe Twp., NJ 08831

Plainsboro

5 Plainsboro Road, Suite 100
Plainsboro, NJ 08536

Robbinsville

1 Union Street Suite 305
Robbinsville, NJ 08691

Princeton

325 Princeton Avenue
Princeton, NJ 08540

Hillsborough

315 US Highway 206
Hillsborough Township, NJ 08844

Ewing

200 Charles Ewing Blvd. Suite 170
Ewing, NJ 08628

Urgent Care Hours

Seek urgent care if:

These symptoms could indicate a more severe condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Take Action Against Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

Don't let sacroiliac joint dysfunction continue to impact your daily life. Diagnosis and treatment can help you manage symptoms effectively and improve your quality of life. If you are experiencing persistent pain or difficulty with daily activities, schedule an appointment with an orthopaedic specialist today.

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Are you suffering from lower back and hip pain?

Please contact us! We'd love to help.

If you have lower back and hip pain, please contact us and schedule an appointment. We have urgent care facilities all over New Jersey for your convenience.

This blog post is meant to be informative and should not act as a self-diagnosis tool. If you’d like to see one of our doctors, please contact us here.

MCL Tear: Symptoms, Treatment Options, and Recovery

Living with an MCL tear presents a series of daily challenges that can disrupt your routine and overall well-being. From the moment you wake up, simple activities like getting out of bed or walking to the kitchen require extra care and patience due to instability in your knee. Mobility is limited, making everyday tasks such as climbing stairs or carrying groceries a bit more demanding. However, as you see care, adopt new strategies, and build resilience, with patience, determination, and a strong support system, you can navigate the journey of recovery and emerge stronger.

Dr. Rossy evaluates a patient's knee for a MCL tear

What is an MCL Tear?

A medial collateral ligament (MCL) tear is an injury to one of the major ligaments in the knee. The MCL on the knee's inner side helps stabilize the joint and prevents the knee from bending inward. MCL tears commonly occur in sports that involve sudden changes in direction, twisting, or direct blows to the knee, such as football, soccer, and skiing

Symptoms of an MCL Tear

The symptoms of an MCL tear can vary depending on the severity of the injury but typically include:

These symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, significantly affecting your ability to perform everyday activities and participate in sports.

Treatment Options for an MCL Tear

Treatment for an MCL tear depends on the severity of the injury. Here are the main treatment options:

When to See an Orthopaedic Specialist

You should see an orthopaedic specialist if:

Dr. Prodromo evaluating a patient's knee for a MCL tear.
  • Your knee pain and swelling do not improve with rest and self-care
  • You experience significant instability or difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg
  • You have concerns about returning to sports or physical activities

An orthopaedic specialist can assess the severity of your injury, perform imaging tests, and develop a tailored treatment plan to ensure optimal recovery.


Why you can trust us:

Want to know more? Visit our website.


When to Seek Urgent Care

Seek urgent care if:

These symptoms may indicate a more severe injury that requires prompt medical attention.

Need Care Now? POA Has Six Urgent Care Facilities

Monroe

11 Centre Drive
Monroe Twp., NJ 08831

Plainsboro

5 Plainsboro Road, Suite 100
Plainsboro, NJ 08536

Robbinsville

1 Union Street Suite 305
Robbinsville, NJ 08691

Princeton

325 Princeton Avenue
Princeton, NJ 08540

Hillsborough

315 US Highway 206
Hillsborough Township, NJ 08844

Ewing

200 Charles Ewing Blvd. Suite 170
Ewing, NJ 08628

Urgent Care Hours

Seek Orthpaedic Care for Your MCL Tear

MCL tears can significantly impact your mobility and quality of life. Early intervention and proper treatment are essential for a successful recovery. If you suspect you have an MCL tear or are experiencing persistent knee pain, schedule an appointment with an orthopaedic specialist to receive a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan.

By taking action, you can prevent further damage, reduce pain, and return to your normal activities more quickly. Don't let an MCL tear keep you on the sidelines – seek professional help and start your path to recovery today.

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Are you suffering from pain?

Please contact us! We'd love to help.

If you have pain, please contact us and schedule an appointment. We have urgent care facilities all over New Jersey for your convenience.

This blog post is meant to be informative and should not act as a self-diagnosis tool. If you’d like to see one of our doctors, please contact us here.

Are You Experiencing Knee Pain?

The Hoffa fat pad, also known as the infrapatellar fat pad, is a specialized cushioning structure located behind your kneecap within the knee joint. It's made up of fatty tissue surrounded by connective tissue, and its main job is to absorb shock and help distribute pressure when you move your knee. When this fat pad gets inflamed, often from injury, overuse, or issues with how your knee moves, it can lead to a condition called Hoffa's Syndrome. This causes pain, swelling, and discomfort in the front of your knee, especially when you're squatting, going up stairs, or standing on tiptoes. Managing this condition is important for keeping your knee functioning well and reducing discomfort in everyday activities.


Why you can trust us:

Want to know more? Visit our website.


What is the Hoffa Fat Pad?

The Hoffa fat pad, scientifically known as the infrapatellar fat pad, is a specialized structure located beneath the patella (kneecap) within the knee joint. Composed of body fat tissue surrounded by a protective layer of connective tissue, its primary function is to cushion and protect the knee joint during movement. The Hoffa fat pad plays a crucial role in absorbing shock and distributing pressure across the knee, thereby helping to maintain joint stability and function. Understanding the anatomy and function of the Hoffa fat pad is essential for diagnosing and effectively managing conditions that affect knee health.

What is Hoffa's Syndrome?

When the Hoffa fat pad becomes inflamed, often due to injury, overuse, or biomechanical issues, it can result in Hoffa's Syndrome. This condition, also known as knee fat pad impingement, causes pain, swelling, and discomfort in the front of the knee. The Hoffa fat pad serves as a cushioning structure situated behind the kneecap and between the femur and tibia. This inflammation can lead to significant knee pain and discomfort, especially during activities that exert pressure on the knee joint.

Hoffa's Syndrome Symptoms

Dr. Rossy explaining hoffa fat pad to a patient while he points to the xray on the laptop screen.

The symptoms of Hoffa's Syndrome can vary, but they typically include:

  • Knee Pain: Sharp or aching pain around the front of the knee, often worsened by activities like squatting, climbing stairs, or standing on tiptoes.
  • Swelling: Visible swelling around the kneecap due to inflammation of the Hoffa fat pad.
  • Tenderness: Pain and tenderness when pressing on the area below the kneecap.
  • Reduced Range of Motion: Difficulty fully extending or bending the knee.
  • Clicking or Locking: A sensation of the knee catching or locking during movement.

What Causes Hoffa's Syndrome?

Several factors can contribute to the development of Hoffa's Syndrome, including:

  • Trauma: Direct injury to the knee, such as a fall or blow, can lead to inflammation of the Hoffa fat pad.
  • Overuse: Repetitive activities that strain the knee, such as running or jumping, can cause chronic irritation.
  • Biomechanical Issues: Abnormal knee mechanics, such as patellofemoral syndrome, can increase pressure on the Hoffa fat pad.
  • Surgical Procedures: Previous knee surgeries may disrupt the normal function of the Hoffa fat pad.
  • Bone Spurs or Tight Ligaments: These can press against the Hoffa fat pad, leading to inflammation and pain.
Dr. Prodromo - Princeton Orthopaedic Associates demonstrates a knee model while discussing knee fat pad impingement with a male patient

Ways to Find Relief from Hoffa's Syndrome Pain

Managing Hoffa's Syndrome involves a combination of lifestyle modifications, exercises, and sometimes medical interventions. Here are some effective ways to find relief:

Exercise and Physical Therapy

Squats:

Controlled squats, such as bench squats or front squats, help strengthen the quadriceps, glutes, and hamstrings while reducing knee pressure on the Hoffa fat pad.

High-Rep Squats:

Performing squats with lighter weights and higher repetitions can build muscle endurance and improve knee stability, alleviating pressure on the Hoffa fat pad.

Knee Band Exercises:

Using knee bands for exercises like knee lifts, squats, and lunges can strengthen the muscles around the knee, reducing the impingement of the Hoffa fat pad.

Other Strategies

Ice Therapy:

Applying ice packs to the knee can reduce inflammation of the Hoffa fat pad and alleviate pain.

Anti-Inflammatory Medications:

Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen can help manage pain and swelling in the Hoffa fat pad.

Stretching:

Regular stretching routines can maintain flexibility and reduce muscle tightness around the knee, minimizing stress on the Hoffa fat pad.

Meet Our Orthopaedic Knee Specialists

When to Seek Treatment from an Orthopaedic Surgeon

If home remedies and exercises do not provide adequate relief, or if symptoms worsen, it is important to consult an orthopaedic surgeon. They can provide:

When to Seek Urgent Care

Immediate medical attention is required if you experience:

Need Care Now? POA Has Six Urgent Care Facilities

Monroe

11 Centre Drive
Monroe Twp., NJ 08831

Plainsboro

5 Plainsboro Road, Suite 100
Plainsboro, NJ 08536

Robbinsville

1 Union Street Suite 305
Robbinsville, NJ 08691

Princeton

325 Princeton Avenue
Princeton, NJ 08540

Hillsborough

315 US Highway 206
Hillsborough Township, NJ 08844

Ewing

200 Charles Ewing Blvd. Suite 170
Ewing, NJ 08628

Urgent Care Hours

Living with Hoffa's Syndrome can be challenging. Understanding your condition and knowing how to treat it can significantly improve your day-to-day. Focus on exercises that strengthen your knee muscles, maintain flexibility, and seek professional advice to navigate this condition effectively. If symptoms persist or worsen, you should consult an orthopaedic specialist to ensure you receive the best possible care and avoid long-term complications.

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Are you suffering from pain?

Please contact us! We'd love to help.

If you have pain, please contact us and schedule an appointment. We have urgent care facilities all over New Jersey for your convenience.

This blog post is meant to be informative and should not act as a self-diagnosis tool. If you’d like to see one of our doctors, please contact us here.

Do you have lower back pain?

Lower back pain is a common issue for many people, and it can significantly impact your daily life, affecting everything from your ability to perform simple tasks to your overall mobility and quality of life. Your lower back, or lumbar region, bears the brunt of your body's weight and is involved in virtually every movement you make. As a result, this area is highly susceptible to pain and injury. Your lower back pain can stem from various causes. Some of the more common causes are poor posture, muscle strain, herniated discs, and degenerative conditions like arthritis. You can effectively manage some cases of lower back pain at home with proper care and exercises. However, others may require the expertise of an orthopaedic surgeon. If you are experiencing back pain in areas other than your lower back, read more about unlocking back pain relief.


Why you can trust us:

Want to know more? Visit our website.


Lower Back Pain: When to Seek Professional Help

Lower Back Pain Symptoms You Can Treat at Home:

In many situations, you can address your lower back pain right at home to see if you can find relief. However, we want to emphasize that if your condition worsens or becomes severe, you should seek care from an orthopaedic specialist immediately.

Lower back pain symptoms you can try to treat at home:

Meet Our Orthopaedic Spine Specialists

Lower Back Pain Symptoms That Require Professional Attention:

While there are many steps you can take to treat lower back pain at home, you should watch out for some key factors that warrant seeing an orthopaedic back specialist.

Keep an eye out for the following:

If you experience any of the more severe symptoms, it is crucial to consult an orthopaedic surgeon for a comprehensive evaluation and tailored treatment plan.

Effective Lower Back Stretches

In many cases, you can alleviate your lower back pain through targeted stretching exercises. These exercises help improve flexibility, strengthen muscles, and reduce tension in the lumbar region. Here are some of the most effective stretches for lower back pain:

Oftentimes, you can effectively manage and reduce your lower back pain by incorporating these stretches into your daily routine. However, always listen to your body and avoid pushing into pain. If your symptoms persist or you feel them worsen, make sure to seek professional medical advice to ensure appropriate care.

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Are you suffering from pain?

Please contact us! We'd love to help.

If you have pain, please contact us and schedule an appointment. We have urgent care facilities all over New Jersey for your convenience.

This blog post is meant to be informative and should not act as a self-diagnosis tool. If you’d like to see one of our doctors, please contact us here.

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