Ask the Doctor

QMy son's knee popped during soccer — should I go to the ER?

A pop followed by swelling usually suggests a ligament injury (like the ACL or MCL). While it's concerning, most ligament injuries are not emergencies. Apply ice, keep weight off it, and contact us for a same-day evaluation at home. We'll assess stability and determine if imaging is needed.

QHow long should my daughter rest a sprained ankle before going back to cheer?

It depends on the grade of the sprain. A mild Grade 1 sprain may recover in 1–2 weeks with proper support. A Grade 2 can take 4–6 weeks. We create a personalized return-to-activity plan and coordinate directly with the cheer coach and athletic trainer so everyone's on the same page.

QIs it normal for my teenager to have knee pain during growth spurts?

Yes — Osgood-Schlatter disease is very common in active adolescents during growth spurts. It causes pain and swelling just below the knee. It's usually not serious, but it should be evaluated to rule out other issues and create a plan to manage symptoms while staying active.

QMy child hurt their arm and it looks swollen but not bent weird — is it broken?

Swelling without obvious deformity can still indicate a fracture, especially in kids (buckle fractures are common and subtle). The good news is that not all injuries require an immediate X-ray. We can evaluate at home, splint if needed, and coordinate imaging at a convenient time if clinically indicated.

QWhat should I do immediately when my kid gets injured at a game?

Remember R.I.C.E.: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. Remove them from play, apply ice for 20 minutes on / 20 minutes off, wrap it lightly, and elevate above the heart. Then call us for an at-home evaluation — often on the same day.

QIs it safe for my 80-year-old mom to get a cortisone shot at home?

Absolutely. Cortisone injections are a routine, well-established treatment. Our specialist brings everything needed — including sterile technique — to deliver the injection safely in your mom's living room. It takes about 15 minutes, and she doesn't have to get in a car or sit in a waiting room.

QHow do I know if Mom's hip pain is arthritis or something more serious?

Arthritis pain is usually gradual, worse with activity, and improves somewhat with rest. Pain that is sudden, severe, or accompanied by fever, inability to bear weight, or recent falls may indicate a fracture or infection. Our in-home evaluation can help distinguish between these and guide next steps.

QWhat's the difference between ice and heat for joint pain?

Ice is best for acute injuries and flare-ups — it reduces swelling and numbs pain. Use it for 20 minutes at a time. Heat is better for chronic stiffness — it loosens muscles and improves blood flow. Use a warm compress for 15–20 minutes before activity. When in doubt, ice first, especially if there's swelling.

QWill my parent need joint replacement eventually?

Not necessarily. Many people manage arthritis effectively for years with injections, physical therapy, activity modifications, and medication. We focus on conservative approaches first and have open, honest conversations about surgical options when and if they become appropriate.

QHow often can someone get cortisone injections?

Typically, cortisone injections are limited to 3–4 per joint per year, spaced at least 3 months apart. This protects the joint cartilage and surrounding tissues. We track injection history and discuss alternative therapies like viscosupplementation when cortisone limits are reached.

QHow do I know if it's broken or just badly bruised?

Bruises and fractures can look and feel similar — both cause pain, swelling, and discoloration. Key signs that suggest a fracture: point tenderness directly over the bone, inability to use the limb normally, and pain that worsens rather than improves over 24–48 hours. Our at-home evaluation can help determine the difference.

QCan you put a cast on at home?

We apply splints at home, which immobilize the injury and protect it just as effectively as a cast during the initial period. If a formal cast is needed later, we'll coordinate that at a convenient facility. Many fractures are fully managed with a splint and never need a cast at all.

QWhen does a fracture need surgery?

Fractures that are displaced (the bone pieces don't line up), involve a joint surface, or are unstable may require surgery. Our specialist evaluates alignment, stability, and the specific bone involved to make this determination. If surgery is needed, we refer directly to a trusted orthopedic surgeon — quickly and without the runaround.

QMy child fell and won't use their arm, but the ER is packed. Can you help?

Yes. This is exactly the scenario we're built for. We can evaluate at home, provide a splint if needed, manage pain, and coordinate imaging at a less hectic time. Not all fractures are emergencies, and many can be safely splinted and followed up within 24–48 hours.

QWhen can I remove my surgical bandage?

This varies by procedure and surgeon preference — typically 48–72 hours to several days post-op. Never remove it early without guidance. We can come to your home at the right time to do the initial dressing change properly, check the incision, and make sure everything looks good.

QIs swelling normal 2 weeks after knee surgery?

Yes, some swelling is completely normal for 2–6 weeks after knee surgery. The key is whether swelling is gradually improving or getting worse. Increasing swelling, redness, warmth, or fever can be signs of infection or a blood clot. We monitor for exactly these things during home visits.

QHow often should post-op wounds be checked?

Typically at day 3–5 (first dressing change), day 10–14 (staple or suture removal), and then as needed based on healing. We coordinate with your surgeon's office and can adjust the schedule based on how recovery is progressing.

QMy parent is afraid to do their PT exercises after surgery. What should I do?

This is incredibly common, especially in older adults. Fear of re-injury is real and valid. We work closely with physical therapists to ensure the exercises are appropriate, and our home visits include gentle encouragement and progress assessment. Sometimes having a medical professional reassure them in person makes all the difference.