Blog Archive

As you age, the years on your lower body begin to add up. Your knees especially are vulnerable — they’re the largest joint in your body, and they have to fight the effects of your entire body weight and gravity pushing down on them with every step. Knee pain, stiffness,...

If you’re a runner, you have goals. You want to increase your distance or pace, or you’re training for a race of a certain length. If those goals involve increasing your mileage, it’s important to have a plan before you start. The increased distance you’re about to attempt comes with...

When you walk across the floor, the pressure you put on your knees is about 1.5 times your body weight. So, for a 200-pound man, that’s 300 pounds of pressure on his knee with every step. If you go up or down stairs, the pressure increases to 3-4 times your...

If you’re an athlete who has just suffered an injury, you likely have  one dominant thought running through your mind: “How soon can I get back on the field?” One step that will help you recover more quickly is seeing a sports medicine specialist for treatment rather than a general...

You wake up slowly, not sure where you are.  As your surroundings gradually come into focus, you remember: You just had shoulder arthroscopy surgery, and now you’re in the recovery room. Your family and friends come to visit, and while you’re glad to see them, one thought is uppermost in...

Up to 200,000 ACL tears occur in the United States every year. If that number is higher than you realized, you’re probably not alone in your thinking. The number of ACL tears in the US is increasing, which raises the question: Do you have to undergo surgery to repair an...

If you’re facing ACL reconstruction surgery, you already know you have a long road to recovery ahead.  Tearing one of the four major ligaments in your knee means there will also be significant life changes as you adjust your plans and expectations, undergo surgery, and work to get back to...

Your shoulder is a marvel of engineering. Joints, tendons, muscles, and bones all work together to give your arm a huge range of motion. You don’t think much about how these elements collaborate to make your shoulder function — until one isn’t working correctly. Shoulder impingement is one of the issues that can...

Your knee is acting up — again.  You’ve tried all the nonsurgical treatments your doctor recommended, but the pain hasn’t gone away. The next step is a surgical exploration of your knee to diagnose and repair the problem to reduce your pain and regain normal use of your knee. The...

If you have a cartilage injury, you’re likely investigating the best treatments to fix your problem and get back to normal as soon as possible. You may also wonder if your problem will solve itself — will your cartilage regenerate on its own? The short answer to your question is...

You’ve been experiencing shoulder pain for a while, and you’re starting to wonder if you need to see a doctor. You’re even wondering if you’ve injured your rotator cuff (even if you’re not sure exactly what that is) and if you might need surgery to repair it. At Steven E. Nolan,...

It’s the moment every athlete dreads: You’re in the middle of an action you’ve done hundreds of times during a game when suddenly your ankle rolls, and you’re writhing on the ground in pain. As your coaches help you off the field or court, one thought is running through your...

Shoulder injuries are quite common and can happen to anyone at any time. One of the injuries that affects the shoulder is a ligament tear, which can weaken the shoulder joint and cause pain, stiffness, and limited movement.  Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure that uses a small camera called an...

High school, college, and professional athletes and their families, friends, and fans know the pain and long recovery associated with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear or rupture. Houston Texans fans know the story of running back Lamar Miller, who rushed for nearly 1,000 yards in 2018, earning a spot in...

It affects 84% of swimmers and is one of the two most common causes of shoulder pain in tennis players. It also accounts for 44-65% of all shoulder pain complaints in the population at large. What is it? Shoulder impingement.  This common injury can impact anyone but is especially common...

Rotator cuff injuries are some of the most common — two to four million Americans injure their rotator cuff every year. Age, occupation, family history, and certain sports can all raise your risk of a rotator cuff injury.  While minor rotator cuff injuries may be able to heal on their own with...

Chronic knee pain is, unfortunately, on the rise. A 2019 Washington Post article on knee pain reported that about 1 in 4 adults suffer from chronic knee pain. This is an increase of 65% over the last four decades, a troubling trend that can't be directly traced to an aging...

If you have suffered from a sudden back strain, you know the feeling of anxiety and worry that comes with the pain. When will you be able to get back to practice, or even more importantly, competitions? Will you need surgery to repair the injury? There are a few things...

If Steven E. Nolan, MD has recommended you have shoulder arthroscopy, you may have some questions. Rest assured, Dr. Nolan is ready to answer them. In the meantime, we’re offering this post to provide a little information that may be helpful as you prepare for your procedure.  The structure of your shoulder Before...

Professional baseball fans are all too familiar with rotator cuff injuries since pitchers are especially prone to rotator cuff injuries; a 2014 study of high school-level pitchers found that pitching even just 100 balls a week can lead to a higher injury-risk level.  However, rotator cuff injuries extend well past...

Sports, in general, are good for your health. Exercise is good for your physical health, and there are plenty of mental health benefits to team and solo sports.  At the same time, sports can be dangerous. You push yourself to maximum levels during game time, putting strain on your body. And with...

To the misfortune of many people around the world, shoulder pain and shoulder impingement are extremely common and often long lasting.  On the numbers side, a study posted by the National Institutes of Health found that worldwide 7% to 34% of people report shoulder pain problems, and shoulder impingement is the culprit...

When it comes to knee injuries, it seems like ACL tears and achilles injuries get all the attention and notoriety. While both these injuries are serious and often plague superstar athletes, meniscus tears are one of the most common knee injuries among both athletes and those over 65. The University...

Swimmer’s shoulder, tennis shoulder, thrower’s shoulder — shoulder impingement can go by a lot of different names, and they often correspond with the sport or action that caused the injury. Shoulder impingement is extremely common; in fact; one study found that shoulder impingement syndrome is the most common cause of...

Athletes from all sports suffer shoulder injuries, especially rotator cuff injuries. A look at famous athletes who have come back from these injuries — Drew Brees, Kobe Bryant, and a host of major league pitchers — reveals an emerging trend: The throwing and shooting motions of some of sports’ greatest stars put them at risk...

What do you think of when you picture someone who has suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)? Probably an NBA player at the top of their game or the star of your child’s high school soccer team.  While ACL injuries are common for high-level athletes, you don’t have to...

Some athletes are more familiar with meniscus tears than they would like to be. Meniscus tears are one of the most common knee injuries for both children and adults — about 500,000 people tear their meniscus every year, many of them while playing sports.  Some meniscus injuries can heal on...

The thrill of victory, the pride of playing with a team, the high of setting a personal record, and the agony of defeat. There are so many emotions and reasons we love sports, but there’s also another set of feelings that can take it all away. The disappointment and frustration...

Have you ever heard of tomophobia? As you can guess from the -phobia suffix, tomophobia is a fear — fear of surgery. A study by the U.S. National Institutes of Health's National Library of Medicine found that about 12% of people are afraid of surgical procedures.  And when you consider...

Rotator cuff injuries and tears are extremely common. According to the Hospital for Special Surgery, around two to four million Americans injure their rotator cuff every year. Athletes, especially baseball pitchers, are notorious for rotator cuff injuries. Despite this, it’s actually the elderly who most often end up with rotator...

According to Greek mythology, the demi-god Achilles had it pretty good. His immortal mother, Thetis, dipped him in the river Styx as a baby to grant him invincibility. But Thetis held him by his ankle as she dipped him, leaving that portion unprotected. As the legend goes, this came back...

Tom Brady, seven-time super bowl champion and three-time NFL MVP. Klay Thompson, three-time NBA champion and five time all-star. Zlatan Ibrahimović, one of the most decorated soccer players ever with over 31 awards. What do these three athletes all have in common? ACL tears. Even the greats sometimes have to...

When you think about sports injuries, football, basketball, or soccer probably come to mind. All three of these sports require that players put their bodies on the line play after play. Contact is common, and, in the case of football, tackling is an integral part of the sport.  But when...

It’s been almost 50 years since tennis icon Billie Jean King took down Bobby Riggs in the 1973 “Battle of the Sexes.” Although King’s victory didn’t end arguments about the quality differences between men’s and women’s sports, it was a watershed moment that proved women can rival men in sports...

Anyone who has ever torn or ruptured their anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, can tell you how painful it is. An ACL tear is one of the most common sports-related injuries, with over 250,000 tears and ruptures every year. However, the pain of an ACL injury doesn’t have to last....

There are very few downsides to exercising. Between strengthening your body, improving heart health, and bettering mental health, there are so many benefits to hitting the gym or practice field. However, any type of strenuous physical activity also has its risks. One study found that 41% of gym and fitness...

Your knee is the largest joint in your body, and for good reason. It’s a complex combination of bones, tendons, and muscles that helps you walk, run, jump, and generally live an active and healthy life. With this in mind, you may be alarmed when your knee starts to swell....

Anyone who has ever experienced shoulder pain can attest to how much it interferes with your daily life. It suddenly makes mundane tasks, like brushing your teeth or putting on a shirt, an excruciating chore. An incredible 70% of people will deal with shoulder pain in their lifetime, and it’s...

If you’ve reached the age where aches and pain are a common occurrence, you’ve probably dealt with knee pain before. This isn’t conjecture — the National Institutes of Health estimates that frequent knee pain affects approximately 25% of adults. Knee pain is common in people over 50 and especially common...

Whether you play sports or are very active in general, you could be at risk of a torn meniscus. The meniscus is part of the knee. It’s made of C-shaped cartilage that cushions your knee and helps absorb the shock from walking, jumping, running, and playing sports.  This common injury...

Shoulder pain is one of the most common complaints in America. It’s no surprise, because, as one of the most used joints in our bodies, it's prone to overuse and injury. If you need help for shoulder pain, board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine expert Steven E. Nolan, MD, of...

Our knees are the largest joints in our bodies. We use them for nearly everything we do from grocery shopping to checking the mail and walking around the block. We put them through so much wear and tear that they’re in danger of getting injured. This is even more true...

If you have a knee injury, you may need surgery. Fortunately, Dr. Steven E. Nolan in Sugar Land, Texas, performs knee arthroscopic surgery to repair a variety of problems. If you have a torn ACL, an injured meniscus, or a sports injury, we can help! The good news is this...

We use our knees for just about everything we do like walking, running errands, exercising, playing with our kids, and doing chores. That’s why we need to take care of them and do what we can to keep them strong. If you’re an athlete or a weekend warrior who goes...

Tendons and ligaments have the important job of holding us together and helping us move. Because they’re involved in everyday activities including work and play, they’re susceptible to injury and can be quite painful. Learn the difference between tendonitis and a ligament tear, and when it’s time to see Dr....

A rotator cuff injury can be painful and debilitating for men and women of all ages. It can get in the way of your exercise routine, grocery shopping, or getting dressed. A tear can be small, or severe enough that you’ll need surgery to repair it. Dr. Steven E. Nolan,...

An injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of the knee is one of the most common sports injuries. But this happens to nonathletes and coach potatoes, too. If you tear your ACL, trust Dr. Steven E. Nolan in Sugar Land, Texas, to help you get back to the activities...

All athletes, whether professionals with elite status or weekend warriors, should take good care of their muscles to prevent injuries and to enhance their performance. So, no matter which camp you fall into, there are things you can do to speed recovery and keep your muscles in top shape.  If...

If you hurt your knee while playing sports or by twisting your knee when your foot was firmly planted on the ground, you may have an injured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This common injury can be painful, and it requires rest, physical therapy, or even surgery.  When you have any...

If you feel something strange in your knee joint — like something's floating in there — it may be articular cartilage. Everyone has cartilage in their knees, but there could be an injury that requires medical attention. Dr. Steven E. Nolan repairs articular cartilage problems for patients in Sugar Land,...

The meniscus is a rubber-like, C-shaped disc that cushions the knee. Unfortunately, meniscus tears are common, especially in athletes. So, if you hurt your knee playing sports or from everyday activities, it’s best to come in for a consultation with Dr. Steven E. Nolan in our Sugar Land, Texas, office....

When your shoulder makes a popping sound, with or without pain, it may be time to contact your doctor. There are a variety of reasons your shoulder may be popping, many of them benign. However, it’s worth your time and good health to check it out.    Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon...

Shoulder pain is very common, especially as we age, and there are many causes. If you have shoulder pain that gets worse at night, and it’s hard for you to raise your arm to reach overhead or reach behind you to zip up a dress, it may be a condition...

You were enjoying yourself outdoors, playing your favorite sport, and BAM! You fell, twisted your leg the wrong way, or made some movement that caused you to hear a pop coming from your knee. You knew then the problem was serious, and you were right. ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament,...

Meniscus tears are common knee injuries, especially among athletes and those with knee problems. But, anyone of any age can experience a meniscus tear. Fortunately, not all tears are severe, and only about 10% to 20% require surgery.  Meniscus tears often go together with ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and other...

From early on, we’re taught about the importance of a good warm-up and stretching routine before engaging in vigorous exercise. But, having a post-workout routine is just as important. Having a post-workout routine can help make the hard work you put in more effective and help you avoid injury. In...

Millions of adults live with knee pain every day. Knee pain can have many causes, but one often-overlooked factor is your shoe choice. You may not often think about the physical impact of your shoes, choosing your footwear based on fashion or preferences.  But your shoe choice could be a...

If you’re like most people, you probably associate physical therapy with surgery. And you wouldn’t be wrong! Physical therapy is a critical component of post-surgical recovery. However, that’s not the only thing that physical therapy is good for.  Physical therapy can help athletes of all levels, regardless of injury history,...

Oh, the coveted return to sports — fondly referred to as “RTS” in the orthopedic surgery world because it’s a pivotal moment in an athlete’s life post-ACL reconstruction. We wish we could say returning to sports after ACL surgery is a quick and easy road, but that’s far from the...

Your risk for knee injuries increases if you’re physically active, overweight, and as you get older. With certain types of injuries to the knee, you may also be unknowingly increasing your risk for a specific type of arthritis, known as osteoarthritis. Steven E. Nolan, MD, offers comprehensive care for various...

Knee pain can impact every aspect of your life, including limiting your mobility. You’ve been trying to do things to reduce your pain, but what if you’re actually making it worse? Here are a few common mistakes that Dr. Nolan, a highly skilled orthopedic surgeon, sees in his office time...

If you’re active, odds are good that it’s this very lifestyle that led to the need for an ACL repair. But rather than reconfiguring your life to one that takes your knee out of the equation, the endgame of an ACL reconstruction is to get you back out on the...

Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a play sports every chance you get, the pounding, running, and pivoting movements put you at risk for overuse or traumatic injuries. While getting physical activity is great, getting injured is not. There are two types of sports injuries: overuse and traumatic. You can...

It may start only after a period of rigorous activity, but all too soon, dull pain under your kneecap can become a constant companion, plaguing you throughout the day and night. As with pain anywhere else in your body, those aching knees are trying to tell you that something isn’t...

Modern medicine has made incredible advances and, when it comes to surgery, the advent of arthroscopy is a shining example. Arthroscopy provides unparalleled diagnostic and treatment access to your joints, allowing orthopedic surgeons to identify and remedy whatever may ail you with the least amount of disruption to your body....

So you injured your knee. Maybe you fell while skiing, or you landed wrong jumping off a ladder. Regardless of how you injured your knee, you may have been told you need ACL reconstruction. Don’t worry. At the office of Steven E. Nolan, MD, we’re here to help you get...

Despite what you may think, surgery isn’t always the first recommendation from an orthopedic surgeon for the treatment of an injury or medical condition. At his Sugar Land, Texas practice, Steven E. Nolan, MD usually recommends conservative treatments first, such as rest, physical therapy, and medication. But in some cases,...

Every year, more than 850,000 meniscus tear surgeries are performed in the United States. Surgery is often needed following a meniscus tear because the cartilage doesn’t heal well, which is one good reason to do your best to prevent an injury in the first place.Although Steven Nolan, MD is an...

Let’s face it. Every one of us is already so busy that adding another task to the chore list — like getting your shoulder pain checked out — is daunting. So even though you’ve noticed that your shoulder aches, pinches, or isn’t moving as fluidly it should, you’ve been ignoring...

What To Know About Rotator Cuff Injuries The shoulder is incredibly mobile, but with that mobility comes a price. You use your shoulder for so many activities — reaching overhead, combing your hair, throwing a pitch, swinging a racquet, and pushing a car door shut. Repetitive use of its mobility...

Whether you’re pursuing a sport on an amateur level or you just enjoy getting out and exercising to stay in shape, every athlete, no matter what level, should be armed with a few athletic essentials.As an orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Steven Nolan is here to help you deal with the aftermath...

Maybe you slipped and fell while doing chores or maybe it’s the years of practicing your tennis swing, but when you need shoulder surgery, you want to do everything you can to improve the healing process and speed up your recovery. Here at Dr. Steven E. Nolan’s office, we understand...

Meniscus tears are one of the most common types of knee injuries, and there are some risk factors — such as age — that you can’t control. But there are precautions that you can take. Understanding the anatomy of your knee and the function of the meniscus is a good...

Your shoulder is an incredibly mobile joint that allows your arm to reach, rotate, and throw. But this mobility comes at a cost: it leaves the joint vulnerable to injury, especially rotator cuff tears.The rotator cuff performs the important role of keeping your arm firmly in place in your shoulder...

Follow these tips to prevent falling victim to weekend warrior syndrome.Do a little on the weekdaysYou may not have time to spend hours at the gym during the week, but even 20 minutes of exercise, two or three other days during the week, can go a long way toward keeping...

You may not give much thought to your anterior cruciate ligament – until you injure it. Commonly referred to as your ACL, this relatively small ligament is vital to healthy knee function. It’s a tough band of fibrous tissue that keeps your shinbone (tibia) from shifting out of place. Even...