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Shoulder Arthroscopy: Our Top Tips for an Optimal Recovery Oct 1st, 2024

When you have arthroscopic surgery on your shoulder, you’re taking advantage of advances in technology that enable Steven E. Nolan, MD, to perform the needed repair through a tiny incision in your shoulder. Whether you need treatment on your rotator cuff, labrum, cartilage, or other structure, he inserts a small...

Sustained a Joint Injury? Why RICE Should Be Your First Step Jul 2nd, 2024

If you or a friend or family member has ever sustained a joint or soft tissue injury such as a sprained ankle, chances are you’ve heard the term RICE before. RICE is a protocol of rest, ice, compression, and elevation designed to minimize pain and swelling and accelerate recovery. Our...

Understanding Your Treatment Options for a Torn Rotator Cuff Jun 19th, 2024

Your rotator cuff is complicated. Four muscles and four tendons unite in your shoulder to help lift and move your arms. So, when you’ve got an injury in an area of your body with that many moving parts, you want an expert to explain your treatment options, help you determine...

When Should I Consider Arthroscopy for Shoulder Arthritis? May 13th, 2024

Shoulder arthritis is a pain — literally. The shoulder is the third most common joint in the body to suffer from arthritis (after only the hip and the knee), and the pain caused by bone grating against bone can be intense. Here at Steven E. Nolan, MD, we don’t like...

7 Habits to Keep Your Knees Strong and Healthy as You Age Apr 1st, 2024

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,...

Planning to Up Your Mileage? Avoid These Common Runners’ Injuries Mar 1st, 2024

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...

Treating Your Torn Meniscus with Physical Therapy Feb 2nd, 2024

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...

How Does a Sports Injury Differ from Other Injuries? Jan 12th, 2024

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...

What Is the Recovery Process After Shoulder Arthroscopy Surgery? Dec 1st, 2023

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...

Can an ACL Tear Heal on Its Own? Nov 2nd, 2023

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...

5 Recommendations to Recover Fully After ACL Reconstruction Oct 2nd, 2023

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...

Do You Have These Telltale Signs of Shoulder Impingement? Sep 1st, 2023

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...

7 Reasons You May Need Knee Arthroscopy Aug 2nd, 2023

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...

Does Cartilage Regenerate on Its Own? Jul 11th, 2023

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...

Does My Rotator Cuff Tear Require Surgery? Jun 9th, 2023

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,...

I Sprained My Ankle: How Soon Can I Play My Sport Again? May 15th, 2023

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...

Why We Might Recommend Shoulder Arthroscopy for Ligament Repair Apr 2nd, 2023

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...

When Is ACL Reconstruction Necessary? Mar 9th, 2023

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...

6 Common Signs of Shoulder Impingement Feb 15th, 2023

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...

5 Reasons to Consider Rotator Cuff Treatment Jan 4th, 2023

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...

When to See a Specialist About Your Chronic Knee Pain Dec 6th, 2022

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...

What to Do About Your Sudden Back Strain Nov 1st, 2022

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...

What to Expect With Shoulder Arthroscopy Oct 9th, 2022

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...

Can My Rotator Cuff Be Treated with Arthroscopy? Sep 21st, 2022

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...

How Are Sports Injuries Treated Differently Than Other Types of Injuries? Aug 9th, 2022

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...

How Long Can a Steroid Injection Last for My Shoulder Impingement? Jul 12th, 2022

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...

Understanding the Symptoms of a Torn Meniscus Jun 1st, 2022

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...

5 Ways to Treat Your Shoulder Impingement May 1st, 2022

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...

Can My Rotator Cuff Heal on Its Own? Apr 1st, 2022

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...

4 Benefits of Arthroscopic Surgery for Your ACL Reconstruction Mar 1st, 2022

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...

When a Torn Meniscus Can't Heal on Its Own Feb 1st, 2022

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...

I Have a Sports Injury: What Can I Do to Get Back in the Game? Jan 1st, 2022

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...

Arthroscopy: How It Works and How It Benefits You Dec 1st, 2021

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...

Can Anti-Inflammatory Medications Heal My Rotator Cuff Tear? Nov 1st, 2021

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...

Signs of an Achilles Tendon Injury Oct 4th, 2021

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...

Who's Most at Risk for ACL Tears? Sep 1st, 2021

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...

What Every Baseball Player Should Know About Shoulder Injuries Aug 4th, 2021

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...

The Most Common Sports Injuries in Females Jul 26th, 2021

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...

How ACL Reconstruction Can Get You Back in the Game Jun 6th, 2021

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....

How to Prevent Knee Injuries While Exercising May 6th, 2021

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...

What Causes a Swollen Knee? Apr 12th, 2021

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....

4 Benefits of Shoulder Arthroscopy Mar 9th, 2021

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...

How Does Aging Impact Knee Health? Feb 9th, 2021

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...

Signs of a Torn Meniscus Jan 8th, 2021

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: When to See a Doctor Dec 1st, 2020

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...

5 Injuries Knee Arthroscopy Can Help Nov 1st, 2020

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...

Tips For Easing Your Recovery After Knee Surgery Oct 1st, 2020

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...

7 Knee-Strengthening Exercises Every Active Person Should Know Sep 1st, 2020

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...

The Difference Between Tendonitis and a Ligament Tear Aug 4th, 2020

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....

5 Techniques for Protecting Your Rotator Cuff Jul 8th, 2020

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,...

Myths and Facts About the ACL Jun 9th, 2020

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...

Here's How Athletes Should Care For Their Muscles May 6th, 2020

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...

Torn ACL: What Now? Apr 1st, 2020

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...

Does It Feel Like Something's Floating in Your Knee Joint? It Could Be Articular Cartilage Mar 13th, 2020

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,...

Can a Meniscus Tear Heal Itself? Feb 1st, 2020

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....

Why You Should Never Ignore That Popping Sound in Your Shoulder Jan 1st, 2020

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...

What Is Shoulder Impingement? Dec 1st, 2019

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...

Getting Active Again After an ACL Injury Nov 6th, 2019

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,...

Why Are Meniscus Tears So Common? Oct 18th, 2019

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...

Post Workout Habits To Reduce Your Risk of Injury Sep 1st, 2019

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...

Your Shoe Choice Could Be a Big Factor in Preventing Knee Injuries Aug 2nd, 2019

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...

Why Every Athlete Should Incorporate Physical Therapy Into Their Wellness Routine Jul 12th, 2019

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,...

Returning to Sports After ACL Reconstruction Jun 12th, 2019

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...

How Some Knee Injuries Increase Your Risk for Osteoarthritis May 15th, 2019

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...

5 Ways You Could Be Worsening Your Knee Pain Apr 8th, 2019

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...

ACL Reconstruction: Here's What To Expect on The Road to Recovery Mar 1st, 2019

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...

5 Common Sports Injuries and How to Prevent Them Feb 7th, 2019

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...

Feeling Dull Pain Under Your Kneecap? Here’s What It Could Be Jan 18th, 2019

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...

3 Amazing Benefits of Arthroscopy Procedures Dec 11th, 2018

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....

Everything You Need to Know about ACL Reconstruction Nov 26th, 2018

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...

Why Surgery May Be Your Best Option Oct 16th, 2018

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,...

Meniscus Tear- Tips for Athletes To Reduce Your Risk Sep 13th, 2018

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...

Symptoms of Shoulder Problems You Shouldn't Ignore Aug 24th, 2018

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 Jul 12th, 2018

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...

Gearing Up: Five Pieces of Equipment Every Athlete Should Have Jun 21st, 2018

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...

8 Tips to Speed Shoulder Surgery Recovery May 17th, 2018

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 101: How to Safeguard Your Knees Apr 26th, 2018

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...

Why Rotator Cuff Injuries Are So Common Mar 30th, 2018

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...

8 Tips to Prevent Weekend Warrior Injuries Feb 8th, 2018

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...

5 Things You Didn’t Know About ACL Tears and Reconstruction Jan 31st, 2018

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...