Blog Archive

Help! Hip Pain Wakes Me Up at Night Oct 1st, 2023

Hip pain affects millions of Americans, with symptoms that can take a toll on just about every type of activity — even sleep. Getting a good night’s sleep is important for every aspect of health and wellness, including helping you manage pain. The cruel irony: Hip pain makes it hard to...

Does Your Favorite Sport Increase Your Risk of Developing Hip Problems? Sep 1st, 2023

Being physically active is important for your health. But if you play any type of sport, you know there can definitely be too much of a good thing. Overexertion, failure to warm up, and other issues can result in plenty of discomfort in your hips, even after minimal play. In...

Pulled Muscle or Hamstring Tear? How to Tell the Difference Aug 1st, 2023

Hamstring injuries are common, especially among athletes where they make up more than a third of all muscle traumas. But depending on the severity of the injury, it can be difficult to tell the difference between a pulled or strained hamstring muscle and a hamstring tear — and that can...

Can Hip Preservation Surgery for Early-Stage Osteoarthritis Help Me Avoid a Joint Replacement? Jul 10th, 2023

Millions of Americans suffer from osteoarthritis (OA), a degenerative disease that affects your joints. In OA, years of wear-and-tear damage the cartilage that protects the surface of the joints, triggering inflammation and causing symptoms like pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. As major weight-bearing joints, your hips are especially...

Do These Things Now If You Want Healthy Knees When You're Older Jun 5th, 2023

Most people think knee pain is a “normal” part of aging, but that’s not true. What is true is that knee pain can become more common with age, typically as a result of osteoarthritis — and that’s why it’s especially important to do all you can now to prevent it...

The Link Between Your Diet and Joint Health May 14th, 2023

Millions of Americans suffer from joint pain due to arthritis or other conditions. While there are medical treatments that can help relieve pain and restore mobility, most of us would like to do all we can to prevent joint problems on our own. That’s where dietary changes come into play. As...

Things That Make the Cartilage in Your Knee Wear Away Quicker Apr 2nd, 2023

Knee pain is a common medical problem for people of all ages and genders. While different problems can cause painful symptoms, cartilage wear is a major cause and becomes more common as we age. At his Houston, Texas, practice, Joshua D. Harris, MD, helps patients preserve their knee joints and repair their knee cartilage with cutting-edge treatments...

Why You Shouldn't Play Through a Hamstring Tear Mar 9th, 2023

Hamstring injuries are common, especially among athletes, who account for nearly 40% of all muscle injuries. Athletes are especially prone to hamstring problems because many sports put a lot of strain on your thighs, hips, and knees — but many nonathletes can tear their hamstrings, too. In Houston, Texas, Joshua D. Harris, MD,...

Understanding Your Treatment Options for a Gluteus Medius Tear Feb 15th, 2023

Gluteus medius tears are a surprisingly common cause of hip pain in people who are middle-aged or older, affecting as many as 25% of older women and men. A large, fan-shaped muscle, the gluteus medius plays a major role in helping you walk and perform other common activities. Unfortunately, because this muscle is located...

5 Common Myths About Chronic Pain Jan 10th, 2023

Roughly 20% of Americans suffer from chronic pain, making it one of the most common chronic medical problems among women and men. Without the right treatment, pain symptoms can keep you from doing activities you enjoy and may even keep you from spending time with friends and loved ones. Fortunately, today there are more...

What to Do About Snapping Hip Syndrome Dec 9th, 2022

When it comes to leg joint problems, the knees get all the attention. But your hips can develop problems, too, including a condition called snapping hip syndrome. As many as 10% of people suffer from snapping hip syndrome, including many athletes whose sports involve a lot of hip movement. The...

What to Expect After Surgery for Your Hip Fracture Nov 1st, 2022

Every year in the United States, more than 300,000 people suffer from hip fractures, a serious type of fracture that usually requires surgery to repair. Hip joint surgery has advanced a lot in recent years, and today, patients enjoy a faster recovery period and a quicker return to normal activities....

Signs That Your Hip Pain Could Be Hip Impingement Oct 11th, 2022

Hip impingement is a relatively common cause of hip pain, affecting up to 15% of the population. But despite its prevalence, lots of people don’t know what hip impingement is or what symptoms it can cause. A top-rated orthopedic surgeon in Houston, Texas, Joshua D. Harris, MD, has extensive experience in diagnosing and...

Treatment Options to Relieve Your Osteoarthritis Symptoms Sep 1st, 2022

About 32.5 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis (OA) — that’s almost 13% of the adult population. OA is more common among older women and men, but it can affect younger people, too — especially people whose jobs or hobbies put a lot of repetitive strain on their joints.  OA causes...

Foods to Avoid if You Have Gout Aug 2nd, 2022

About 3% of Americans have gout, an inflammatory type of arthritis that causes significant pain, stiffness, and swelling in one or more joints. Unlike osteoarthritis caused by joint wear and tear, gout happens when uric acid crystals build up inside your joint and interfere with normal joint function. Uric acid is a...

What's Causing My Chronic Hip Pain? Jul 1st, 2022

Chronic hip pain is a fairly common medical complaint for both women and men, and like a lot of joint-related pain, it tends to be more common among older people and people who put a lot of strain on their hips. Data show that about 15% of older Americans suffer from hip...

Is PRP Right for Me? Jun 1st, 2022

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an innovative treatment that helps speed up and enhance recovery following many types of injuries. Made from your own blood, PRP taps into your body’s natural healing cascade to help you feel better faster, without medication or surgery. Joshua D. Harris, MD, is skilled in PRP...

When Should I Use RICE Therapy? May 9th, 2022

Inflammation is a natural part of the healing process following an injury, and in small doses, the inflammatory response helps your body prevent infections and jump-start healing. But too much inflammation can “undo” some of those benefits, causing a lot of swelling and pain that can limit both function and...

The Benefits of a Rehabilitation Program After Surgery Apr 12th, 2022

Orthopedic surgery helps millions of Americans regain mobility, relieve pain, and improve their quality of life every year. And to reap those critical benefits, patients need to be ready to commit to a rehabilitation program after surgery to optimize their recovery and outcome. Dedicated to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care, Joshua...

My Hip Hurts When I Sleep on My Side Mar 14th, 2022

More than 15 million American adults suffer from hip pain, and while it might not be quite as common as knee pain, it can be just as disruptive and debilitating for those who suffer from it. Getting a good night’s sleep is crucial for relieving chronic pain and dealing with...

Nutrition and Diet Tips Before Surgery Feb 9th, 2022

Everybody knows the importance of good nutrition when it comes to staying healthy. But did you know nutrition can have an impact on your recovery following orthopedic surgery?  As a leading orthopedic surgeon in Houston, Texas, Joshua Harris, MD, is dedicated to providing his patients with optimal care at every...

4 Conditions That Are Treated with Arthroscopic Surgery Jan 18th, 2022

There was a time when “fixing” an ailing joint meant having surgery with a large incision and a protracted recovery period. But today, many joint issues can be treated using a minimally invasive technique called arthroscopic surgery. Relying on a special lighted instrument called an arthroscopy, arthroscopic surgery uses a...

3 Types of Hip Impingement Dec 13th, 2021

The knees typically get the lion’s share of attention regarding joint pain. But hips can cause plenty of discomforts, too, and in many cases, those symptoms are caused by a condition called hip impingement. Also known by its “medical” name, femoroacetabular impingement or FAI, hip impingement affects about 15% of...

Where Does PRP Come From? Nov 3rd, 2021

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has gained attention in recent years as physicians in different areas of medicine explore its uses and benefits. While new reports have focused on its use in anti-aging and cosmetic treatments, PRP has been used successfully for many years in orthopedics treatments. Even though PRP treatment is...

4 Signs of a Hamstring Tear Oct 4th, 2021

Hamstring tears are among the most common types of sports injuries in the United States, accounting for millions of injuries and doctor visits every year. Of course, you don’t have to be an athlete to tear your hamstring. Tears also become more common as we age, and our hamstring muscles...

What to Do About Osteoarthritis Pain Sep 1st, 2021

More than 32.5 million Americans suffer from the pain and stiffness of osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease that becomes a lot more common with age. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, occurring when wear and tear erode the lubricating surfaces of the joints, causing inflammation and interfering with normal...

Homecare for a Sports Injury and When to See a Doctor Aug 11th, 2021

Physical activity isn’t just healthy for you — it’s fun, too. But whether you’re a pro or an amateur, sports activities still come with the risk of injury. The CDC says nearly 9 million sports injuries happen every year in the United States. The good news: Many mild sports injuries...

Will I Need to Change My Lifestyle After Hip Surgery? Jul 1st, 2021

There was a time when hip surgery meant a long, protracted recovery, followed by pretty significant changes in your activity level. But today, advances in surgical technology enable patients to recover faster and get back to many of the activities they love. As a leading orthopedic surgeon in Houston, Texas,...

Strength Beats Stretch Jun 21st, 2021

Most of us have been taught that stretching is a critical activity for keeping our muscles supple and strong. Professional dancers, ballerinas, gymnasts, figures skaters, yogis, are all great examples. Who doesn’t admire the taut leg extensions, splits, and head-to-nose stretches? But guess what? While some amount of stretching can...

How to Prevent a Hamstring Injury May 1st, 2021

Your hamstring muscles and tendons play pivotal roles in helping you stay mobile — from getting out of bed in the morning to walking, climbing stairs, and just being active throughout the day. Learning how to prevent hamstring injuries is one of the best ways to keep those muscles healthy...

Is Your Lifestyle Worsening Your Arthritis? Apr 1st, 2021

Arthritis is a leading cause of disability among American adults, with symptoms growing worse with age. Today, about 55 million Americans have been diagnosed with arthritis, and nearly half say their symptoms interfere with their regular, day-to-day activities. What’s more, there are probably many more men and women who deal...

5 Signs of a Labral Tear Mar 1st, 2021

Hip pain is a common medical complaint for both women and men, affecting up to 40% of athletes and active adults and about 15% of all people over age 60. Various conditions can cause hip pain, including tears of the labrum, the cartilage ring that helps your hips move smoothly....

How to Keep Your Knees Healthy Long-term Feb 1st, 2021

Millions of Americans suffer from knee pain, including about 14 million older people who’ve been diagnosed with knee arthritis. Even mild knee pain and stiffness can take a significant toll on your life and your activities. But there are some things you can do — starting today — to help...

Why Every Athlete Should Have a Sports Medicine Doctor on Their Team Jan 1st, 2021

When most people think of a sports doctor, they think of a doctor who specializes in treating sports injuries  — and it’s true, a sports doctor does treat sports-related injuries. But that’s just one part of what a sports physician does. Sports doctors offer a wide array of treatments and...

Tips for Athletes Living With Hip Impingement Dec 1st, 2020

Hip pain can affect anyone of any age. It’s more common among people who lead very active lives, especially those who put a lot of repetitive strain on their hips or their legs in general. Many problems can cause hip pain, but one of the most common causes is a...

Here's How You Can Avoid Tearing Your Hamstring Again Nov 1st, 2020

Hamstring tears and related injuries are the most common injuries among athletes, and ironically, the most significant risk factor for injury is a prior hamstring injury. That means if your hamstring has been torn or strained in the past, you’re more likely to suffer a similar or more serious hamstring...

Who's Most at Risk For Hip Pain? Oct 7th, 2020

Hip pain is a common medical complaint for both women and men, and teens and kids. Some types of hip pain are minor and temporary, while others can be serious or chronic. Understanding your risks for hip pain is crucial to ensuring you get the medical care you need to...

PRP Therapy for Tendon Injuries Sep 14th, 2020

Every year in the United States, about 33 million people have musculoskeletal injuries — and roughly half of those involve their tendons or ligaments. Tendon injuries and chronic conditions like tendonitis are often associated with sports and recreational activities, but the fact is, anyone can wind up suffering from an...

Can Dancers Develop Hip Pain? Aug 10th, 2020

There are many different forms of dance, including ballet, hip hop, swing, and belly dancing. Whatever form of dance, these are art forms that require high flexibility, skill, and strength from a dancer.  Dancers are artists, but they’re also athletes who must train hard to achieve the movements that they...

Everything You Should Know About Hip Pain Caused From Running Jul 9th, 2020

Hip pain is a widespread condition. Your hip joint is an elaborate ball and socket type joint that bears up to 5 times your body weight when you run. When you run, you put intense pressure on this joint. Depending on the shape and structure of your hip joint, many...

What Causes Snapping Hip Sounds? Jun 24th, 2020

Your hips are an essential joint in your body that take a lot of stress and pressure, supporting your weight as you move. There are several injuries that can cause your hips to have issues. Snapping hip syndrome is a significant condition, but there are many treatment options available. Joshua...

Common Sports Injuries and How to Prevent Them May 13th, 2020

Whether you run, play basketball, tennis, or some other sport, you constantly push your body to its limits. Doing so puts you at risk for a number of serious injuries that can cause you discomfort and keep you from participating in your sport for a significant period of time. Learn...

Seven Signs of a Gluteus Medius Tear Apr 21st, 2020

The muscles in your body are essential to allowing you to move around and do the things you need and want to do. A gluteus medius tear is very painful and debilitating. Learn how to tell if that could be what you are experiencing, and the available treatment options. At...

When Hip Surgery Fails: Revision Hip Arthroscopy Can Repair Joint Damage Mar 6th, 2020

Your hips are essential joints in your body that allow you to move around. They bear the weight of your body, and when they are damaged due to an injury, or they wear down over time, you can experience significant pain and have difficulty moving. Hip pain can be serious...

Could Yoga Be Bad For Hip Pain? Feb 1st, 2020

Yoga is a form of exercise that has existed for over 5,000 years, and there are many different types of yoga. In recent years it has become quite popular, especially in the West, as a form of exercise that tones muscles while relieving stress. Yoga can provide an excellent opportunity...

Is Surgery Inevitable for My Hamstring Tear? Jan 1st, 2020

Each hamstring is made of three muscles. These muscles, which are on the back of your upper legs, help you lift your legs and bend your knees. A hamstring tear can quickly put you on the sidelines and force you to miss out on your favorite activities.  Hamstring injuries are...

Bad Habits That Could Be Making Your Knee Pain Worse Nov 1st, 2019

Lots of things can make your knee pain worse – including some bad habits that you might not even realize could impact your joints! From what you eat to how much you move around and the shoes you choose, every part of your daily life can contribute to knee pain. ...

Why It’s So Important to Stay Active With Arthritis Oct 1st, 2019

When your arthritis acts up, the last thing you may want to do is move. But staying active is a great way to combat the disease. The office of Joshua D. Harris, MD, specializes in treating patients with arthritis and helping them regain an active and productive life. What is...

How PRP Is Changing the Sports Rehabilitation Industry Sep 1st, 2019

PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections are revolutionizing the sports rehabilitation industry and it’s easy to see why. According to a study performed by The University of Alberta, PRP injections facilitate a structural change in the healing process and improve both pain and functionality.   At the offices of Joshua D. Harris, MD,...

Signs Your Chronic Hip Pain Could Be Hip Impingement Aug 7th, 2019

If you’ve been missing soccer or tennis matches and haven’t been able to get through your normal exercise routine because of chronic hip pain, it’s time to visit the doctor. Pain in your hip, groin, or both that has continued for a number of weeks is a sign that your...

The Connection Between Hip Impingement and Labral Tears Jul 17th, 2019

Hip impingement and labral tears have one big thing in common: They both hurt! But there’s more to the similarities of these conditions than meets the eye. If you’ve experienced hip impingement – abnormal growth in the ball and socket of your hip joints – you could also be at...

5 Ways to Prevent a Hamstring Tear Jun 18th, 2019

Hamstring injuries are among the most common sports injuries according to a UnityPoint Health report. And they can affect anyone—from star athletes like the Houston Astros’ George Springer to the common weekend warrior enjoying a jog around the neighborhood. No matter where you fit on the activity-level spectrum, you may...

Common Causes of Hip Impingement May 24th, 2019

Picture a scoop of ice cream sitting on top of a small waffle cone. Usually, that’s what your hip joint looks like: The ball of your hip joint (femoral head, which is the very top of your thigh bone -- it’s the ice cream) sits on the femoral neck (a...

What Does a Labral Tear in the Hip Feel Like? Apr 24th, 2019

If you’re anything like the average adult, chances are you’ve experienced a mild groin pull at some point in your life. This tender and sometimes painful injury is just as common in avid runners and other highly active people as it is in weekend warriors and those who spend more...

Understanding the 3 Types of Femoroacetabular Impingement Mar 27th, 2019

When ongoing hip pain is little more than a minor irritation, an over-the-counter pain reliever may be all you need to get through your day. But when the pain is debilitating, it can interfere with your ability to walk, sit in a chair, go up and down stairs, and sleep...

What to Expect When Recovering From Hip Arthroscopy Feb 11th, 2019

Minimally invasive hip arthroscopy is generally easier on your body overall than traditional open surgery, but it’s still surgery and there’s still some recovery time necessary. Your recovery also depends on the nature and extent of the hip damage that led to arthroscopic repair. Knowing what to expect and how...