Joint Center Comes to Southeast Houston
With the addition of the Memorial Hermann Joint Center at Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital, there are now eight convenient Joint Center locations throughout the Houston area, offering the most advanced treatment options for joint pain. “A patient may experience joint pain, stiffness or swelling when joints are damaged by arthritis, other diseases or injuries and the joint starts to wear away,” explains Victor Van Phan, D.O., medical director at the Joint Center at Memorial Hermann Southeast. “We develop an individualized treatment plan for each patient,” he says, “and our first step is to take a conservative, nonsurgical approach. We look at how effective a new prescription medicine may be, or a joint injection or physical therapy. Another treatment option is joint replacement.” Treatment options are based on the patient’s general medical condition and to what degree the pain affects the patient’s quality of life. “We partner with each patient every step of the way to determine the best treatment options that lead to the best recovery,” he explains. The goal is to always relieve pain and stiffness and to help a patient move more easily. “Being at Memorial Hermann Joint Center is an excellent opportunity to collaborate with other experienced and highly trained orthopedic surgeons in the Houston area,” Dr. Van Phan adds. “We share the same team approach to patient care, with the goal to provide only the highest level of quality, professional care during the diagnosis and treatment. If surgery is recommended, we provide a team approach to ensure a safe and speedy recovery at home.” PATIENT CARE PHILOSOPHY “We offer our patients the most advanced orthopedic surgical techniques and procedures, using state-of-the-art technology, including digital radiography,” he says, “but I believe patients do best when they are actively involved in their own care and decision-making process.” A board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in general orthopedic surgery and sports medicine, Dr. Van Phan is a proud native of southeast Houston. “Our facility is an integral part of the southeast community and I grew up four miles from our Joint Center. When I was young, I volunteered at this Memorial Hermann hospital, so having the hospital named a Memorial Hermann Joint Center holds special meaning for me.” Dr. Van Phan’s patient care philosophy is based on maintaining a very personal approach to each patient. “I take time to reach out to patients before and after surgery, and we treat all our patients the same – like they are family.” Patients are encouraged to take responsibility for their health and to follow the recommendations for a speedy recovery. “We find that patients do better when they exercise both before and after surgery,” he adds. “We have learned how important it is to get our muscles strong and to keep joints mobile.” Recommendations for joint health include following a healthy diet, which includes fish to reduce inflammation, and eating foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, such as dairy products, to keep bones strong. Maintaining a healthy weight is important because extra pounds add additional strain on knees and ankles. “The Joint Center team at Memorial Hermann Southeast works hard, always focuses on taking care of our patients and their families, and maintains the highest standards of excellence. They combine expertise and compassion, and it shows every day.” He also emphasizes the collaborative effort among all of the physicians, other caregivers and staff. “Our entire care team gains unbelievable satisfaction knowing we help patients achieve a pain-free life,” he adds. The Joint Center is easily accessible to patients and their families and there is convenient free parking available. Memorial Hermann Joint Centers are conveniently located throughout the Greater Houston area: Memorial City, Greater Heights (formerly Northwest), Southwest, Southeast, Texas Medical Center, The Woodlands, Katy and Sugar Land.