Sports Medicine Doctor

At OrthoSC, the Grand Strand's largest and most comprehensive orthopedic practice, our specialty-trained doctors​ are dedicated to providing world-class care for a variety of sports-related injuries and conditions.

A sports medicine doctor is a medical professional who works with many types of athletes who have pain. For instance, a doctor may be a team doctor and help professional, collegiate, or high school athletes. However, doctors who specialize in sports medicine also treat weekend warriors or people who consider themselves non-athletes but still participate in individual sports for fitness.

While sports medicine doctors treat athletes who have sustained athletic injuries while participating in contact sports, they may also treat people who have sports-related injuries due to repetitive stress or overuse, such as tennis elbow.

Sometimes sports injuries and pain can be treated using a minimally invasive procedure, physical therapy, or medication. If those conservative treatments are not helpful, sports medicine specialists are able to offer surgery that can restore a patient to better health.

When It's Time to Seek Sports Medicine Care

When you have sports-related pain, it's important to pay close attention to your symptoms so you can give your specialist a more detailed description of your pain when you go to your appointment, which in turn helps your doctor diagnose and treat you. Although every person experiences sports-related issues differently, here are examples of common symptoms you may be noticing:

  • Ankle pain
  • Decreased range of motion in the affected joint
  • Hip or other joint locks up
  • Pain and swelling in the ankle, shoulder, knee, or other joint
  • Pain that worsens when you exercise or participate in your sport
  • Popping sound occurred when the joint was injured
  • Stiffness
  • Swelling
  • Tingling or numbness

Having any of the symptoms above may indicate one of the following common sports-related problems or injuries:

  • Concussion
  • Fracture
  • Hip injury
  • Joint dislocation
  • Knee injury
  • Muscle, tendon, or ligament tears
  • Overuse injury (golfer's elbow or tennis elbow)
  • Shoulder injury, such as a rotator cuff tear
  • Sprain
  • Strain

Taking good care of yourself means seeing a sports medicine specialist when you suspect a problem and taking action sooner rather than later. In doing so, you may be able to avoid further pain or the need for surgery. You may also reduce the risk of having your condition worsen or developing severe problems, for instance, if the damage advances over time and you begin to lose mobility in the affected joint. To discuss your options, schedule an appointment with one of our sports medicine doctors by calling (843) 353-3460 or scheduling an appointment online.

Urgent Care Is Now Expert Care

When you need the right care, right now for bone, joint, and muscle needs, walk into our orthopedic Urgent Care in Market Common or North Myrtle Beach seven days a week to get immediate help.

More About Our Urgent Care

Experience World-Class Sports Medicine Care at OrthoSC

At OrthoSC, our experts apply their medical knowledge and skills to treating you and your sports-related issue. They are dedicated to providing each patient with specialized orthopedic care and are equipped with the most advanced resources, which allows your doctor to focus exclusively on diagnosing and treating your pain.

Our specialty-trained sports medicine surgeons, Dr. Brian Blair, Dr. J. Clark Butler, Dr. Thomas Chambers, Dr. Nathaniel Evans, Dr. Max GehrmanDr. Edward Mikol, and Dr. Todd Tupis, are highly skilled in their respected field of evaluating and treating sports injuries and conditions. A core component of their care is ensuring that every patient is educated about the pain-relieving nonsurgical treatment options that are available to them. Our doctors also consult with their patients, offering suggestions, listening to questions, and helping them decide which course to take. Finally, be assured that our sports medicine surgeons are committed to pursuing nonsurgical options first, such as physical therapy, bracing, or injections. At the same time, our surgeons will recommend surgery if they believe that is the best option to restore proper function. Regardless of the treatment you ultimately receive for your sports-related injury or condition, our doctors will make sure to educate you about your condition, treatment options, and what you can expect afterward.

Having questions or concerns about your sports-related issue is normal. Schedule an appointment with one of our experienced sports medicine doctors by scheduling an appointment online or by calling one of our convenient locations in Conway, Murrells Inlet, Myrtle Beach – Carolina ForestMyrtle Beach – Market Common, or North Myrtle Beach at (843) 353-3460. We’re ready to help restore you to better health.