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Monday 8am - 5pm Tuesday 8am - 5pm Wednesday 8am - 5pm Thursday 8am - 5pm Friday 8am - 5pm

James Chen, MD

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Dr. Chen believes in treating the whole patient and not just the injury. He places special emphasis

James Chen, MD is a general orthopaedic surgeon with a focus on sports-related injuries. His practice covers a broad range of orthopaedic treatments, from fracture care to joint replacements, anatomic ACL reconstruction, or ligament repair. Dr. Chen believes in treating the whole patient, not just the injury. He places special emphasis on the important face time before and after surgery, making sure he and his staff are present, available, and ready to answer any questions you might have.

10/12/2026

🤔 Not sure about your diagnosis or treatment plan? It’s okay to ask questions, your peace of mind matters. Whether you’re facing surgery, ongoing pain, or just want clarity, a second opinion can offer valuable insight and confidence in your next step. 🩺 At our office, we’re here to listen, evaluate, and help you make the best decision for your health. Need a second opinion? We’re here. Book your consult today.

10/09/2026

🦴 Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip socket doesn’t fully cover the ball of the thigh bone, causing the joint to be unstable. In infants, this can lead to developmental issues if not detected early, and in adults, it may cause hip pain, limping, or early arthritis. Proper diagnosis is key from physical exams and imaging in babies to advanced scans in adults. 💙 With the right treatment, which may include bracing in infants or corrective surgery in older patients, hip function and mobility can often be preserved. 👉 If you or your child has symptoms of hip instability, schedule an evaluation today to protect long-term joint health.

10/07/2026

Both fractures and sprains can cause pain and discomfort, but they’re very different injuries. Here’s how to tell the difference:

Fracture (Broken Bone):
Severe pain at the site of the injury
Swelling and bruising
Deformity or visible bone protrusion (in severe cases)
Difficulty or inability to move the affected area
Numbness or tingling

Sprain (Torn Ligament):
Pain around the joint or ligament
Swelling and bruising around the joint
Limited range of motion, but you might still be able to move the joint
Instability in the affected area

If you're unsure or experiencing severe pain, it's essential to seek medical attention. Dr. James Chen can help diagnose your injury and guide you toward the right treatment plan to get you back on track! 🩺💡

10/05/2026

🏃‍♀️ Shin splints got you wincing every time your foot hits the ground?
They’re caused by inflammation in the muscles and tissues along your shinbone, usually from overuse, poor footwear, or a sudden jump in activity (hello, New Year workout goals). Running on hard surfaces, flat feet, or tight calves can also be major contributors. It’s your body’s way of saying, “Slow down and support me better.”

👉 Still dealing with shin pain that won’t go away? Let’s figure out what’s really going on and get you back to moving pain-free.

10/02/2026

The humerus is the long bone in the upper arm. It runs from the shoulder to the elbow, connecting the shoulder blade (scapula) to the lower arm bones (radius and ulna). The humerus helps with arm movement and supports muscles involved in lifting, throwing, and other motions. Its rounded top fits into the shoulder joint, while the bottom forms part of the elbow joint.

09/30/2026

Hamstring sprain recovery takes time and the right steps make all the difference.
Hamstring strains happen when the muscle is overstretched or overloaded, and healing too quickly or improperly can lead to reinjury.

Here’s what recovery typically involves:
🧊 Rest + reducing inflammation in the first few days
🏃 Gradual stretching to restore flexibility
🏋️‍♂️ Progressive strengthening, especially eccentric exercises
🦵 Correcting muscle imbalances in the hips and glutes
🎯 Return-to-sport training once strength and mobility match the uninjured side

Rushing back too soon is the #1 cause of repeat hamstring injuries, patience and guided rehab are key.

If you’re dealing with hamstring pain or a recent strain, schedule an evaluation. We’ll help you recover safely and prevent future setbacks.

09/28/2026

🦵 Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows orthopedic surgeons to see inside the knee joint using a tiny camera.

Through small incisions, specialized instruments are used to diagnose and treat problems like torn meniscus, ACL injuries, cartilage damage, or loose fragments.

Because the procedure requires only small incisions, patients often experience less pain, quicker recovery, and smaller scars compared to traditional surgery.

Knee arthroscopy is one of the most common and effective ways to restore function and relieve knee pain.

👉 If knee pain is keeping you from moving comfortably, schedule a consultation to see if arthroscopy may be the right solution.

09/25/2026

🏃 Your knee has important ligaments on both sides that provide stability: the MCL (medial collateral ligament) on the inside and the LCL (lateral collateral ligament) on the outside.

An MCL injury is more common, often caused by a blow to the outer knee that overstretches the inner ligament.

An LCL injury is less frequent but occurs when the inner knee takes the hit, stressing the outer ligament.

Both can cause pain, swelling, and instability, but treatment depends on severity and whether other ligaments are involved.

With proper diagnosis and care, from bracing and therapy to surgery in severe cases, most patients regain full knee stability.

👉 If you’ve had knee pain after an injury, schedule an orthopedic evaluation to find out if it’s an MCL or LCL issue.

$🦴 When a bone fracture is too severe to heal on its own, surgeons may use internal fixation, specialized hardware like p...$

09/23/2026

🦴 When a bone fracture is too severe to heal on its own, surgeons may use internal fixation, specialized hardware like plates, screws, or rods, to hold the bone in its proper position during healing.

Plates and screws are often used for complex fractures near joints, while rods are commonly placed inside long bones like the femur or tibia to stabilize them.

These devices keep the bone aligned, allow earlier movement, and improve the chances of full recovery.

With proper surgical care and rehab, most patients regain strength and function after internal fixation.

👉 If you’ve suffered a fracture, schedule an orthopedic consultation to learn whether internal fixation is the right option for you.

09/21/2026

A few weeks of inactivity over the holidays can have a bigger impact on your joints than you think.

When movement slows down, joints stiffen, muscles weaken, and inflammation can build, making January a common month for flare-ups.

Here’s what happens during long periods of reduced activity:
🦴 Stiff joints from lack of lubrication and movement
💪 Weaker muscles that normally support your knees, hips, and back
⚡ Increased inflammation, especially for those with arthritis
🏃 Tightness in hips and hamstrings, affecting posture and gait
🔁 Higher injury risk once you return to exercise too quickly

The good news? Even light movement can counteract these effects.

If joint pain spiked after a slower holiday season, schedule an evaluation, early care gets you moving comfortably again.

Address

450 Sutter Street
San Francisco, CA
94108

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm

Telephone

+14159003000

Website

http://www.jameschenmd.com/

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