What are the opening hours?

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

James Chen, MD

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.

12/26/2025

Taping or bracing can offer temporary support, but it’s not a long-term fix. So when should you use them?

✔️ During recovery from a sprain, strain, or overuse injury
✔️ As a preventive tool during sports or high-impact activity
✔️ To add stability if you have joint laxity or mild instability
✔️ Post-surgery, as recommended by your care team
✔️ If you're experiencing pain and need short-term relief while being evaluated

⚠️ But here’s the key: bracing or taping shouldn’t replace proper diagnosis or rehab.
If you’re relying on it daily just to get through normal movement, it’s time to get checked out.

📞 Not sure if support is helping or masking the issue? Book an evaluation, we’ll guide you the right way.

12/25/2025

🎄 Happy Holidays from Our Team to Yours

Wishing you a season filled with comfort, warmth, and time to do what you love, pain-free.

Thank you for trusting us with your care this year. Whether you’re recovering from surgery, managing chronic pain, or just getting started on your treatment journey, we’re honored to support your health and mobility.

12/22/2025

ACL vs. MCL Injuries: What’s the Difference?

Both are common knee injuries, but they affect different ligaments and require different treatment approaches.

ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament):
-Often injured during sudden stops, pivots, or direction changes
-You may hear a pop, followed by swelling and instability
-Usually requires surgery if torn, especially for active individuals

MCL (Medial Collateral Ligament):
-Usually injured by a direct blow to the outer knee (common in contact sports)
-Causes pain on the inner side of the knee
-Often heals with bracing, rest, and physical therapy, surgery is less common

📞 Not sure what you're dealing with? Book an evaluation with our orthopedic team, we’ll get to the root of the injury and guide your recovery.

12/19/2025

Excited to hit the slopes? Don’t let one wrong move turn into months of recovery.

Here are some of the most common mistakes we see behind ski-related injuries:

❌ Skipping the warm-up – Cold, tight muscles = higher risk for strains and tears
❌ Poor body positioning – Leaning too far back throws off your control
❌ Ignoring fatigue – Most injuries happen at the end of the day when your form breaks down
❌ Wrong gear or improper fit – Especially boots and bindings
❌ Trying to ski above your skill level – Know your limits, especially on ice or powder

Most ski injuries involve the knee (like ACL or MCL tears), shoulder dislocations, or wrist fractures.

12/17/2025

It happens fast, one wrong move on icy pavement or while lifting snow, and your knee takes the hit.

Here’s what to do right away:

🧊 R.I.C.E. – Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation
🤕 Avoid pushing through the pain, it can worsen a sprain or tear
🧼 Don’t apply heat too early, it can increase swelling in the first 48 hours
🚶‍♂️ If you can’t bear weight, hear a pop, or notice swelling within a few hours, it’s time to get evaluated

Knee injuries from shoveling often involve ligaments, tendons, or the meniscus, and early care leads to better recovery outcomes.

📞 Think you’ve done more than just “tweak” it? Book a visit with our team, we’ll assess the damage and get you on the right path to healing.

12/15/2025

If you’ve been scheduled for an MRI, don’t stress. It’s a safe, non-invasive way to get a detailed look at your joints, muscles, ligaments, and soft tissues.

Here’s what to expect:

🛏️ You’ll lie on a padded table that slides into the MRI machine
🔇 You’ll hear some loud tapping or knocking, that’s totally normal
🕒 The scan typically takes 20–45 minutes, depending on the area being examined
💤 Stay as still as possible, movement can blur the images
🙅‍♀️ It’s completely painless and uses no radiation

Once complete, we’ll review the images and walk you through what we see and what it means for your treatment plan.

12/12/2025

You’ve probably heard the phrase “bone on bone,” and yes, it sounds intense. But let’s break it down.

👉 It usually means that the cartilage in your joint (often the knee or hip) has significantly worn down, causing the bones to rub more closely together. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, but it doesn’t always mean you need surgery right away.

We look at your full picture: pain levels, function, imaging, and lifestyle before recommending treatment.

📞 If you’ve been told you’re “bone on bone,” don’t panic. Schedule a consultation with our team. We’ll walk you through your options, whether that’s conservative care or surgical support.

12/10/2025

New year, new fitness goals? Great, just don’t let poor form or overtraining land you in our office.

Here are some of the most common mistakes we see that lead to orthopedic injuries:

❌ Skipping the warm-up – Cold muscles = higher injury risk
❌ Lifting with poor form – Especially during squats, deadlifts, or overhead presses
❌ Training too hard, too fast – Progress takes time; rushing it can cost you
❌ Ignoring pain – Discomfort is one thing; sharp or persistent pain needs attention
❌ Neglecting mobility work – Tight hips, shoulders, or hamstrings can throw off your form

Stay strong and safe.

📞 Not sure if your pain is soreness or something more? Book an evaluation, we’ll help you prevent minor issues from becoming major injuries.

12/08/2025

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome happens when the median nerve, which runs through your wrist, becomes compressed or irritated inside the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway in your wrist.

Common symptoms include:
✔️ Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, or middle finger
✔️ Wrist or hand pain, especially at night
✔️ Weak grip or dropping objects
✔️ Symptoms that get worse with repetitive hand movements

Early treatment can often prevent long-term nerve damage and may include splinting, activity modification, or, in some cases, surgery.

📞 Not sure if your hand pain is carpal tunnel? Book a consultation with our orthopedic team,and we’ll get to the root of it and help you feel better, faster.

12/05/2025

Not imagining it, your joints really can feel stiffer in the cold.

Here’s why:
🧊 Lower temperatures can cause your muscles and connective tissues to tighten up, reducing flexibility and range of motion.
🌡️ Cold weather may also affect circulation, making joints feel achy or slow to “warm up.”
🛋️ Plus, people tend to move less in winter, and inactivity = increased stiffness.

The good news? Gentle movement, staying warm, and targeted exercises can help keep your joints feeling better through the colder months.

12/03/2025

Not all pain is created equal and understanding the type of pain you’re experiencing helps us treat it more effectively.

Nerve Pain often feels like:
⚡ Sharp, shooting, burning, or tingling
⚡ Pain radiating down an arm or leg
⚡ Numbness or weakness in the limb

Structural Joint Pain often feels like:
🔧 Achy, deep, or throbbing
🔧 Stiffness, especially after rest
🔧 Pain that worsens with movement or weight-bearing

At our orthopedic practice, we evaluate both the nerves and the joints to find the true source of your discomfort so you get the right treatment, not just a temporary fix.

$One wrong step on icy ground can lead to serious injuries, especially hip, wrist, and shoulder fractures. Here’s how to ...$

12/01/2025

One wrong step on icy ground can lead to serious injuries, especially hip, wrist, and shoulder fractures. Here’s how to stay safer this winter:

✅ Wear shoes with good grip, look for non-slip soles
✅ Take shorter steps and walk slowly
✅ Keep hands out of your pockets to help maintain balance
✅ Use handrails when available
✅ Watch for black ice, especially in early mornings and shaded areas
✅ Step down, not out from vehicles
✅ Avoid carrying heavy loads that can throw off your balance

Even with caution, accidents happen, and we’re here if they do.

📞 If you’ve taken a fall or notice pain afterward, schedule an evaluation with our team. Early treatment = better recovery.

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/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when James Chen, MD posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to James Chen, MD:

Shortcuts

Address
Telephone
Opening Hours
Alerts
Contact The Practice
Claim ownership or report listing

Want your practice to be the top-listed Clinic in San Francisco?