1
Orthopedic Examination
We assess pain location, swelling, motion, stability, strength, mechanism of injury and whether the athlete can safely bear weight or use the injured extremity.
Urgent appointments when available
Same-Day Sports Injury Care and X-Rays in Atlanta
A sports injury should not always mean hours in an emergency room or weeks waiting for an orthopedic appointment. Atlanta Bone & Joint Specialists offers urgent and same-day evaluations when available, digital X-rays, bracing, splinting, casting and fast access to MRI when medically appropriate.
Same-day availability depends on the office, time of request and injury. Severe trauma, open injuries, loss of circulation, major numbness or other true emergencies require immediate emergency-department care.
Orthopedic evaluation
See a team focused on bone, joint, tendon, ligament and sports-related injuries.
Digital X-rays in office
Many injuries can be evaluated with X-rays during the same orthopedic visit.
Immediate treatment options
Bracing, splinting, casting, injections or other treatment may begin at the visit.
Fast MRI access
MRI at our Snellville office may sometimes be arranged quickly when clinically appropriate.
One visit can start the process
Evaluation, Imaging and Initial Treatment
The goal is to identify the injury quickly, protect the injured area and create a clear next step—without sending every athlete through the emergency room.
2
X-Rays or MRI Planning
Digital X-rays may be obtained during the appointment. MRI can be arranged when the examination suggests a tendon, ligament, meniscus, cartilage or other soft-tissue injury.
3
Start Treatment
Treatment may include a brace, boot, splint, cast, activity restriction, medication, therapy plan, aspiration, injection or surgical consultation depending on the diagnosis.
Common sports injuries
Injuries We Evaluate
We treat athletes of different ages and activity levels, from school sports and weekend competition to recreational exercise and adult league injuries.
Knee Injuries
Meniscus tears, ligament injuries, kneecap dislocations, cartilage injuries and painful swelling
Shoulder Injuries
Dislocations, separations, rotator cuff injuries, labral injuries and painful loss of motion
Ankle and Foot Injuries
Sprains, fractures, Achilles injuries, tendon problems and difficulty bearing weight
Hand, Wrist and Finger Injuries
Fractures, sprains, tendon injuries, dislocations and painful swelling
Elbow and Arm Injuries
Sprains, fractures, tendon injuries, dislocations and throwing-related pain
Muscle and Tendon Injuries
Hamstring, quadriceps, patellar tendon, Achilles and other acute soft-tissue injuries
Avoid an unnecessary ER visit
Call Before Going to the Emergency Room
Many closed sports injuries can be evaluated in an orthopedic office with X-rays and immediate treatment. Calling first may save time and help determine whether the injury is appropriate for same-day office care or requires emergency-department resources.
Tell us it is a new sports injury.
Describe when the injury occurred, the body part involved and whether there is deformity, numbness, an open wound or inability to bear weight.
Call 404-298-3730What may happen at the visit
Sports Injury Treatment Options
Immediate office-based care
✓Digital X-rays when a fracture or joint injury is suspected
✓Braces, boots, slings, splints or casts when appropriate
✓Reduction of selected dislocations or fractures when safe for office treatment
✓Aspiration of a swollen joint when medically indicated
✓Medication, activity restriction and a rehabilitation plan
Next-step services when needed
✓Fast MRI coordination for suspected soft-tissue injuries
✓Physical therapy or sport-specific rehabilitation
✓Follow-up imaging to confirm healing or alignment
✓Surgical consultation for injuries that will not heal reliably without repair
✓Return-to-sport guidance based on strength, healing and stability
!
Some sports injuries still require the emergency room.
Go to an emergency department or call 911 for an open fracture, uncontrolled bleeding, loss of pulse or color, major numbness, severe deformity, head or neck injury, chest pain, difficulty breathing, suspected hip dislocation, severe multi-system trauma or another true emergency.
Fast access to advanced imaging
Sports Injury MRI Without an Unnecessary Delay
When medically appropriate, MRI at our Snellville location may sometimes be available the same day or within one to two business days after required insurance authorization, subject to scanner availability, the study requested and patient eligibility.
Why MRI may be important
X-rays are excellent for many fractures and joint-alignment problems, but they do not directly show most meniscus, ligament, tendon, labral or cartilage injuries. MRI may be recommended when the examination suggests one of these soft-tissue problems.
Fast Orthopedic MRI Access
Learn about MRI scheduling, authorization and self-pay options at our Snellville location.
Explore MRI services →
Meniscus Tear Evaluation
Knee pain, swelling, catching and locking after sports or twisting injuries.
Meniscus care →
Rotator Cuff Injuries
Shoulder pain, weakness and loss of motion after a fall or sports injury.
Rotator cuff care →
Seasonal Saturday access
Saturday Walk-In Injury Clinic During Football Season
Atlanta Bone & Joint Specialists also offers a Saturday injury clinic during high-school football season for injured athletes. Review the clinic page for current dates, hours, location and eligibility before arriving.
Related urgent orthopedic care
More Ways to Get Evaluated Quickly
Fracture Care and X-Rays
Same-day fracture evaluation, casting, splinting, bracing and reduction when appropriate.
Fracture care →
Swollen Knee and Joint Aspiration
Urgent evaluation for fluid on the knee, painful swelling, gout or possible joint infection.
Swollen joint care →
Choose an Office
View services and directions for Decatur, Snellville and Loganville.
Our locations →
Frequently asked questions
Sports Injury Care FAQs
Can I get a same-day appointment for a sports injury?
Same-day appointments may be available depending on the office, time of request and injury. Call and tell the
scheduling team that the problem is a new sports injury.
Are X-rays available during the appointment?
Digital X-rays are available at our Decatur, Snellville and Loganville offices and may be obtained during the
orthopedic visit when indicated.
Can you provide a brace, boot, splint or cast?
Yes. Depending on the diagnosis, office-based treatment may include bracing, a walking boot, a sling, splinting
or casting.
Can a dislocated joint be reduced in the office?
Selected dislocations may be appropriate for office reduction, but others require emergency-department sedation,
advanced imaging or surgery. Call first so the team can help determine the safest setting.
Can MRI be arranged quickly?
When medically appropriate, MRI at the Snellville location may sometimes be available the same day or within
one to two business days after required insurance authorization, depending on scanner availability, the study
requested and patient eligibility.
Do you treat adults as well as school athletes?
Yes. We evaluate recreational athletes, adult-league participants, runners, gym injuries, weekend athletes and
school sports injuries.
When should I go directly to the emergency room?
Seek emergency care for an open injury, uncontrolled bleeding, loss of circulation, major numbness, severe
deformity, head or neck injury, chest pain, difficulty breathing, suspected hip dislocation or severe trauma.
Decatur · Snellville · Loganville
Urgent Sports Injury Evaluation Across the Atlanta Area
Call our central scheduling number and tell the team that the problem is a new sports injury.
Do Not Let a Sports Injury Sit for Weeks
Get an orthopedic diagnosis, X-rays when needed and a treatment plan designed to protect healing and help you return safely to activity.
This page is provided for general educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or a
physician-patient relationship. Treatment recommendations depend on an individual examination, medical history,
imaging and injury severity.