Sports Medicine Specialist
Andrew Kersten, MD
Orthopedic Surgery located in Hendersonville, NC & Arden, NC
Dual board-certified in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine, Andrew Kersten, MD, provides individualized treatment for athletes of all ages and backgrounds. At his private practice in Asheville, North Carolina, Dr. Kersten specializes in sports medicine injuries, with a particular interest in shoulder, knee, and elbow disorders. For the highest quality of personalized care in sports medicine, book an appointment at Dr. Kersten’s office online or by phone today.
Sports Medicine Q & A
What is sports medicine?
Sports medicine is a medical specialty that focuses on diagnosing and treating injuries and disorders that commonly result from sports or physical activities. Dr. Kersten is dual board-certified in orthopedic surgery and orthopedic sports medicine. His fellowship training in sports medicine provides him with the expertise to care for the full spectrum of musculoskeletal conditions.
What are common sports injuries?
Sports injuries may appear suddenly after acute trauma, like a fall or collision with another athlete, or they may develop slowly from repetitive stress. Dr. Kersten diagnoses and treats acute and overuse injuries, including:
- Ankle sprains
- Achilles tendon injuries
- Meniscus tears
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears
- Rotator cuff tears
- Shoulder dislocations
- Shoulder labrum/SLAP tears
- Cartilage injuries
- Tennis/golfer’s elbow
- Fractures
No matter what type of injury you have, Dr. Kersten works with you to develop an individualized treatment plan tailored to your particular activity level.
Who needs sports medicine treatment?
Dr. Kersten works with athletes of all backgrounds and ages. He cares for numerous high school athletic teams in Buncombe, Haywood, and Henderson counties
However, you don’t need to play on a team to seek sports medicine treatment. Many patients come to Dr. Kersten with musculoskeletal injuries from running, skiing, or simply playing outside.
What treatments does a sports medicine specialist provide?
Before he recommends treatment, Dr. Kersten performs a thorough physical exam and reviews your symptoms and medical history. He asks about the location, severity, and duration of your pain. He may also take diagnostic tests, such as X-ray or blood tests.
Once he accurately diagnoses your sports medicine condition, Dr. Kersten discusses your best options for treatment. This may include nonsurgical or surgical treatments, such as:
- Therapeutic injections, like platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
- Minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery
- Physical therapy
- Open surgery
If your injury or condition is outside the scope of Dr. Kersten’s practice, he happily refers you to a specialist who can provide the best care for you.
To find out how sports medicine can help you return to your favorite activities as safely and quickly as possible, call the office of Andrew Kersten, MD, or book an appointment online today.