Sports Medicine & Sports Injury Care in Seoul Back in the game
Rolled an ankle on the trail, sore knees from marathon training, or a sudden pop at the back of your heel? Our orthopedic surgeons and therapists help active people in Seoul recover and return to sport.
Gangnam Nanoori Hospital, at 731 Eonju-ro in Gangnam, Seoul (Hakdong Station, Line 7, Exit 10), treats sports injuries such as ankle sprains, runner's knee, Achilles tendon problems, ACL and meniscus tears. Joint Center orthopedic surgeons examine you, arrange X-ray, ultrasound or MRI if needed, and start with physical therapy and rehabilitation, with arthroscopy when surgery is truly needed. English-speaking coordinators help you book via WhatsApp at +82-10-6290-9796.
Sports injuries we see every week
Sports injuries usually fall into two groups: sudden injuries, like a twisted ankle or a torn ligament, and overuse injuries that build up over weeks of training. Both deserve a proper diagnosis, because the right plan depends on exactly which tissue is hurt. Our Knee Center and Foot & Ankle teams work closely with sports medicine.
Ankle sprains
Stretched or torn ankle ligaments from rolling the foot. Most heal with rehab; repeated sprains need a closer look.
Runner's knee
Aching around or behind the kneecap, often linked to training load, hip strength and running technique.
Achilles tendinopathy
Pain and stiffness in the heel cord, usually from overuse. Usually improves with a structured loading program.
Achilles tendon rupture
A sudden pop at the back of the ankle. Needs prompt assessment to choose between boot-based rehab and repair.
Knee ligament and meniscus tears
Twisting injuries in football, basketball or skiing can tear the ACL or meniscus, causing swelling or locking.
Shoulder and elbow injuries
Rotator cuff tears, dislocations and tennis elbow in throwing, racket and gym sports.
Sports medicine conditions in detail
Choose an injury to read about symptoms, tests, treatment options and typical recovery. Each page explains what you can do now and when to see a specialist.
Ankle sprain
Rolled ankle, swelling and bruising, and signs of chronic ankle instability.
Read more →Runner's knee
Patellofemoral pain around the kneecap, made worse by stairs, squats and hills.
Read more →Achilles tendonitis
Heel cord pain and morning stiffness from overuse, treated with progressive loading.
Read more →Achilles tendon tear
Sudden rupture: functional rehab in a boot versus surgical repair, explained honestly.
Read more →ACL tears
Knee gives way after a pivot or landing. Rehab and reconstruction options.
Read more →Meniscus tear
Knee pain, catching or locking after a twist, from sport or wear.
Read more →Rotator cuff tear
Shoulder pain and weakness lifting the arm, common in overhead sports.
Read more →Tennis elbow
Pain on the outer elbow when gripping, lifting or swinging a racket.
Read more →Our treatment approach, least invasive first
Most sports injuries heal without surgery when the load on the injured tissue is managed well. We move up the ladder only when the injury or your recovery calls for it.
Accurate diagnosis
A specialist examines you and tests stability and strength. X-ray, ultrasound or MRI are arranged only when they will change your plan.
Protect and calm
Short-term protection with a brace, boot or taping, plus relative rest and pain relief, so the tissue can settle.
Physical therapy and rehabilitation
Dedicated therapists rebuild strength, balance and movement with a progressive program you can continue at home or abroad.
Image-guided injections
For selected cases, ultrasound- or fluoroscopy-guided injections may ease pain so rehab can progress. They are not right for every tendon.
Arthroscopy or repair
When a structural tear or instability does not respond to rehab, keyhole arthroscopy or open repair may be recommended.
Return to sport
Strength and hop tests guide a gradual return to running, cutting and contact, to lower the risk of reinjury.
When a torn tendon or ligament needs repair
Most injuries we see heal with rehab alone. When a tendon or ligament is completely torn, or a joint keeps giving way despite good rehab, a surgeon may reattach or repair it so it can heal under the right tension.
Simplified medical illustration for education only, not a patient image. Results vary by condition and individual; your specialist will explain what to expect for your case.
When to see a sports medicine specialist
Many minor strains settle with a few days of rest. These signs suggest you should book an assessment rather than wait.
| Situation | What we suggest |
|---|---|
| You cannot put weight on the leg, or there is deformity | Urgent same-day assessment and X-ray. Call 119 for a life-threatening emergency. |
| Sudden pop with swelling in the knee or heel | See a specialist within a few days. Early diagnosis keeps more options open. |
| Knee locks, catches or gives way | Book an exam. These can be signs of a meniscus or ligament tear. |
| Pain that has not improved after 2 to 3 weeks of rest | Book an exam and start a structured rehab plan. |
| Repeated ankle sprains or a joint that feels loose | Assessment for chronic instability and targeted balance and strength rehab. |
This table is general guidance and not a substitute for a medical examination.
Your Specialists
Care at this clinic is provided by Nanoori Joint Center orthopedic surgeons. Tap a doctor to see their full profile.
Dr. Seong Cheol Moon
Sports injuries, rotator cuff and arthroscopy
Dr. Hyun Seok Seo
Sports medicine, cartilage and ligament injuries
Dr. Young Wan Go
Sports medicine, arthroscopy and fractures
Dr. Jae Chang Lim
Shoulder and knee arthroscopy
Keep rolling your ankle? Signs of chronic ankle instability in runners and football players · Video may be in Korean — ask our English-speaking team about anything you see.
Common Questions
Do I need a referral to see a sports medicine doctor at Nanoori?
You can contact our international patient coordinators directly by WhatsApp or email to arrange a visit. Bring any previous scans or reports, as they help the specialist plan your care.
Will I need an MRI?
Not always. Many sports injuries can be diagnosed with a careful exam, and X-ray or ultrasound is often enough. MRI is arranged when it will change the treatment plan, such as a suspected ligament, meniscus or cartilage injury.
Can I do my rehab in Seoul and continue at home?
Yes. Our therapists can give you a written, progressive exercise program so you can continue rehabilitation with a local physical therapist after you leave Korea.
Does Nanoori accept insurance for sports injuries?
We accept Korean National Health Insurance for enrolled foreign residents. If you have international health insurance, coordinators can explain which billing documents and medical records you can request for your claim. Coverage depends on your policy, so check with your insurer first.
When can I return to running or playing?
It depends on the injury. Mild sprains may allow a return in a few weeks, while ligament or tendon ruptures often take many months. We use strength and function tests rather than the calendar alone to guide your return.
How do I get to the hospital?
Gangnam Nanoori Hospital is at 731 Eonju-ro, Gangnam-gu, a short walk from Hakdong Station (Line 7), Exit 10. See our contact page for directions and booking.
Injured? Talk to an English-speaking coordinator today
Message us on WhatsApp at +82-10-6290-9796 to arrange an assessment with a Joint Center specialist.
Related Care
Last updated October 2026. This page is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Contact us · Gangnam Nanoori Hospital home
