When it comes to using your hands and arms, most of us don’t realize how much we depend on them—until something goes wrong. Whether it’s a shoulder injury, elbow pain, or hand condition that makes daily life difficult, Dr. Ronald Mitchell, fellowship-trained hand and upper extremity surgeon at Center for Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics (CSMO), is passionate about helping patients get back to the activities they love most.
“Our hands and arms are essential to how we live and interact with the world,” says Dr. Mitchell. “I enjoy serving patients by restoring that function—helping them get back to what they need, want, and love to do.”
A Career Built on Service and Precision
Before joining CSMO, Dr. Mitchell served as an orthopedic surgeon in the United States Navy, where his career took him from North Carolina to Italy and even Afghanistan. “I went active duty after residency and worked with the Marines at Camp Lejeune,” he recalls. “It was a wonderful experience that taught me so much about teamwork, adaptability, and caring for people in all types of situations.”
His years of military service provided a solid foundation for his career in orthopaedics—where attention to detail, calm under pressure, and compassion for others are equally essential.
Expertise Across the Upper Extremity
Dr. Mitchell’s training and experience cover the full range of upper extremity care, including the shoulder, elbow, arm, wrist, and hand. “The shoulder is one of the most complex joints in the body,” he explains. “It gives us such a wide range of motion and allows us to do so much, but that complexity also means it’s prone to injury.”
When it comes to treatment, he takes a thoughtful, individualized approach.
“It’s always a combination of understanding what’s going on anatomically and how it’s affecting function,” says Dr. Mitchell. “We always start by exploring non-surgical treatments when possible. But when surgery is the best option, we’re ready to provide that care.”
Innovative, Patient-Centered Solutions
From rotator cuff repairs to Dupuytren’s contracture and elbow injuries, Dr. Mitchell is skilled in both traditional and cutting-edge techniques. He’s particularly encouraged by the growing number of minimally invasive and non-surgical treatments available to patients today.
“There have been exciting advances, even for conditions like Dupuytren’s disease,” he says. “We now have an enzymatic injection that can help break up the cords in the hand without surgery. It’s a great option for many people.”
The Role of Rehabilitation
At CSMO, Dr. Mitchell works closely with the clinic’s talented therapy team to help patients recover fully. “Our hand therapists play an essential role in helping patients regain motion and strength,” he says. “They’re a vital part of our team and our patients’ success.”
Why Chattanooga?
After years of traveling the world, Dr. Mitchell and his family found themselves drawn to Chattanooga.
“The people here are wonderful—it’s such a warm, welcoming place,” he shares. “My wife and I stopped through a while ago and said, ‘We’d really love to live here someday.’ When the opportunity with CSMO came along, it just felt right.”
Now, he’s proud to bring his expertise and compassionate care to patients across the region.
Dr. Ronald Mitchell is now seeing patients at Center for Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics.
Call (423) 624-2696 or schedule online today!
Ronald Jacob Mitchell, MD, MBA
Hand & Upper Extremity Specialist
