When Dr. Christopher Nicholson arrived in Savannah nearly two decades ago, he couldn't have predicted how much the city and its athletes would shape his professional journey. A former college basketball player turned orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon, Dr. Nicholson's path from a small town in Ohio to a leading role at Optim Orthopedics is a story of passion, purpose, and in-depth community impact.
"My wife and I honestly thought we'd end up back in Ohio," said Dr. Nicholson, completing his orthopedic fellowship at OrthoCarolina in Charlotte when Savannah first came calling. "But we visited a few times, and my wife said, 'Let's give it a try.' Almost 20 years later, here we are."
Today, Nicholson is a trusted name in foot and ankle care throughout Southeast Georgia. Whether it's a local high school sprinter nursing a rolled ankle, a weekend warrior with chronic foot pain, or a college athlete hoping to recover in time for the playoffs, Dr. Nicholson has likely helped someone like them get back on the field, court, or track.
From Athlete to Advocate
Nicholson's love for sports began at an early age. His father played minor league baseball, and the family culture revolved around athletics. He eventually chose basketball, playing three seasons as a guard at Kenyon College in Ohio.
"I had a knee injury that took football off the table," Nicholson said. "So I stuck with basketball. I loved the game and pushed it as far as I could."
But even as he competed on the hardwood, Nicholson's academic ambitions never changed. He balanced a pre-med schedule with athletics—skills he now credits with preparing him for the rigors of medical school and surgical training.
"Time management is everything. Being a student-athlete teaches you how to handle pressure and juggle responsibilities," he explained.
That discipline led him to The Ohio State University for medical school and residency, where he began specializing in orthopedics. A pivotal moment occurred when he shadowed a family friend, a former Penn State running back who had become a sports physician.
"He treated athletes and had this energy about him. I just saw myself in that role—it all clicked," Nicholson said.
During his fellowship in Charlotte, he had the opportunity to train with the esteemed orthopedic specialist, Dr. Bob Anderson. Most of Dr. Anderson's career was spent in North Carolina, where he worked closely with the Carolina Panthers and provided care to NFL athletes.
"That experience helped me understand elite performance and injury recovery at the highest level," he added.
A Savannah Story
In 2006, Nicholson joined Optim Orthopedics, one of the region's most respected practices. He came to Savannah as a foot and ankle specialist and found that Savannah's size, pace, and passion for sports and exercise matched his vision perfectly.
"Savannah's a great place to live and raise a family," Nicholson said. "But it's also growing fast, and with that comes a growing need for specialized sports medicine."
Now, as a father of five children, he brings a dual perspective to his work: that of a surgeon and a sports parent. His oldest child, Abby, has achieved a high level of play in volleyball and is about to enter her senior year as a member of the volleyball team at Lafayette College. His son, Andrew Nicholson, is set to pursue his athletic career as a football player at Bucknell University.
Both children excelled in multiple sports during high school, just like their father. Having children involved in sports has given Dr. Nicholson more insight into sports injuries for young athletes.
"It gives me a deeper understanding of what young athletes and their families go through—both physically and emotionally," he noted.
Treating More Than Injuries
Nicholson is passionate about preventive care, not just surgical solutions.
"An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure," he said. "We're not just here to fix injuries. We want to help prevent them in the first place."
That's why Optim Orthopedics invests in partnerships with local high schools and athletic trainers across the region. Nicholson emphasized the importance of effective communication between trainers, coaches, and physicians in ensuring the safety of athletes.
"Trainers are an extension of what we do. They're often the first to notice if something's off," he said.
From proper footwear to managing overuse injuries in year-round sports, Nicholson stresses education as much as rehabilitation.
One trend Dr. Nicholson has watched closely and with growing concern is the rise of year-round specialization in youth sports.
"Overuse injuries, for sure," he said. "Kids are specializing in one sport year-round instead of jumping from sport to sport. That's a big shift from when we were growing up."
Nicholson emphasized that focusing on one sport too early can cause physical stress to developing joints and muscles, increasing the risk of chronic injuries.
"Recovery is more important now than ever," he explained. "Their bodies are still developing. Cross-training and rest need to be part of every athlete's routine."
As a physician and a parent, Nicholson encourages families to prioritize variety in athletic participation.
"Each sport develops different skills. One complements the other," Nicholson stated. "Basketball helped my son's footwork as an offensive lineman in football. It's not just about performance—it's about long-term health."
He also stresses the importance of proper footwear, especially for developing athletes.
"Footwear is very important," Nicholson explained. "Honestly, I'm surprised it hasn't advanced more. Basketball shoes today tend to be less supportive than they used to be. And while that can be personal preference, it's vital that athletes wear the right shoes for their sport and playing surface."
For growing athletes, it's not just about the type of shoe, but also the fit.
"Proper fit sounds simple, but it matters—especially when kids are growing so fast. Ill-fitting shoes can create real problems."
And for parents wondering when to seek help for their child's aches and pains, Dr. Nicholson offers a clear rule of thumb:
"Pay attention. If complaints are frequent, increasing in severity, or affecting performance, it's time to get evaluated," Nicholson said. "A lot of these young athletes are so competitive that they sometimes don't let on that they're hurting. Coaches, especially trainers, play a key role in spotting that."
From playing surfaces to early detection, footwear to recovery, Dr. Nicholson's approach centers on prevention first and treatment second, all rooted in a deep understanding of youth athletes and their long-term health, gained through work and personal experiences.
A Life Lesson in Every Injury
Whether helping a high school senior get back on the field for their final game or guiding a middle schooler through their first significant injury, Nicholson sees every case as a chance to build trust and teach resilience.
"Some of the most rewarding moments have been helping kids return just in time for senior night or a playoff run," he shared. "You can see how much it means to them and their families."
So, what's the biggest lesson he's learned from his years in medicine and sports?
"Team over self. That idea of 'we over me, whether in basketball, surgery, or family, it's been my guiding principle," he said.
Savannah doesn't just have a surgeon in Dr. Christopher Nicholson. It has a coach, a teammate, a parent, and a champion for the city's student-athletes.
About Optim Orthopedics and the Community
Optim Orthopedics provides specialized orthopedic care throughout Coastal Georgia. With expert physicians and certified trainers working in local high schools, Optim is a proud supporter of the Prep Sports Report, which covers youth sports, high school sports, and all athletes from the Savannah area community.
Optim Orthopedics: Championing Savannah's Prep Sports Scene!
From the gridiron to the hardwood, Optim Orthopedics stands tall as a dedicated supporter of high school athletes across Savannah. They're not just sponsors—they're game-changers, delivering top-notch medical care to nine standout schools:
- Dr. Don Aaron: Bryan County Middle/High School
- Dr. David Sedory: Benedictine Military, Bradwell Institute, Liberty County
- Dr. David Palmer: Calvary Day, Richmond Hill, South Effingham
- Dr. Thomas Alexander: Savannah Country Day, St. Vincent's
As Southeast leaders in fellowship-trained orthopedic care, Optim Orthopedics fuels Prep Sports Report's coverage of all sports. Because when the game's on the line, Optim Orthopedics gets you back in it!
Photo Credits: Courtesy Optim Orthopedics and Savannah Country Day School Athletics
Compsite Schedule credit: Courtesy Dennis Knight SMN
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