At CareWell, we provide fast, effective urgent care for sprained wrist, sprained ankle, and sprained knee injuries to help you heal quickly and safely. From mild twists to more painful tears, we offer same-day evaluations and compassionate care from experienced medical professionals. Each location is equipped with advanced diagnostics and on-site treatment options so you can get back to your normal routine with confidence.
If you or your child have recently suffered a joint injury and are experiencing pain or swelling, visit one of our clinics for minor injuries and emergency care.
Recognizing Sprain Symptoms
Recognizing the signs of a sprain early helps prevent complications and promotes faster recovery. Sprains occur when the ligaments that support your joints are stretched or torn, typically due to sudden twisting or impact. Common causes include falls, sports accidents, and everyday activities that put too much stress on a joint.
Typical symptoms include:
- Pain or tenderness in the affected area
- Swelling, warmth, or bruising
- Difficulty moving the joint
- Weakness or instability
- A popping or tearing sensation at the time of injury
Mild sprains may improve with rest, but persistent swelling, bruising, or pain can indicate a more serious issue. If your discomfort doesn’t improve within a few days, visit one of our urgent care clinics for an evaluation. For extreme pain, deformity, or an inability to bear weight, seek care immediately at the emergency room.
Early diagnosis helps prevent chronic instability, lingering inflammation, and joint stiffness. Our skilled team provides quick assessments and targeted treatment for all types of sprains – helping patients regain mobility safely and effectively.
Sprain vs. Fracture: Knowing the Difference
Distinguishing between a sprain vs. fracture can be challenging without medical evaluation. Both can cause pain, swelling, and limited motion, but they affect different parts of the body. A sprain involves overstretched or torn ligaments, while a fracture refers to a crack or break in the bone.
Fractures often result from direct trauma, such as falling or colliding during sports, and are usually accompanied by sharp pain and visible deformity. Sprains, on the other hand, cause more generalized soreness and swelling.
Our providers conduct a hands-on exam to assess the extent of the injury and may recommend X-rays and imaging services to rule out bone damage. This diagnostic step helps confirm the injury type and determine the best treatment plan for proper recovery. Prompt care can minimize long-term complications and speed healing for both sprains and fractures.
Sprain Treatment Options at Urgent Care
Our medical professionals follow proven protocols to help patients recover from sprains and inflammation effectively. For mild to moderate injuries, treatment often begins with the RICE method for sprains – Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation:
- Rest: Avoid putting pressure on the injured joint to allow healing.
- Ice: Apply for 20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling.
- Compression: Use a bandage or brace for support.
- Elevation: Keep the affected area above heart level to limit inflammation.
In addition to these steps, over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help ease discomfort. For more significant injuries, our team may use splints, wraps, or supportive braces. In some cases, physical therapy is recommended to restore strength, flexibility, and full range of motion.
We also provide detailed home care guidance, helping patients monitor recovery and prevent future injuries through proper stretching, warm-ups, and joint protection techniques.
Sprained Wrist Treatment
A wrist injury commonly occurs when someone falls and lands on an outstretched hand. This sudden force can stretch or tear the ligaments supporting the wrist joint.
When you visit us for a wrist sprain, our providers will perform a physical examination and may recommend imaging if a fracture is suspected. Treatment often includes rest, ice, and compression with an elastic wrap or wrist brace. Elevating the wrist above heart level can help reduce swelling.
Patients are encouraged to avoid repetitive wrist movements or heavy lifting until pain subsides. Once the swelling decreases, gentle exercises can improve flexibility and coordination. If recovery takes longer than expected, our team can refer you for continued physical therapy to restore full function.
Through individualized care, we help each patient recover fully and return to normal activities without unnecessary downtime.
Sprained Knee Treatment
A sprained knee often occurs during sports or physical activity that involves twisting, pivoting, or sudden stops. Symptoms can include swelling, tenderness, and limited movement.
Treatment begins with the RICE method to reduce pain and inflammation in the early stages. Our providers may also recommend a knee brace for added support during healing. Once swelling subsides, targeted rehabilitation helps strengthen the muscles around the joint and restore stability.
Mild sprains may heal within two to four weeks, while more severe ligament injuries might require several months of therapy. Our clinicians help patients create a customized recovery plan, balancing rest with progressive exercise to support safe, lasting results.
Treatment for a Sprained Ankle
A sprained ankle is one of the most common sports injuries and treatment cases seen in our centers. It typically occurs when the foot twists inward, overstretching the ligaments.
At CareWell, our process includes:
- A detailed exam to assess the degree of injury
- X-rays and imaging if a fracture is suspected
- Use of the RICE method for sprains to manage swelling and discomfort
- Over-the-counter pain relief recommendations for soreness
- Bracing or immobilization when additional support is needed
In more severe cases, patients may be referred for orthopedic consultation or physical rehabilitation. With proper treatment, most ankle sprains heal within one to four weeks, depending on severity. Our providers offer guidance on safe stretching and footwear choices to prevent reinjury once you’re back on your feet.
Why Patients Choose CareWell Urgent Care
We make high-quality care accessible and convenient. Our clinics across Massachusetts and Rhode Island are open seven days a week, offering extended hours to fit your schedule.
We treat patients of all ages, from children to adults, through specialized services like pediatric urgent care. Every location is equipped for on-site diagnostics, so you can receive accurate results and a treatment plan during a single visit.
In addition to injury care, we support overall wellness with sports and school physicals and annual physicals.
Our providers emphasize education and personalized attention, giving each patient the knowledge and confidence needed to recover effectively. Whether it’s managing a mild sprain or a more complex ligament injury, our team is here to provide trusted medical care when you need it most.
Get Same-Day Care for Your Sprain
If you’re experiencing joint pain or limited movement after an accident, visit us for prompt diagnosis and treatment. From urgent care for sprained wrist to ankle and knee recovery support, our compassionate medical team is here to help.
We treat a wide range of sprain-related injuries and provide care that helps you recover faster and return to your regular activities safely.
Walk in or save your spot at one of our urgent care clinics for same-day relief and expert medical guidance. Your health and mobility are always our top priorities.
