Urgent Care for Sprain Treatment

At CareWell Urgent Care, we know that sprains and inflammation often go hand in hand when you've injured yourself.

A sprain happens when a ligament—a tough band of tissue connecting bones—is stretched or torn. Inflammation is the body's response to this injury, causing redness, swelling, pain, and sometimes difficulty moving the affected area.

It's crucial to treat sprains promptly to reduce inflammation and allow the ligament to heal properly. If the pain or inflammation affects your everyday life after a sprain, seeking medical care is essential to ensure proper healing and prevent further complications.

If you or a loved one need urgent care for a sprained ankle or another affected joint, we are here to help you heal sooner.

Understanding Sprain Symptoms

Recognizing the symptoms of a sprain is crucial for early and proper urgent care treatment.

Typically, sprains symptoms include:

Pain in the injured area
Swelling
Bruising
Difficulty moving the joint
Tenderness when touched
Feeling or hearing a "pop" during the injury
Instability or weakness in the joint
Visible deformity in severe cases

In severe cases, there might be a visible deformity, indicating a more serious injury, such as a break.

If you experience these symptoms after an injury, it's important to rest the affected area, apply ice, compress the area, and elevate it to reduce swelling.

Seeking urgent care for a sprain is recommended for moderate to severe symptoms to ensure your injury is properly evaluated and treated, especially if the pain and swelling persist or worsen.

Sprain vs. Fracture

Sprains and fractures are different types of injuries, and it's essential to know how they vary.

A sprain occurs when the tissue connecting bones at a joint, called a ligament, gets stretched or torn. It often happens when the joint gets twisted or pulled suddenly.

On the other hand, a fracture, also known as a broken bone, happens when the bone cracks or breaks. Fractures cause severe pain, swelling, and sometimes a visible change in the shape of the injured area. A fracture can occur due to accidents, a hard fall, or excessive stress on the bone.

Understanding the difference between these injuries is important because treatment methods differ.

Sprain and Inflammation Treatment Options

Initial treatment for a sprain usually involves the R.I.C.E. method: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Resting the affected area helps in the healing process. Applying ice for about 20 minutes several times a day reduces swelling. Compression, often with an elastic bandage, supports the injured area and decreases swelling. Elevating the injured limb above heart level also aids in reducing swelling.

Additionally, over-the-counter pain relievers and physical therapy may be recommended for faster recovery and to restore strength and flexibility in the affected joint.

If the sprain is severe, a healthcare provider may suggest bracing or immobilization to support the joint during healing.

Sprained Wrist Treatment

Treating a sprained wrist at urgent care involves several steps to alleviate pain and support the healing process, including the RICE method.

First, it's crucial to rest the wrist, avoiding activities that cause discomfort. Applying ice to the injured area for 15-20 minutes every few hours during the initial 48 hours helps reduce swelling and ease pain.

Wrapping the wrist with an elastic bandage or a brace provides support and helps control swelling, but it's important not to wrap it too tightly.

Elevating the wrist above the level of the heart whenever possible also aids in reducing swelling.

Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain and inflammation.

As the initial pain and swelling diminish, rehabilitation exercises, suggested by a doctor or physical therapist, can help regain strength, flexibility, and the wrist's range of motion.

Sprained Knee Treatment

Like sprained wrist, sprained knee treatment often involves the RICE method.

Resting the knee is crucial for healing while applying ice intermittently every few hours during the initial days helps reduce swelling and pain. Wrapping the knee with an elastic bandage offers support and controls swelling, and elevating the knee above heart level further decreases swelling.

These steps help reduce discomfort and promote healing.

What Will Urgent Care Do for a Sprained Ankle?

At CareWell Urgent Care, our board-certified providers will typically perform several steps to assist with a sprained ankle, including:

Evaluation through physical exams and, in some cases, imaging tests like X-rays to determine the extent of the injury.
Treatment may include the R.I.C.E. method. Instructions for resting your ankle, applying ice, using compression bandages, and elevating the foot to reduce pain and swelling will be recommended.
Pain Management, such as over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribed medications to manage pain and reduce inflammation.
Immobilization techniques such as splints, braces, or crutches help support the ankle during the healing process.

For severe sprains or injuries needing further evaluation, we will refer patients to specialists, like orthopedic doctors or physical therapists, for specialized care and rehabilitation.