Sprains vs. Strains

One of the more common injuries, sprains and strains range from mild and slightly annoying to painful with potentially long-term impacts. An injured leg, foot and ankle could be just an easy fix that needs ice and elevation, or it could be much more. Wellington Physicians Urgent Care, located in Wellington, Florida, can help treat sprains and strains.

The Difference Between a Sprain and a Strain

A sprain is a stretched or torn ligament while a strain is a stretched or torn muscle or tendon. Sprains and strains may be caused by repetitive activities or by a single event. Common sprains include the ankle and wrist. Signs and symptoms will vary, depending on the severity of the injury. An X-ray can differentiate between the two.

Diagnosis of Sprains and Strains

A sprain or strain can occur many different ways. It could be the result of playing sports or physical activity. It could be stepping into a small hole or divot. It could even be the result of turning an ankle joint or knee slightly too quickly. However, they all should be treated with caution, and you should contact the nearest urgent care facility if you have trouble putting weight on the injured area, the area struggles to bear weight, or even if the area seems sore longer than it should.

The diagnosis of a sprain or strain usually can be made after the healthcare professional takes a history of the injury and performs a physical examination. Depending upon the situation, X-rays, CAT scan or an MRI may be needed to help make or confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment of Sprains and Strains

Mild sprains and slight muscle strains, such as twisting an ankle or a sore hamstring muscle, can be treated with everyday items you can find around your house. For example, treatment for strained muscles can be done with rest, ice, compression and elevation – otherwise known as RICE.

Injured joints, such as a sprained joint, may also be treated this way, but it is best to get your injury diagnosed at an urgent care to determine the best treatment.

Even though they can be painful, an injured ankle or hamstring injury usually resolves with time, but occasionally other treatment, such as physical therapy and surgery, may be required. Your range of motion is important, and medical attention, sports medicine and strengthening exercises may be what you need to get back on track.

If you are feeling pain, anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce pain and inflammation, but you should go to see a medical professional at an urgent care center to make sure that you can accurately diagnose and treat the problem.

Urgent Care for Strains and Sprains

Muscle injury can occur anywhere at any time. Visiting urgent care for sprains or strains is the best place to accurately diagnose your sprain or strain and learn about the best way to treat your injury. If the injury is minor such as a slight hamstring strain or ankle sprain, then you may have concrete instructions on how to start feeling better, sooner.

If the problem is worse, a trip to urgent care can help with the pain and minimize swelling. By examining the injured area a medical professional at an urgent care can accurately determine if you have a broken bone. Getting your injury in front of the right specialist as quickly as possible can help prevent long-term damage to the injured area.

Contact Us Today

Wellington Physicians Urgent Care, located in Wellington, Florida, is open seven days a week with convenient daytime and evening hours for patients needing urgent care treatment. Wellington Physicians Urgent Care’s team of medical professionals are here to help with your sprain or strain. Make your reservation today.