What Is A Walk
A walk-in urgent clinic is a medical facility that provides relatively quick treatment for acute illnesses and minor injuries. They are best for handling health conditions or injuries that require prompt medical attention but are not life-threatening. If you sustain a mild sprain, strain, or fracture, you can get help from a walk-in urgent care center.
These walk-in facilities are equipped with medical and diagnostic equipment. If you suspect you may have sustained a musculoskeletal injury, the medical staff can conduct X-rays and other imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis. Once they have ascertained the damage, the medical staff may give you a splint or bandage to wear. They will also provide you with instructions on how to take care of yourself to speed up your recovery.
In addition to minor musculoskeletal injuries, a walk-in clinic can help with:
- Cuts and lacerations
- Minor car accident injuries or post-accident evaluations
- Diarrhea and constipation
Breaks Strains And Sprains: Walk
Strains, sprains, and fractures may occur because of incorrect form or technique, insufficient equipment, or just an accident. The question is: Should you go to a walk-in urgent care clinic or head straight to the emergency room?
Where should you seek medical attention for a sudden injury? Lets talk about how to choose one over the other, and where you can go in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach for a handy walk-in urgent care clinic.
Can A Sprained Ankle Be Re
A sprained ankle is a common injury that can occur when the ligaments that support the ankle are stretched or torn. The most common cause of a sprained ankle is rolling the ankle over, either on the inside or outside of the foot. This can happen when the foot is planted awkwardly on the ground or when landing from a jump. A sprained ankle can also occur from a direct blow to the ankle, such as from a fall.
Symptoms of a sprained ankle include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. The pain is usually worse with movement and weight bearing, and may be accompanied by popping or snapping sounds. The ankle may feel unstable and give way with weight bearing. There may also be numbness or tingling if the injury is severe.
If you suspect you have a sprained ankle, it is important to seek medical attention. An X-ray may be ordered to rule out a fracture. Treatment of a sprained ankle includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation . The injured ankle should be iced for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. An elastic compression bandage can be helpful in reducing swelling. The ankle should be elevated above the level of the heart to help reduce swelling.
Prevention of a sprained ankle includes wearing proper footwear, stretching before physical activity, and avoiding high-risk activities. If you have a previous history of ankle sprains, you may want to consider wearing an ankle brace to help support the joint.
Learn More: How much do ankle socks weigh?
Recommended Reading: Red Rash On Top Of Foot
Use A Compression Bandage
Wrap your injured ankle in a compression bandage. A compression bandage helps a sprained ankle heal by providing support and stability to the ankle joint. The bandage also helps reduce swelling and inflammation, which can help speed up the healing process. Be sure not to wrap too tightly, as this can cause additional problems such as tingling or numbness in the foot/toes due to restricted blood flow. Your doctor can show you how to properly wrap your ankle in a compression bandage to maximize healing.
When Should I Go To An Urgent Care
You should visit an urgent care if you have a condition that requires immediate medical attention, but is not serious enough to require a visit to the emergency room. Examples of conditions that may require urgent care include broken bones, severe cuts or lacerations, mild to moderate asthma attacks, earaches, severe sore throats, fevers, vomiting, or dehydration.
It is best to go to urgent care if you are experiencing a medical issue that is not lifethreatening, but needs immediate attention. Common reasons to visit urgent care include severe pain, cuts that require stitches, severe cold or flu symptoms, and sprains or broken bones.
You should go to urgent care if you are experiencing a medical emergency or a serious illness or injury that requires immediate medical attention. Examples include severe abdominal pain, chest pain, broken bones, deep cuts, severe allergic reactions, breathing difficulties, and other serious conditions. If you are not sure if your symptoms require urgent care, it is best to call your doctor for advice.
Houston has been my home for the past 35 years. I completed my medical school and residency training right here at our medical center, rotating through MD Anderson, Texas Heart Institute, St. Lukes, Hermann hospital, among other institutions. I have been practicing in Houston for the past 20 years. Im also an avid triathlete, having finished the Texas Ironman in the Woodlands in 2014
You May Like: East Valley Foot And Ankle
Rest Your Ankle And The Rest Of Your Body
Your doctor will likely recommend that you avoid putting weight on your injured ankle for a few days while the injury heals. You are likely to experience pain and swelling in the days following the injury. Expect your doctors advice to focus on resting for a few days after the injury, especially if your ankle still hurts. A well-rested body will have an easier time recovering from an injury.
How Are Foot And Ankle Injuries Treated
The type of treatment you may need for any foot or ankle injury usually depends on the type and cause of injury. For example, for a laceration, your doctor will evaluate for depth or involvement of nerves, arteries, muscles, and tendons. For a dislocation, the doctor will evaluate to ensure there are no fractures. Dislocated bones must be put back in place with the goal of treatment being to preserve the function and stability of the joint. Whatever the final assessment, your doctor will know best how to treat the injury.
Whether you need splinting, casting, or stitches, we can provide this immediate care to you at GoTo Ortho. While mild foot and ankle injuries will heal with treatment, more severe injuries may require surgery. If your injury requires surgery, one of our surgeons can perform the surgery at any one of a number of area hospitals.
If you have any questions, Come see us for any foot or ankle injuries. You may book your appointment online, walk-in, or call us
You May Like: Best Running Shoes For Foot Pain
You Cant Afford To Make A Mistake
If youre an athlete or need to walk, run, or use your injured foot, leg, hand, or arm for your job, getting checked out at Urgent Care guarantees you get the care you need right away. What you think is a simple sprain could actually be a hairline fracture or other type of bone injury, a complex sprain, or a strain .
Although you could heal within days from a simple sprain, even a moderate sprain can put pressure on your joint and make movement difficult. A severe sprain can completely dislocate your joint. When you come to Rose Urgent Care, we X-ray your injury to survey the extent of your damage and make sure you get the right treatment.
Are There Any Lifestyle Changes That Can Help Prevent Sprained Ankles
Sprained ankles, also known as ankle strains, are a very common and painful injury often caused by a traumatic twisting or rolling of the ankle joint, which results in stretching or tearing of the ligaments and surrounding muscles. Sprains are unfortunately very common in people involved in activities that require sudden changes in direction or jumping on unstable or uneven surfaces. It is important to be proactive in preventing sprains and strains, to ensure that you remain healthy and active.
The most common preventative lifestyle change that can be made to avoid spraining your ankle is to increase your lower body strength and flexibility. Strengthening the muscles around the ankle joint will help to improve stability, so that it is more resistant to sudden movements that may cause a sprain. Exercise and stretching routines that target the calf, shin, and other supporting muscles of the ankle and foot can all benefit ankle stability and prevent sprains. Additionally, by regularly performing proper warm-up and stretching exercises prior to engaging in physical activity, as well as cooling down afterwards, one can help to reduce their risk of ankle injuries.
Don’t Miss: Orthopedic Doctors In Morristown Tn
What Are Strains And Sprains
Sprains and strains are fairly common injuries with similar symptoms, although they involve different parts of the body. Both sprains and strains can range from mild to severe, depending on the number of muscles and ligaments involved, and how badly theyre damaged.
SprainsA sprain occurs when you stretch or tear a ligament or the short band of flexible tissue that connects bones and cartilage or holds together a joint. A sprain can happen in any part of the body where ligaments are found such as sprained ankles, wrists, feet and knees.
StrainsStrains occur when muscles and/or tendons are stretched or torn. Large muscle strains, such as hamstrings and hip flexors, are particularly common.
Ankle Injury Treatment: Schedule An Appointment Or Walk In
Symptoms
Ankle sprains will typically leave the area swollen, with pain and a limited range of motion as well. If you believe you have a sprained ankle, please contact us today.
Diagnosis
Ankle sprains will be diagnosed through a physical exam in order to assess the condition and range of motion of the ankle. In order to be properly diagnosed, you should visit a professional.
Treatment
Treatment will be dependent on the severity of sprain. Typically, giving the ankle rest and ice will aid the healing process, but other instances may require pain medication and anti-inflammatory medication.
Portland Urgent Care provides integrative injury rehab services with Portland Wellness Care physiotherapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, and massage. The side by side clinics allow patients to easily get complete care for their injury and wellness needs. To make an appointment directly with Portland Wellness Care .
Read Also: South Florida Orthopedics And Sports Medicine
How To Prevent An Ankle Sprain
Here are some recommendations to guide you:
Should You Go To An Urgent Care For Ankle Sprains
Should You Go to an Urgent Care for Ankle Sprains
Often, when a person has an ankle sprain theyll automatically go to a doctor or hospital. However, there are cases when it makes more sense to go to an urgent care clinic or emergency room. Which is best for your needs depends on several factors, including your age and how long ago your injury occurred. An urgent care doctor will be able to diagnose any bone injuries and recommend treatment based on his findings. This might include an X-ray or MRI scan . If further treatment isnt needed, an urgent care physician will prescribe medications for pain relief and make recommendations for at-home recovery.
When an ankle sprain happens, its easy to wonder if urgent care is a better option than visiting your primary care physician. Depending on how bad your injury is, you may be tempted to head over to an urgent care for treatmentand there are times when that could be best. However, if your ankle sprain isnt serious enough for urgent care, it will most likely be best to visit your PCP instead. Dont worry: Though they sound very similar and are relatively close in location, they serve different functions and perform different services. Heres everything you need to know about ankle sprains and whether or not they warrant a trip to urgent care or should be treated by your PCP instead.
Recommended Reading: Bone Spur Ball Of Foot
Seeking Care For An Ankle Injury
Serious sprains often have symptoms similar to those of a broken bone. An audible pop followed by intense pain, or deformity of your ankle, might mean that you have a broken bone, and you should visit the emergency room immediately.
Urgent care centers can treat sprained ankles, which include the following symptoms:
- Swelling and/or bruising around the ankle
- Increased pain when the area is moved or pressure is applied
- Total loss of function of the ankle or complete inability to stand
- Tenderness to the touch
- Instability of ankle when standing
Is My Ankle Sprained Or Broken
You can determine if your ankle is sprained or broken by analyzing its tenderness level and location. If your ankle bone is tender to the touch then it is most likely broken. If you the soft tissue is tender, then your ligaments and tendons are likely sprained. It can be tricky to tell the difference as both present similar symptoms, such as pain, swelling, and bruising. If you believe your foot or ankle may be broken, you should go to an ER and get an X-Ray to determine or rule out the possibility.
Read Also: How To Make An Ankle Bracelet
Sprain Diagnosis & Treatment In Portland Oregon
Medical Exam
At Portland Urgent Care our staff provides a complete medical examination of your sprain . Seeking medical help quickly will give you comfort in knowing the extent of your injury.
Sprain Injury Treatment Plan
We develop customized treatments for every patient, designed to meet your specific needs. Our services integrate western medicine and physiotherapy with chiropractic, acupuncture, and massage therapy.
Sprain Pain Management
We develop customized pain management treatments for every patient, utilizing complimentary approaches such as acupuncture and physiotherapy in addition to medication when needed.
What is a Sprain?
A sprain is a stretch and/or tear of a ligament. Ligaments stabilize and support the body’s joints.
The areas of the body that are most vulnerable to sprains are the ankles, knees, and wrists.
A sprained ankle can occur when your foot turns inward, placing extreme tension on the ligaments of your outer ankle.
A sprained knee can result from a sudden twist, and a wrist sprain can occur if you fall onto an outstretched hand.
Seek Medical Help
You should seek medical help if your injury is severe or you could benefit from laser therapy.
- Avoid activities that cause pain, swelling or discomfort.
- Ice. Even if you’re seeking medical help, ice the area immediately.
- Compression. To help stop swelling, compress the area with an elastic bandage until the swelling stops.
Sprain Exam – Chiropractor
How Can We Help You?
Ankle Sprains & Injuries: Frequently Asked Questions
Can urgent care treat ankle sprains?
Yes. An Urgent Care facility is a great first stop after an ankle sprain for evaluation and a treatment plan. If more serious, you may need X rays which Portland Urgent Care can provide.
Should you go to urgent care for a sprained ankle?
Yes, if your ankle sprain is moderate and not recovering as expected, you need to see urgent care for an exam.
Will urgent care give you a walking boot?
This depends on the severity of the injury. If your ankle is moderately sprained or fractured, a boot may be necessary.
What will a doctor do for a sprained ankle?
A doctor will take the history, examine the ankle, and order x rays if needed. They will provide anti-inflammatory medication and make the appropriate referral to therapy as needed.
How do you know if a sprain is serious?
Ankle pain that doesn’t resolve after 3-5 days after injury, swelling and bruising along with instability may mean a more serious injury, this is why it is important to consider the services at Portland Wellness Care.
When should I see a Doctor for a sprained ankle?
If pain, swelling, and discoloration is moderate and does not go away after 3-7 days.
You May Like: How To Treat Foot Ulcers
What Are The Complications Of A Sprained Ankle
There are many potential complications of a sprained ankle. The most common complication is continued pain and instability in the ankle, which can lead to difficulty walking and participating in activities. Other potential complications include arthritis, nerve damage, and chronic instability.
A sprained ankle is a very common injury, particularly in athletes. The ankle is a complex joint made up of numerous bones, ligaments, and tendons, all of which work together to allow for movement in multiple directions. When any one of these structures is damaged, it can cause pain and instability in the joint.
The most common complication of a sprained ankle is continued pain and instability. This can make it difficult to walk and participate in activities. It is important to rest the ankle and avoid activities that aggravate the joint. In some cases, physical therapy may be necessary to help strengthen the muscles and ligaments around the ankle.
Another potential complication of a sprained ankle is arthritis. This can occur when the ligaments around the joint are damaged, allowing for excessive movement. This can lead to wear and tear on the cartilage that cushions the joint, eventually causing pain and inflammation.
Nerve damage is another potential complication of a sprained ankle. This can occur if the nerves in the ankle are stretched or damaged. This can cause numbness, tingling, or pain in the affected area.
Learn More: Does urgent care treat sprained ankles?
What Are The Symptoms Of A Sprained Ankle
A sprained ankle can be very painful and make it difficult to walk. The most common symptoms are swelling and bruising. You may also feel pain when you move your ankle or when you put weight on it.
If you have a sprained ankle, it is important to rest and ice the area. You should also keep your ankle elevated to help reduce the swelling. If the pain is severe, you may need to take pain medication.
If you have a sprained ankle, it is important to see a doctor so that you can get the proper treatment. If you do not treat a sprained ankle, it can lead to long-term problems such as arthritis.
Learn More: How to put on an ankle brace?
Don’t Miss: Metro Tulsa Foot And Ankle