Sprains and Strains

Our professional medical staff is trained and certified to provide the appropriate in office treatment whether you have a soft tissue injury and or a broken bone. Sprains and strains are common soft-tissue injuries that occur during sports activities and everyday life. While the two injuries share many similar symptoms, they involve different parts of the body. Occasionally they are accompanied by a broken bone.

A sprain is the stretching or tearing of ligaments.

Ligaments are the fibrous connective tissues that join two bones together and provide stability and support in our joints. Sprains happen when a sudden twist or fall puts too much stress on the joint, causing the ligaments to overextend or tear. The most common location for a sprain is the ankle joint, but wrist, thumb, knee, and elbow sprains are also common. A quick pivot during an athletic activity, bracing for a fall with an outstretched hand, or even simply walking on an uneven surface can lead to a sprain.

Signs and Symptoms of a Sprain:

• bruising
• swelling
• localized pain around the joint
• limited flexibility
• difficulty using the joint’s full range of motion

A strain is the stretching or tearing of muscles and tendons.

Tendons are the fibrous cords of tissue that connect muscles to bones. Strains happen when a muscle or tendon stretches suddenly or too much. Running, jumping, throwing, slips, and lifting heavy objects can all lead to muscle strains. You might strain your lower back while moving furniture, or suffer a pulled hamstring muscle during a soccer game. Repetitive movement during a job or sports such as gymnastics, tennis, rowing, and golf, can lead to chronic strains.

Signs and Symptoms of a Strain

• Pain
• Muscle spasms
• Muscle weakness
• Swelling
• Cramping
• Trouble moving the muscle

Breaking a bone when falling, spraining an ankle or a knee while playing a sport, or straining a muscle or tendon while picking up a heavy object happens to all of us at some time in our lives. Our medical professionals will evaluate the injury to determine the degree of damage and recommend the proper treatment protocols. While most sprains and strains can be treated with the R.I.C.E. method (rest, ice, compression and elevation) and over-the-counter pain relievers, more severe injuries may require a brace or splint, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery.

Liberty Urgent Care is open 7 days a week with extended hours. No appointment is needed. Most patient visits are completed within 45 min or less. We accept most major insurances and offer discounts for self-pay patients. We are the most affordable option for treating sprains & strains. Liberty Urgent Care is the most reviewed and highest rated Urgent Care in the state of Pennsylvania. We will help you heal more quickly and feel better faster.