Sprains and Strains Treatment in Joliet, IL

If you think you have a fracture, sprain, or strain, your next best step is to get medical attention so you know exactly what is going on. Is it a fracture? A fracture is a broken bone, and there are different types, depending on whether the bone is partially or completely fractured. Signs of a broken bone include pain directly on top of the bone, pain that worsens with pressure and movement, a “cracking” sound when the injury happens, the area appears “deformed” or the bone is poking through, and the inability to use the injured limb. Is it a strain? Tendons are tissues that connect muscle to bone and stretching or tearing a tendon or muscle causes a strain. People with an injury often assume that a strain can seem like a sprain as they involve the tissue around a joint. However, strains are normally the result of overuse or trying out a new exercise routine or sport that your muscles are not used to, or after that weekend of hard yard work. The signs of having a strain include swelling, pain, muscle spasms, and difficulty moving the muscle. Is it a sprain? Ligaments connect bone-to-bone at the joint and tearing or stretching a ligament is what causes a sprain. The most common areas for a sprain are the ankles, elbows, or wrists. Signs that you have a sprain include limited movement or mobility of the area affected pain that is soft over a bone rather than directly on the bone itself, bruising and swelling around the area, and a “popping” sound at the time of injury. If you have an injury – fracture, strain, or sprain – seek medical attention right away.

For fractures, it is advised to get it looked at right away. Urgent Care clinics will have you in for an x-ray to confirm if you have a break, and then, depending on the severity, your injury will require casting or splinting and immobilization. In serious cases, surgery might be needed. With a sprain, it is also advised that you see your doctor or visit an Urgent Care clinic in your area so that you can get the best advice on treatment. The best way to treat a sprain after your injury is to get lots of rest, apply ice or cold packs to reduce swelling (apply for 10 minutes, then remove for 10 minutes, and repeat frequently), elevate your ankle or sore foot on a pillow above your heart to reduce the swelling, and wrap the injured foot, ankle, or wrist in an elastic bandage to maintain stability and to reduce the swelling.

After a couple of weeks, most strains and sprains will feel better, however, you need to avoid strenuous exercise, like running or lifting weights, for up to 8 weeks to avoid the risk of further damage. Healing time also depends on the individual and injury. You can also talk to your doctor about painkillers that will help bring down the swelling and ease the pain.

If you experience a fracture, sprain, or strain, you should go to the local Urgent Care clinic in your area. Urgent Care clinics have a team of doctors and healthcare specialists, and technology to examine your injury and offer the best treatment solutions. Visiting an Urgent Care clinic is a wise move as you will get help quicker with shorter wait times and you will know how your injury should be treated, which will help for quicker recovery. Sprains, strains, and broken bones are common and painful injuries. Our medical team can evaluate your injury and get you the treatment you need. For more information, call us or schedule an appointment online! We are conveniently located at 1719 Glenwood Ave Joliet, IL 60435. We welcome walk-ins! We serve patients from Joliet IL, Manhattan IL, Channahon IL, Bolingbrook IL, Naperville IL, Lockport IL, Romeoville IL, and Plainfield IL.