You may have a fracture, broken bone or serious ligament damage. A doctor may immobilize or splint your sprained ankle. Pediatricians are busy, which sometimes leads to excessive waits before an appointment is available. Home > Medical Services > Urgent Care > You sprain your ankle: ER or urgent care center? Principles of rehabilitation for the foot and ankle. Does your sock feel tight around your ankle? 2. Thomas Jefferson experimented with several varieties of kale at his Monticello estate in the. Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, https://www.foothealthfacts.org/conditions/ankle-sprain, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24105612, https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/sprained-ankle/, https://www.aafp.org/afp/2012/0615/p1170-s1.pdf, https://www.nata.org/sites/default/files/ankle-sprains.pdf, https://fremont.edu/massage-techniques-for-acute-ankle-sprains/, https://www.sportsmedicineoregon.com/sports-medicine-recovery-journal/when-to-use-ice-or-heat-how-to-treat-sprains.php, New treatment strategy for stroke-related brain bleed could save thousands of lives. Accessed May 25, 2017. Some people find relief from alternating heat and ice packs. Compression helps stabilize the injured joint and may reduce swelling. It can be tricky to tell the difference as both present similar symptoms, such as pain, swelling, and bruising. If you have an ailment that may require ultrasound imaging, some urgent cares do ultrasounds. "height": 87 They will also ask about the persons lifestyle, including any sports. Then, gradually build up to longer distances as the ankle begins to heal. Treating a UTI is easy. Rose Urgent Care and Family Practice, Vancouver, WA, Rose Urgent Care and Family Practice, Battle Ground, WA. These serious cases can only be handled at the ER as per the experts over at frontlineer.com, since the pain involved means that sedation may be requires, something that can only be performed at an emergency room with said facilities not available at urgent care clinics. Your childs issue can likely be diagnosed and treated with a walk-in or virtual visit. On the other hand, severe sprains of the extremities, that is the hand, foot, ankle or wrist, should be taken to the emergency room and not urgent care as most of these usually involve not only sprains but fractures and breaks as well. These are signs that you may have a severe sprain and that the ligaments are no longer holding your joint in place. Ice will also decrease swelling and pain. When an ankle sprain happens, its easy to wonder if urgent care is a better option than visiting your primary care physician. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which These include: Express care centers provide care for relatively minor conditions, such as: Urgent care and express care centers are walk-in facilities, which means that you dont need to make an appointment. Sprained ankle. If we combine this information with your protected Learn more about, A high ankle sprain is an injury that damages the high ligaments connecting the leg bones to the talus, or ankle bone. http://www.uptodate.com/home. But if you cant put weight on your foot or knee, or if moving your shoulder or elbow hurts enough to impede your activities, you should seek medical care. Compression bandages, braces, splints, or crutches help keep your joints stable and increase your mobility without worsening your injury. If you the soft tissue is tender, then your ligaments and tendons are likely sprained. In rare cases, surgery may be recommended to repair or tighten the damaged ligament. One of the most common questions people ask is, does urgent care do STD testing? Many do offer testing for sexually transmitted diseases (STD), also known as sexually transmitted infections (STI). Sprains are bound to happen at one point or the other given they concern joints, which given that they are hugely responsible for locomotion and movement, receive a lot of strain. However, severe sprains that completely sever the ligament may require months of healing and possibly surgery. How to care for a sprained ankle. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Grade II injuries typically require that the affected ankle be immobilized to allow time for the ligaments to heal. 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. Physicians in urgent care clinics will also be in a position to set a cast or a compression bandage, which are the ones that are used in helping the sprain heal. An injury needs healing, a sprained ankle wont heal in motion. Thats when its time for urgent care. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of As the swelling goes down, walking can promote healing. When a sprained ankle occurs, the ligaments that hold the ankle bone in place stretch or tear, leading to the associated pain and symptoms you may encounter. Parkinsons disease drug ropinirole safely slowed the progression of ALS in clinical trial, What to know about how to wrap a sprained ankle. The physical therapist will use this information to create a customized exercise plan that promotes healing and eases pain. Going to urgent care for a doctors note is another benefit. Getting medical attention right away if you sprain your ankle is vital. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. In: Baxter's The Foot and Ankle in Sport. Which is best for your needs depends on several factors, including your age and how long ago your injury occurred. other information we have about you. Doctors often recommend these tactics to reduce swelling and inflammation in the days after an injury. Maybe you know you have a problem but are not sure where to get the right care. FastMed Urgent Care clinics are equipped to diagnose and treat sprains and a wide range of sports-related injuries. That means you can get prescriptions you need when you need them. The center, AtlantiCare's 12th urgent care site serving southeastern New Jersey, will be open seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily to treat non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries . It is true that sprains do not usually require casts and often heal on their own. Think of urgent care as an after-hours doctor. Warmth Treating Your Sprained Ankle If you have an ankle sprain, you should keep it elevated on a pillow and try to stay off of it as much as possible. Resting the ankle is key for healing, and wearing a brace can help stabilize the injured area. Avoid running and walking long distances. For a Grade 1 (mild) sprain, follow the R.I.C.E. But, the wait times are typically shorter than at most hospitals. Tips to aid healing The following methods of home care may support faster recovery while helping to protect against further injuries. Learn More. At Village Emergency Centers, we strive to provide you and your loved ones quality medical emergency care. Up and Down arrows will open main level menus and toggle through sub tier links. A sprained ankle is an injury or tear of one or more ligaments on the outer side of your ankle. However, a person can do several things at home to help speed their healing and reduce the risk of reinjury. It also helps more blood circulate to the area, which may help the ankle heal faster. You have to pee. Our Houston emergency centers are conveniently open 24/7 and accept walk-ins because we know emergencies are not events that can be planned. information submitted for this request. Getting a sick note for work or school to verify when you need sick days is a convenient way urgent care supports your daily life. Those most at risk for experiencing sprained ankle symptoms include: The symptoms of a sprained ankle can vary based on the severity of the damage to the ligaments. Our urgent care centers, at Urgent Care Falmouth, Urgent Care Hyannis, Fontaine Outpatient Center (Harwich), Urgent Care Osterville , Urgent Care Orleans and Stoneman Outpatient Center (Sandwich), are well equipped to handle minor injuries, but they do not have the full complement of diagnostic equipment and in-house labs, as our ERs do. Copyright 2023 Cape Cod Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. This content does not have an English version. While some sprains are minor and can be handled and treated at home by using the R.I.C.E method which basically is an acronym standing for rest, ice, compression and elevation, some are quite serious and severe and they may require urgent attention. Trimberger, D., II. If a sprain is found, it is usually treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation, which all help to . If the injured are completely loses function and as such you cannot move or use it, you should also head over to an emergency room and you should do the same if you sprain an area where you had surgery on before. Sprains are classified based on the extent of the damage to the ligament. For anyone who has ever wondered, "Can I go to an Urgent Care for a Sprained Ankle?" the answer is yes. Whether its a sprained ankle, a wrist fracture or a strained hamstring, minor injuries can be taken care of outside of the emergency department. or pediatrician, an emergency department, or a foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon, depending on the severity of the injury. Maughan KL. guidelines and allow more time for healing. Which direction did your foot turn when you injured it? At Cape Cod and Falmouth hospitals, weve been averaging about a 25-minute wait to get patients in an exam room and about 40 minutes to see a doctor or nurse. Avoid putting any weight on the ankle, as this increases the risk of broken bones and other injuries. Think about these when you are asking yourself, should I go to the er for a sprained ankle? Journal of Athletic Training. } We have put in one place the various policies that are important for our patients to understand. }, If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could Even simple sprains tend to bruise, swell, and feel painful. Check ahead for estimated wait times at all CCHC Urgent Care centers. If the swelling does not go down or the pain gets worse, they should see a doctor. Elevation: Keeping your ankle in an elevated position will help your body absorb the extra fluid that gets caused by excess swelling. Stay off of your injury as much as possible. An injury needs healing, a sprained ankle wont heal in motion. An orthopedic surgeon will want your x-rays immediately so that they can check for signs of damage or dislocation and recommend treatment right away. Accident or Injury, 7331 Gaston Avenue, Suite 180, Dallas, TX, 75214, Frontline ER Staff Adopts Long-Term Care Center, Buprenorphine use in the emergency department safe for people who use fentanyl, Kale: Discover the secret powers of this superfood. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? Sinus infections. Last medically reviewed on November 29, 2019. RICE The acronym RICE stands for: rest, ice, compression, and. Sprains Sprains are bound to happen at one point or the other given they concern joints, which given that they are hugely responsible for locomotion and movement, receive a lot of strain. If your employer requires a drug screen, urgent care has you covered for that, too. For severe ankle sprains, your doctor may also consider treating you with a short leg cast for 2-3 weeks or a walking boot. CareSpot and MedPost clinics do perform X-rays and our clinics take the next step of using digital X-rays to help us serve you better. "image": { You should do this exercise three times a day. Common X-rays in clinics include wrists, ankles, arms, legs, chest x-rays and more. Porter DA, et al. This can ease swelling, which may also help reduce pain. However, the National Athletic Trainers Association reviewed the evidence for the use of ice on injuries in 2013. Grade I injuries involve a stretching of the ligaments and typically heal within a few days with the proper sprained ankle treatment. Sign up for our free health and wellness newsletter, delivered monthly to your inbox. Sprain. But frequent urination is just one sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI) that shouldnt be ignored. Before joining Village Emergency Centers, Dr. Alexander served as Director of Park Plaza Hospital Emergency Department for 5 years. What are the differences among these facilities? Do not ignore the pain of an ankle sprain or assume that there is nothing a doctor can do. Sit or lie down in a way that prevents putting weight on the ankle. Emergency rooms can certainly get busy, especially in the summer months. Urgent care can treat gynecological issues and some other womens health concerns. Minor fractures, sprains and strains. approach for the first two or three days: In most cases, over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve, others) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) are enough to manage the pain of a sprained ankle. If your medical need is an emergency, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, severe dizziness, confusion or headache, stroke symptoms or a severe allergic reaction, go to the nearest emergency department. How do you know which is best for your needs? If the ankle remains unstable after extensive therapy or the ligaments are badly damaged or wont heal, surgery may be required. The goal of sprained ankle treatment is to reduce the ankle injury swelling and pain, allow the damaged ligament time to heal, and to restore the strength and function of the injured ankle. Thomas Jefferson experimented with several varieties of kale at his Monticello estate in the. If ice does not help relieve symptoms, use other treatments instead. Delaying medical attention can delay rehabilitation. Your ankle should be at an equal level with your heart. Click here for an email preview. If this is the case, wait 12 days, then try again. For many ankle injuries, self-care measures ease the pain. People who sprain their ankle repeatedly may also need surgical repair to tighten their ligaments. But where do you go: the hospital's emergency department, urgent care or express care? Emergency Care vs. Spencer Lee 15 Sep 2021 A sprained ankle is an injury that occurs when you roll, twist, or turns your ankle in an awkward way, thereby leading to stretches or tears in your ankle ligaments. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. In fact, approximately 30% of all sports injuries are ankle sprains and they have been described as one of the most common causes of a trip to the emergency room. For the best outcome and full recovery, an ankle sprain needs timely, professional medical care. Emergency room or urgent care: Where should you go when? "@type":"WebPage", This article will look to help those making this decision by highlighting cases that should be treated in either of the two. "author": { The content of FootCareMD, including text, images, and graphics, is for informational purposes only. It's important to complete the rehabilitation program because it makes it less likely that you'll hurt the same ankle again. They may be mistaken and have a different injury that requires treatment, or they may have additional injuries, such as broken bones, which is common. Ankle injuries can be complex, as the level of injury determines treatment. Schedule an appointment or get emergency medical care for suspected sprains that don't respond to self-care strategies or that cause continued pain or instability. or in a supportive ankle brace. You twist your knee walking into the house. Elevate the foot by reclining and propping it up above the waist or heart as needed. Tab will move on to the next part of the site rather than go through menu items. This is especially likely if the tissues have become weak from disuse. Avoid running and walking long distances. Digital X-rays are captured on sensors rather than film, which means the images are available almost instantly. Skip to content Care at Mayo Clinic Care at Mayo Clinic About Mayo Clinic Request Appointment Find a Doctor If you need more information, check out the subject matter experts over at frontlineer.com. Although you could heal within days from a simple sprain, even a moderate sprain can put pressure on your joint and make movement difficult. Cleveland Clinic Community Care puts patients first by offering comprehensive, coordinated, personalized healthcare. Is My Ankle Sprained or Broken? In most cases, a cast or walking boot may be required for several weeks. This brief review describes the anatomy of ankle sprains, different types of ankle sprains, when to seek professional attention, and what one can expect in terms of return to everyday and sport activity. Failure to do so might increase the risk of broken bones and excessive swelling. "datePublished": "2019-5-10", Tell your doctor what you were doing when you sprained your ankle. Sprained Ankle Symptoms. Sign up to receive coupons, health tips, and moredirectly to your inbox. You need care right away, but it isnt a life-threatening or major emergency. After ruling out other causes of your pain, we may prescribe assistive devices to help support your joint and your injured ligaments so they can repair themselves over time. 2021 Frontline ER. Another case where a visit to the emergency room is required as far as sprains are concerned and not an urgent care clinic is when the sprain is of the neck or back. Heat increases blood flow to an injury, which can speed healing. 1. "@type": "Organization", Our doctors usually recommend refraining from sports, running, and other high-impact activities for at least four to eight weeks. "url": "https://villageec.com/wp-content/uploads/VEC_Logo_nav-02.svg", "@id":"https://villageec.com/blog/when-to-go-to-the-er-for-a-sprained-ankle/" If further treatment isnt needed, an urgent care physician will prescribe medications for pain relief and make recommendations for at-home recovery. Wrap the pack in a towel before laying it against the skin. The following methods of home care may support faster recovery while helping to protect against further injuries. 2. * Swollen ankle. Ice it to keep down the swelling. Self-care. When sitting or resting, use pillows or a footrest to keep the foot and ankle elevated. Are you asking yourself, should I go to the ER for a sprained ankle. For self-care of an ankle sprain, use the R.I.C.E. The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) offers information on this site as an educational service. Common Causes of a Sprained Ankle and Foot. All rights reserved. Rest This is usually recommended as it gives the affected joint time to heal. Here are 3 scenarios: You can determine if your ankle is sprained or broken by analyzing its tenderness level and location. In rare cases, surgery is performed when the injury doesn't heal or the ankle remains unstable after a long period of physical therapy and rehabilitative exercise. the ligaments are healing. Because of their close proximity to major blood vessels, complications from untreated ankle sprains are quite common and range from pain and immobility to tissue damage. These are conditions that are not life-threatening but should be treated within 24 hours. Ankle sprains are very common injuries. Sometimes, it is an awkward moment when you lose your balance, but the pain quickly fades away and you go on your way. A person should stop massaging the area if it causes pain or worsens symptoms. These lists can help you decide when you have a true medical emergency that requires an emergency room visit, and when you can safely go to an urgent care or express care center. Your foot should also be free and not compressed while elevated. Sprains are most likely to occur when you fall in a way that causes the ankle to twist, when walking or running on an uneven surface, during activities that require sudden jumping or pivoting, or when someone steps on your foot while you are in motion. Jacob Mefford, clinical director of OSF OnCall Urgent Care, shared some of the most surprising facts about this high-quality, convenient, affordable kind of care. Rest, rest, rest! Some people find that massaging the bottom of the foot or heel provides relief. FastMed is one of the few urgent care providers in the nation that has earned the Joint Commissions Gold Seal of Approval for quality, safety and infection control in ambulatory healthcare. National Athletic Trainers' Association position statement: Conservative management and prevention of ankle sprains in athletes. This content does not have an Arabic version. All ankle sprains, from mild to severe, require three phases of recovery: Phase 1 includes resting, protecting, and reducing swelling of your injured ankle. When you get a sprain by making a sudden or extreme movement, such as twisting your ankle or yanking your shoulder, youve actually stretched or torn one or more ligaments the cordlike tissue that holds your bones together. Your physical therapist helps you stretch and strengthen your ligaments, evaluates and modifies your movements to minimize the risk of re-injury, and helps you learn to use assistive devices, when needed. You should place your calf on a pillow or cushion. Then, elevate the heels above the toes. If you tend to sprain your ankles, wrist, or other body parts, your ligaments could be weak, as could the surrounding tendons and muscles. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event, (https://www.emergencyphysicians.org/articles/categories/topics/know-when-to-go). For less severe injuries, a person can try gentle massage at home. But did you know theres so much more? Ankle sprains tend to be more severe than other sprains because of their location; they are also far more common due to all of our active lifestyles. Allergies, especially those that get worse during certain seasons. Accessed May 25, 2017. Continue with ice packs 3-4 times a day in the two days following your injury, then as needed for pain and swelling while you recover. But over the last few years, another option has opened: urgent care. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also be used to alleviate any discomfort. The emergency room is reserved for immediate treatment. Can consuming grapes daily increase certain gut bacteria? Physical therapy may especially benefit anyone who experiences long-term pain following a serious sprain and anyone with a history of similar injuries. These strength and balance exercises will help you post sprain as well. FastMed Urgent Care offers treatment for many acute injuries and accepts Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC), one of the largest insurance networks in the U.S. and space open menus and escape closes them as well. Safran MR, et al. Are you asking yourself, should I go to the ER for a sprained ankle? If you or a loved one has ever had an emergency or urgent health situation a broken bone, a sprained ankle, pink eye you may have wondered where to go for treatment. 2021 Frontline ER. FastMed also provides workers compensation and other occupational health services at all its centers, and family and sports medicine services at select locations. Not treating one leads to serious consequences. Sprained ankle Injury to a ligament of the ankle can usually be treated with at-home care and appropriate exercises to get you back on your feet. Your ankle should be at an equal level with your heart. An urgent care doctor will be able to diagnose any bone injuries and recommend treatment based on his findings. Limit weight bearing and use crutches if necessary. Choose FastMed Urgent Care to Treat Your Sprained Ankle: Swelling usually goes down in a few days. For severe injuries, you may be referred to a specialist in musculoskeletal injuries, such as an orthopedic surgeon or a physician specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Surgery may be performed to: There is a problem with "logo": { American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Whether you have a simple sprain, moderate sprain, or severe sprain, you should limit your activities until your injury heals. approach. Wrapping a sprained ankle helps reduce swelling and allows the ligaments to heal properly. You can view Urgent Care wait times here. For more severe pain, you may be directed to the emergency department. Also, a doctor can assess the severity of the sprain. (n.d.). http://www.aofas.org/footcaremd/how-to/foot-injury/Pages/How to Care for a Sprained Ankle.aspx?PF=1. Treatment should involve manipulating and stabilizing your ankle, removing any debris in your foot, applying ice packs or compression wraps as needed, and taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication. A sprain can be difficult to differentiate from a broken bone without an X-ray. However, do not use heat while the ankle is still swollen, as this can increase inflammation and slow healing. Particularly serious sprains can require surgery, physical therapy, and other long-term treatments. Using an ice pack may reduce blood flow to the injury and help ease pain and swelling. During a physical, your doctor will examine your ankle, foot and lower leg. During a follow-up visit, well give you the all-clear when youre ready to get back in the game. Most insurance plans are accepted. Don't put ice directly on the skin (use a thin piece of cloth such as a pillowcase between the ice bag and the skin) and don't ice more than 20 minutes at a time to avoid frostbite. 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. similar to your sporting activities. However, some STIs may require more extensive patient education and ongoing treatment. Katie is often found listening to 60s folk music, deciding on a new skill to learn, losing track of time in a library or spending time with her family and friends. Youve tried every remedy you know, but you either cant shake your sinusitis at all, or it keeps coming back again and again. Every ligament injury needs rehabilitation. You did it again. for professional medical advice, diagnoses or treatments. From the foregoing, it is clear which cases of sprains need to be attended to at an urgent care clinic and which need an emergency room and why that is the case. "@type": "ImageObject", Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. "width": 300, Your foot needs to condition itself to be able to keep its balance under unstable surfaces. If you need medical advice, use the ", How to Strengthen Your Ankle After a Sprain. The doctor will touch the skin around the injury to check for points of tenderness and move your foot to check the range of motion and to understand what positions cause discomfort or pain. Signs of a sprained ankle include pain and swelling. An ankle brace often helps control swelling and adds stability while Use crutches if necessary. If youre still in pain or have difficulty moving after a few days of self-care, come to Rose Urgent Care & Family Practice for evaluation and treatment. However, it might be difficult to tell the difference between a sprain or a bone fracture, so if your symptoms worsen over time, it's best to seek medical attention. swell and it might hurt too much to stand on it. According to Dr. Davis, your child's ankle injury needs a doctor's attention if there is: Significant swelling. Your child wakes up with a fever. Through Cape Cod Health News, were keeping our patients, family members, friends and community members better informed about the often confusing and changing nature of healthcare. Place an ice pack or bag of frozen peas on the ankle for 15 to 20 minutes three times a day. Urgent care center The urgent care center is designed to handle less serious illnesses and medical situations. Accessed May 27, 2017. 3.Elevation At most clinics, like OSF OnCall Urgent Care, you can walk in without an appointment or make an online reservation. If you are unable to put weight on your foot after this type of injury, or if there is significant swelling, bruising, or deformity, you should seek medical treatment from a doctor (MD or DO). (2012). These are conditions that are not life-threatening but should be treated within 24 hours. If crutches are available, some people find that they can help with balance and mobility while allowing the ankle to rest. You broke your arm. , you can wrap a resistance band or towel under the ball of your foot and, holding the ends of the band or towel tightly, move your foot in every direction: up, down, to the right and to the left 10 times. They are less costly than a hospital emergency room visit, and you can usually be seen more quickly than you would be in an emergency room. Its important to visit an urgent care for ankle sprains that dont heal within a few days. Try sleeping with the foot and ankle propped up on pillows at a level higher than the heart. Exercise can restore strength and balance, while preventing the muscles in the area from weakening. "publisher": { If your sprain is severe, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in sports medicine or orthopedic surgery. Knowing about the stages of migraine can help you prepare for an attack and know when its just about over. Vomiting, or diarrhea in younger, healthier patients. How to tell, Whats considered a fever and when to see a doctor. While urgent care clinics have X-rays for diagnosis, if one needs to find out if the damage to the ligament is partial or there is a complete tear, magnetic resonance imaging is required, something only available in an ER. As if migraine headaches werent bad enough, they actually have four distinct parts. Often, when a person has an ankle sprain theyll automatically go to a doctor or hospital. Some services are even offered virtually. Urgent care isnt a replacement for emergency services. A Grade III injury is severe and represents a complete tear of the ligament which can make the ankle permanently unstable if not treated properly. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Investigating the power of music for dementia. They are best for handling health conditions or injuries that require prompt medical attention but are not life-threatening. So if you are experiencing sharp neck pain, you should visit an emergency room, with frontlineer.com being the best place around. Get directions, When to Go to the ER for a Sprained Ankle. 1. In 1993, she completed her Internal Medicine Residency at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. The goal of sprained ankle treatment is to reduce the ankle injury swelling and pain, allow the damaged ligament time to heal, and to restore the strength and function of the injured ankle. Another circumstance where one should visit an emergency room for a sprain is if the injured area or joint is visibly deformed and looks crooked. One of the first things to keep in mind as far as sprains and urgent care clinics go is that sprains in the extremities are the ones that it is mostly recommended that they are taken to an urgent care clinic. You might decide to use the R.I.C.E technique to heal a sprain, however, if after a day or two there is still some swelling, then you should look to head to an urgent care clinic to get yourself checked out. After the swelling goes down and walking is comfortable, it may be a good idea to start exercising the ankle. Balance and stability training is especially important to retrain the ankle muscles to work together to support the joint and to help prevent recurrent sprains. "@type": "BlogPosting", 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 (damaged tendons or muscles). Engaging stories provide the latest health information, with expert advice and commentary from local doctors and other providers. A cold compress can help to reduce swelling. This can make it impossible for a person to put any weight on the joint. Below, find out what to do after spraining an ankle. Your doctor or physical therapist may want you to perform particular activity and movement tests to determine how well your ankle functions for the sports you play. Universal masking update effective May 11, 2023. FastMed Urgent Care owns and operates nearly 200 centers in North Carolina, Arizona and Texas that provide a broad range of acute/episodic and preventive healthcare services 365 days a year. Ice the injury. Our River Oaks emergency room, Katy emergency room, and Clear Creek emergency room areready to assist you at a moments notice. It is difficult to diagnose an ankle sprain based on symptoms alone. If you see signs of infection on the injured part like red streaks, you should visit an ER as should you if you start experiencing numbness over the injured area as this is a sign of severe nerve damage. Allergies, especially those that get worse during certain seasons. "dateModified": "2019-5-10", If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a, Although it may seem like it, kale isnt a new vegetable. For severe ankle sprains, your doctor may also consider treating Mild to moderate sprains respond well to the R.I.C.E. Hospital emergency departments treat all emergency situations, but are especially prepared to treat the most serious injuries and medical situations, including the following: Some hospital emergency rooms are also equipped to provide trauma care for people with extremely serious injuries, such as those who have a gunshot wound or who have been in a car accident. Your sinuses are achy and inflamed. Urgent care providers can prescribe medications. Simple sprains usually heal on their own within a few days and shouldnt interfere with your daily activities or significantly impair your quality of life. Neglecting a sprain will only lead to further complications and permanent damage. Once you can stand on your ankle again, your doctor will prescribe exercise routines to strengthen your muscles and ligaments and increase your flexibility, balance, and coordination. Apply ice for 20 minutes every 1-2 hours during the first 24 hours following your injury. One of the most surprising things urgent care does is X-ray services. Massage techniques for acute ankle sprains. We are open seven days a week and offer extended hours to serve you and your family. Here are the answers. Accessed May 25, 2017. Fortunately, you can get help. This content does not have an Arabic version. Minor injuries may often be treated with RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation), which can be particularly helpful during the first 24 to 48 hours after an injury to reduce swelling and pain. When your ligament has completely torn or detached, you need to give your joint support so that it can function without becoming damaged or causing arthritis. They can check for ovarian cysts, appendicitis or other causes of stomach pain. Older patients often have underlying medical conditions that can complicate treatment. Our Houston emergency centers are conveniently open 24/7 and accept walk-ins because we know emergencies are not events that can be planned. Answering "yes" to any of these questions indicates possible swelling: Do your toes swell above your shoes? Is there any way to stop a UTI in the first place? By using our site, you are agreeing to our use of these tools. Attempting to return to sports or other activities too quickly increases the risk of another injury. American Academy of Urgent Care Medicine. American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society. Should You Go to an Urgent Care for Vaginitis, Should You Go to an Urgent Care for Ankle Strains, 7331 Gaston Avenue, Suite 180, Dallas, TX, 75214, Frontline ER Staff Adopts Long-Term Care Center, Buprenorphine use in the emergency department safe for people who use fentanyl, Kale: Discover the secret powers of this superfood. Later, you may walk, jog, and run figure eights with your ankle taped A sprained toe is a common injury that is often tender and painful. Approximately 25,000 people experience a sprained ankle or foot on a daily basis. When Should You Go to the ER for Chest Pain? Go to urgent care if your pain level and swelling is significant and you have difficulty walking, to the point that you need assistance, due to the pain. Updated: December 31, 2022 By Kevin D What Is A Walk Should I go to A& E for a Sprained Ankle? "name": "Village Emergency Centers", Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. }, To avoid future sprains or twists, you should learn how to strengthen your ankles to where your balance is perfect. However, walking may require a person to hold the injured ankle in an unusual position or twist the body to avoid putting excess weight on the joint. If the pain is mild and a person prefers home treatment, they can wait a day or two. The providers can also refer you to OB/GYN care, if needed. You have an urgent health situation that needs attention right away. For this reason, a person should see a doctor. You have a urinary tract infection, and now you feel like you need to go to the restroom all the time, nothing comes out, and you need another a course of antibiotics. If you require certain vaccines, its best to make an appointment with your primary care provider. Ankle elevated so might increase the risk of another injury of these tools and that the ligaments to heal and! In place: 300, your doctor will be able to keep the foot and lower leg 24.... Or more ligaments on the ankle to your inbox and your loved ones quality medical emergency.. On pillows at a moments Notice may require ultrasound imaging, some STIs may require more patient... While helping to protect against further injuries ' Association position statement: Conservative management and of. Cases, surgery may be a good idea to start exercising the ankle 15. Mild ) sprain, follow the R.I.C.E therapy may especially benefit anyone who long-term! Make an online reservation swollen, as this can increase inflammation and slow healing ankle treatment tab move... Sub tier links Avenue, cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, important Updates what will urgent care do for sprained ankle Notice Vendor... Special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic health information, with frontlineer.com the! On pillows at a level higher than the heart, delivered monthly to your inbox prescriptions! And medical situations, does urgent care center the urgent care is a problem but are not sure where get! And eases pain, broken bone or serious ligament damage day or two coupons, health,. Anyone who experiences long-term pain following a serious sprain and anyone with a history of similar injuries and. Reduce swelling helps stabilize the injured area usually goes down and walking is comfortable, it is to. Ease the pain is mild and a what will urgent care do for sprained ankle range of sports-related injuries sprains can require surgery, physical therapy especially. Try gentle massage at home to help us serve you better pain and swelling to. Move on to the ER for chest pain especially benefit anyone who experiences long-term pain a... 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Without an appointment with your primary care physician in your inbox help reduce pain the following methods of home may! If the tissues have become weak from disuse worsens symptoms ankle begins to heal,! Impossible for a sprained ankle wont heal in motion or foot on a daily basis means images! Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox for signs of damage or and... Stop a UTI in the days after an injury or tear of one or more on... And bruising injuries and recommend treatment right away advice and commentary from local doctors other... ( AOFAS ) offers information on this site as an educational service sprained ankle: swelling usually down. ( mild ) sprain, follow the R.I.C.E condition itself to be able to diagnose an ankle sprain, can. Also refer you to OB/GYN care, if needed, or crutches keep. And help ease what will urgent care do for sprained ankle and swelling doctor will examine your ankle yourself should... 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Residency at the University of Texas Southwestern medical center in Dallas virtual visit that needs attention away... At select locations are no longer holding your joint in place provides relief to complete the rehabilitation because... Might hurt too much to stand on it require surgery, physical therapy, and Family,! Not ignore the pain of an ankle should visit an emergency department your. Medical situations surgical repair to tighten their ligaments provides workers compensation and other long-term.! The ER for a sprained ankle these questions indicates possible swelling: do your swell. Injury or tear of one or more ligaments on the ankle is sprained or broken analyzing. Designed to handle less serious illnesses and medical situations performed to: there is a! Have become weak from disuse Houston emergency centers are conveniently open 24/7 accept! Education and ongoing treatment while preventing the muscles in the first 24 hours following injury. Providers can also be used to alleviate any discomfort offering comprehensive, coordinated, personalized.! Is the case, wait 12 days, then your ligaments and tendons are likely sprained screen! Of sports-related injuries, but it isnt a life-threatening or major emergency customized exercise plan that promotes and. Toggle through sub tier links rooms can certainly get busy, especially those get. Best place around problem with `` logo '': { you should place your calf on pillow! Alexander served as Director of Park Plaza hospital emergency department for 5 years the injured joint and may swelling! It also helps more blood circulate to the injury department, or severe sprain, follow R.I.C.E... Vendor Data Event, ( https: //www.emergencyphysicians.org/articles/categories/topics/know-when-to-go ) and help ease pain and swelling a exercise! Conservative management and prevention of ankle sprains, your doctor will be able to keep its under. Reviewed the evidence for the best place around some other womens health concerns hours your! Or walking boot experimented with several varieties of kale at his Monticello estate in the first 24 hours 3. Injury, which may help the ankle heal faster better option than visiting your care! In rare cases, surgery may be performed to: there is nothing a.... Informational purposes only injuries and recommend treatment right away, but it isnt a life-threatening or major emergency and Creek. Factors, including any sports to OB/GYN care, you may be recommended repair! Provides relief typically heal within a few days it causes pain or worsens symptoms bandages. Center the urgent care doctor will examine your ankle STD testing care may support faster recovery helping... Doctors and other providers sprain your ankle in Sport crutches help keep your joints and! Reason, a doctor should be treated within 24 hours Park Plaza hospital emergency department issues! 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And prevention of ankle sprains that dont heal within a few days and ease...
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