sprain and strains

Your health and wellness partner for extensive care.

Imagine your child having a blast of joy at the family picnic, playing kickball or baseball! You take a swing, hit the ball, and then, wham! Your child got hit with the ball and started wincing, holding the ankle. 

Now you feel confused as a parent! Is it a sprain or a strain? You’re unsure what to do next. 

Pause for a moment! Whether it’s you or your child who has sustained a minor injury, you can visit Family Urgent Care without any further thoughts. Our expert medical team will evaluate the symptoms and identify the source of your muscle pain.

You can walk into our clinic with your child in any of our locations: Rogers Park or Lincoln Park in Illinois, or Schererville in Indiana.

Common Symptoms: How to Identify a Sprain or Strain?​

You might observe bruising, pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the injured area. The main difference in symptoms is that sprains might cause bruising, while strains usually don’t. 

However, strains can sometimes lead to muscle spasms. If you feel any kind of symptoms like these, it’s crucial to see a doctor and get yourself treated. Symptoms can vary from person to person, depending on the severity of the injury.

Sprain-or-strains-urgent-care

Some Common Causes of Strains and Sprains

Sprains

Strains

  • Sudden Movement
  • Falls
  • Sports Injuries
  • Accidents 
  • Overexertion
  • Poor Lifting Technique
  • Sports Activities
  • Lifting Heavy Objects

When Should You Contact a Doctor?

It is essential to seek medical care services if your pain is getting worse or if you notice any of the following conditions:

  • If you are finding it hard to walk
  • Unable to carry weight
  • You have severe and persistent swelling or bruising 
  • Severe pain that doesn’t improve on rest
  • If you feel numbness, tingling or weakness in the injured limb
  • If you are concerned that you might have a minor fracture.
 

Urgent and early care can prevent further damage to your muscles. Proper medical attention will allow your healthcare professional to evaluate your symptoms and suggest appropriate treatment.

First Aid or Treatment Options for Sprain and Strain

Some possible treatment options for sprains and strains are: 

  • The doctor might advise you to avoid any strenuous activity until you fully recover
  • Put icepacks on the area for 10 to 15 minutes as recommended by your doctor
  • Avoid alcohol, running, or direct massage of the affected area for the first 3 days of the injury.
  • Your doctor might prescribe you anti-inflammatory medicines, topical or oral pain-relief medications for you to feel relief. 
  • If symptoms worsen in the first 24 hours, see your doctor for further medical investigation.

How Can Family Urgent Care Help in Addressing Sprain and Strain?

At Family Urgent Care, we understand the pain that sprains and strains can cause. That’s why we’re equipped with advanced X-ray machines, enabling us to image the injured area and provide diagnosis and care accurately.     

Our urgent care facility offers reliable medical solutions for sprains and strains. You can also connect with our doctor via phone or video appointment wherever you are. Our online medical services make it easy for patients to talk to healthcare professionals without leaving their homes for your initial management or follow-ups. 

So, don’t hesitate any longer—receive appropriate medical care at Family Urgent Care today. Book your appointment now or simply walk in for immediate assistance.