Sprains, Strains, and Broken Bones
Accidents happen. We can help.
Sprains, strains, and broken bones are common–and painful–injuries. But whether it’s a rolled ankle on the basketball court or an aching back after helping a friend move, Saddleback Urgent Care can help. Our medical team can evaluate your injury and get you the treatment you need to start feeling better.
Sprains and Strains
- A sprain is the stretching or tearing of ligaments (the tissue that connects two bones togethers in your joints). Sprains commonly occur in the ankle, wrist, knee and elbow.
- A strain is the stretching or tearing of muscles and tendons. You might strain your lower back, your calf or hamstring muscle.
While sprains and strains are usually self-treatable, it’s advisable to have a medical professional evaluate the injury.
Severe sprains and strains may require surgery, or indicate a broken bone. A Saddleback provider can rule out these more serious injuries and determine the best course of treatment. Our providers will check the affected area for swelling, bruising, and stiffness, and look to pinpoint areas of tenderness. The location and severity of your pain will help reveal the extent of the injury.
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, or even surgery.
Broken Bones (Fractures)
Beyond the obvious symptom of pain, a bone fracture can cause swelling, bruising, deformity and loss of function in the injured area.
If you believe you have broken a bone, head into Saddleback Family & Urgent Care immediately.
Our providers can examine your injury and perform an X-ray to confirm a bone fracture. We have digital X-ray machines onsite for fast, convenient diagnostics.
If a fracture has occurred, the bones may need to be reset into place and immobilized in a cast or splint to heal. This treatment is known as reduction. Only some fractures will require reduction, yet all fractures require immobilization.
Serious fractures may require surgery or devices such as pins, plates, and rods to re-position the bone. If this is the case, we can refer you to a specialist and help coordinate your care.