Sprains and Strains Treatment Specialist Q&A

Yes, urgent cares can treat sprains. Urgent care centers are one of the best medical facilities to receive care for sprains, as they offer same-day and walk-in appointments. They also come with shorter wait times than those at a doctor’s office or hospital emergency room, so patients can receive prompt care without worrying of their condition worsening.

Because the two terms “pulled muscle” and “torn muscle” are often used interchangeably, it leads to confusion when trying to differentiate between them. While these two types of muscle injuries share many similarities, they are also different in their own way. Pulled muscles are caused by injury to the ligaments—the tough fibrous connective tissues that support many parts of the body—and thus it is often referred to as a sprain. Torn muscles are caused by an injury to tendon tissues or muscles, and are therefore considered strains.

Because sprains and strains are inherently similar, it can be difficult telling the two apart when an injury is present. To differentiate between the two types of injuries, it helps to look at their signs and symptoms. Symptoms of a strain include:

– Muscle spasm
– Pain around the affected joint
– Swelling
– Limited flexibility
– Limited range of motion

There are many treatment options for strains and sprains; they are often the same for both conditions, although they can also differ. The most common type of treatment for sprains and strains is physical therapy, which uses gentle stretches and strengthening exercises to regain mobility and function of the affected area. Physical therapy is often the preferred method of treatment as it does not rely on medication or surgery to provide relief; rather, it focuses on addressing the underlying damage to the tissues for long-term and effective amelioration. In mild cases, the RICE technique (rest, ice, compression and elevation) may be prescribed; it may also be recommended to take over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, if the patient’s condition allows.

Before a treatment plan can be developed, the actual injury, its cause and severity must first be diagnosed. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways, including x-ray imaging and a physical examination. An x-ray can help the physician visualize the internal damage and is one of the most effective diagnostic tools currently available. A physical examination is also an effective way to formulate or confirm a diagnosis, as the doctor can look for external signs that indicate the extent and type of internal damage.

If you have sustained a strain or sprain, come to Franklin Park Urgent Care Center for professional care. Call us today to book a reservation for sprain or strain treatment, or simply walk in to our urgent care clinic conveniently located at 5904 North Division Street, Spokane, WA 99208. We look forward to serving you! We serve patients from Spokane WA, Airway Heights WA, Cheney WA, Colbert WA, Deer Park WA, Liberty Lake WA, Mead WA, Medical Lake WA, Millwood WA, Otis Orchards WA, Spokane Valley WA and surrounding areas.