Sprains and Strains

If you have recently sustained an injury to your wrist, ankle, or other areas and can see swelling in the affected area then you may worry it's more than a sprain or strain. Fortunately, more often than not you probably only have a mild sprain or strain, but to be sure come into WellCare Urgent Care Center to get proper diagnosis and treatment started.


Do You Have a Strain or Sprain?

If your ankle or wrist is hurting and swelling to an abnormal size, then you may wonder whether you have any soft tissue injuries. It is more likely that you have a mild sprain rather than a fracture, but you should seek initial treatment by visiting the WellCare Urgent Care Center. With a physical examination and medical images, a physician can see if there is an injured joint, torn ligaments, or if there are severe strains that require surgery. However, there is a difference between sprains and strains. A strain injury occurs when a band of soft tissue or muscles attached to a bone experiences injury. Alternatively, an ankle sprain occurs when the connective tissue that connects bones is torn. This is also commonly referred to as a torn ligament.

What Are the Symptoms?

The most common cause of sprains or strains is from playing contact sports that require intense physical activity. Strains tend to occur in the leg’s hamstring muscle, but can also form as back strains in the lower back. On the other hand, mild, moderate, and severe sprains all occur in the wrists, knees, or ankles. Both types of injuries can include having tears in the tendons or muscles, leading to additional risk factors, muscle weakness, or discomfort. With a strain, you may experience a cramping sensation in the muscles that will radiate outside the injured area.

What Causes These Injuries?

There are other reasons why you could suffer a strain or a sprain. Overextending the arms or landing in an awkward position can cause sprains and strains. Additionally, walking on an uneven surface, or tripping on the stairs can harm the soft tissue causing a mild strain. Walking on a slippery surface, lifting heavy objects, or playing sports can lead to overuse injuries. Some strains occur suddenly from one poorly executed movement, but repetitive motion can create acute soft tissue injuries if not combatted with proper conditioning and physical therapy.

Remedies for Sprains and Strains

The best treatment for most strains and sprains is by applying ice to the injured body part while elevating or resting the ankle or wrist. Keep the ice pack on the injury for 20 minutes each time, and you can repeat this process for several days. You may find relief from pain by wearing a compression garment or brace while the strain or sprain heals. It is possible to find these compression devices at local or online drugstores.

Come into WellCare

If you have sustained a strain or sprain then come into WellCare Urgent Care Center right away to get immediate medical attention. Book a same-day appointment online at both our Cascade and Leonard locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I visit Urgent Care or Emergency Room?

Urgent Care

When you have any medical condition that is non-life threatening or have general medical needs, then an Urgent Care center can take care of these. WellCare Urgent Care takes care of a variety of medical concerns such as the flu, vaccinations, physicals, allergy symptoms, and more.

WellCare Urgent care is convenient because it is quick and cost-effective.

Average visit time: 1 hour
Average cost: $150

Emergency Room

Emergency care is necessary when you are suffering from a life-threatening condition. This could be a heart attack, stroke, head injury, or other trauma that requires more advanced treatment. If you or someone you love has a life-threatening illness or injury, then you need to call 911 and get to the closest Emergency Room.

Emergency Rooms, while the best option for serious trauma, do take time and are costly.

Average Time Spent: 4.5 hours
Average Cost Per Visit: $1700

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