Doctors of New York is committed to treating various sprains and strains, ensuring our patients receive comprehensive care.

Common Types of Sprains and Strains

• Ankle Sprains: Commonly occur during sports or walking on uneven surfaces. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and bruising.
• Knee Sprains: Often result from sudden twists or impacts. Symptoms include pain, instability, and swelling.
• Wrist Sprains: Typically caused by falls or sudden impacts. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the wrist.
• Back Strains: Can result from heavy lifting or sudden movements. Symptoms include muscle spasms, pain, and stiffness.
• Hamstring Strains: Often occur during sports that involve sprinting. Symptoms include sudden pain, swelling, and bruising.

Causes

• Physical Activity: Sudden movements, falls, or impacts during sports or daily activities.
• Overuse: Repeated stress on muscles and ligaments from activities like running or lifting.
• Accidents: Slips, trips, and falls can lead to sprains and strains.
• Poor Conditioning: Lack of proper warm-up or flexibility can increase the risk.

Symptoms

• Pain: Localized to the injured area, varying in intensity.
• Swelling: Common in both sprains and strains, often immediate.
• Bruising: Indicates bleeding under the skin, more common in sprains.
• Limited Mobility: Difficulty moving the affected joint or muscle.
• Tenderness: Soreness when touching the injured area.

Diagnosis

Our urgent care center utilizes various diagnostic methods to accurately assess sprains and strains:

• Physical Examination: Evaluating pain, swelling, and range of motion.
• Imaging Tests: X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound to rule out fractures or severe injuries.
• Functional Tests: Assessing joint stability and muscle strength.

Treatments

Treatment at Doctors of New York focuses on relieving symptoms and promoting healing:

• RICE Method: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation to reduce pain and swelling.
• Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Physical Therapy: Exercises to restore strength and flexibility.
• Bracing or Splinting: To immobilize the affected area and prevent further injury.
• Surgery: In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary.

When to Seek Emergency Medical Assistance

While most sprains and strains can be managed with urgent care, certain symptoms require immediate attention:

• Severe Pain: Unmanageable with over-the-counter medications.
• Inability to Move the Affected Area: Indicates a possible severe injury.
• Numbness or Tingling: Could signal nerve damage.
• Visible Deformity: Suggests a severe sprain or fracture.
• No Improvement: Symptoms persisting or worsening despite treatment.