What Are Sprains and Strains?
Sudden injuries, like sprains and strains, can put a pause on your daily life, especially if you lead an active lifestyle or if you experience an unexpected fall or twist. Sprains and strains are injuries that happen to different parts of the body but can often feel quite similar. It's easy to confuse them, but they involve different types of tissues. A sprain is an injury to the ligaments, which are the tough bands that connect bones to other bones in a joint. This type of injury typically happens when a joint, such as the ankle, is twisted or rolled beyond its normal range of motion. But you can also sprain a wrist, knee, or finger. A strain affects the muscles or the tendons, which are the tissues that connect muscles to bones. This kind of injury often results from overstretching or overusing the muscles. For instance, a back muscle strain can occur if you lift something heavy with improper posture. Lower back muscle strain is particularly common among people who sit or stand in awkward positions for long periods or engage in physically demanding tasks. Knowing the difference between a sprain and a strain is important because the treatment for these injuries can vary. Whether it's a twisted ankle, a pulled back muscle, or an overextended finger, our team at UMG Urgent Care in Columbia, MD is here to help you heal properly and comfortably.
How Are Sprains and Strains Treated?
The treatment approach for strains and sprains often depends on the severity of the injury. For both, rest, ice, compression, and elevation (commonly known as RICE) are the first steps. These steps can help reduce swelling and pain and improve healing time. For a sprained ankle, applying ice as soon as possible can minimize swelling and pain. It's crucial to rest the joint and use a compression bandage to help prevent further swelling. Elevating the injured area above the level of your heart can also reduce fluid buildup. Learning how to speed up muscle strain recovery involves a combination of rest, applying ice during the first 48 hours, and using heat therapy to ease any persistent muscle tightness. Recovery might also include physical therapy to help strengthen and stabilize the muscles and prevent future injuries. In some cases, over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen, can help manage the discomfort of a sprain or strain. At UMG Urgent Care, we can provide a tailored treatment plan for your injury to ensure optimal healing.
What Are the Symptoms of Sprains and Strains?
Recognizing the symptoms can help you determine whether you have a sprain or a strain and know when it's time to seek professional care. Symptoms can help you differentiate between a sprain and a strain as you seek proper treatment and follow recovery instructions. Symptoms include:
- Pain around the joint or muscle, especially with movement
- Swelling in the injured area or muscle
- Bruising or changes in skin color around the injury
- Limited mobility in the joint
- Popping sensation at the time of injury (for sprains)
- Muscle pain, cramping, or spasms
- Trouble putting weight on an injured ankle or knee
UMG Urgent Care Reviews
Bianca & Stephanie are sweethearts!! Amazing service and very gentle & kind. The space is extremely clean & overly comfortable. Family ran so you know they’ll make you feel at home & treat you like one of their own. I went into urgent care but I’ll also be using them for dentistry as well! Satisfaction guaranteed!
Fast and compassionate care - I saw NP Stephanie and she has great bedside manners while using layman’s terms to talk to me about my medical concerns. She referred me to the appropriate place after taking care of my urgent matter in a swift way. Great place to go and get all your respiratory virus tests with fast results as well!
Wonderful experience! My wife was injured and the care we received was exceptional!
I am very happy with this new Urgent Care in our community. I just brought a friend here yesterday and had a wonderful experience. The Nurse Practitioner/Owner was incredibly patient and made us feel so comfortable even though it was closing time. I will be coming right back for all my future Urgent Care needs!
Nurse Practitioner Stephanie is the BEST! She is a compassionate and dedicated professional. She’s very knowledgeable and well-versed in the medical field. I know I can trust her with my health and wellness. I highly recommend her expertise and care!
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Don't Let Sprains and Strains Slow You Down
Sprains and strains may be painful, but they don't have to slow you down for long. UMG Urgent Care offers quick and efficient care so you can get back to feeling your best. Our treatments for sprained ankles, back muscle strains, or any other injuries focus on providing you with personalized care and fast relief. Visit our Columbia, MD practice for guidance before your injury worsens.