Pulled, Strained, Sprained, Broken or Dislocated?

When life throws you a curveball, like a break or a sprain, AFC Urgent Care is here to help. It’s important to know that some breaks and sprains are more serious than others and ‘toughing it out’ should not b an option. You’ll just be making it worse long-term and other spots could become sensitive too.

AFC Urgent Care provides outstanding medical care as we help you diagnose and treat your injury. Our clinics also have braces, boots and splints on hand to ensure you receive the aid you need immediately.

Do all breaks & fractures need to be cast?

Breaks and fractures are two of the most common injuries that can occur during any type of physical activity. While not all fractures and breaks will require casting, most of those injuries need to be treated with a cast. It is important to understand the difference between a fracture and a break, as well as the potential treatments for each type of injury. Casting is a non-invasive way of treating fractures and breaks, but may not always be the best treatment for every situation.

Types of Fractures

Fractures can be characterized as either incomplete or complete depending on whether they fully penetrate the bone.

Incomplete Fractures

There are two main types of incomplete fractures: a buckle fracture and a greenstick fracture. A buckle fracture curves one side of the bone without breaking the other side, while a greenstick fracture is where one side of the bone is broken and the other is bent.

Complete Fractures

There are several types of complete fractures:

A closed fracture occurs when the broken bone does not penetrate the skin, whereas an open or compound fracture is where the fracture does pierce the skin.

A non-displaced fracture refers to a break where the two portions either side of it remain in line, while a displaced fracture suggests they are misaligned. Surgery may be necessary in order to ensure the displaced fracture heals fully.

Segmental fractures occur when three or more bone fragments have been broken, while comminuted fractures involve the bone shattering into several smaller pieces. In either instance, surgery is usually necessary to ensure the bone is realigned and healing is complete.

Fracture vs. Hairline Fracture

While a fracture and a hairline fracture both refer to a break in the bone, there are some key differences. A regular fracture is a break in one or more of the bones, while a hairline fracture, also known as a stress fracture, is a thin, incomplete crack in the bone. Stress fractures are typically caused by repetitive motion and overuse of the affected area. Fractures may cause more intense pain than a hairline fracture, and may also require surgical intervention to repair the break.

What’s the difference between a sprain and a strain?

It can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference between a sprain and a strain. For example, a sprain occurs when the ligaments that hold two bones together are stretched or torn, while a strain is a result of overstretching the muscles or tendons near a joint. Sprains are usually caused by overstretching or a fall, whereas strains are often caused by repetitive motions or activities that require too much force. It’s important to rest, ice, compress and elevate if you suspect that you have either a sprain or a strain.

To properly identify the type of break you have, our certified x-ray technician will take an x-ray while positioning your injury to get the correct angle. Detecting these minor reductions in the bone can be difficult and providing relief can be complicated. A medical provider should assess all fractures and may suggest further testing such as a CT scan or MRI. Unhealed fractures can lead to more fractures or breaks.

How do I know if I broke my collarbone?

Breaking a collarbone is a common injury, but knowing if you have broken your collarbone can be difficult as the symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the break. Mild breaks may cause pain, swelling, and bruising in the area, while more severe breaks can cause difficulty moving the shoulder and arm, a grinding sensation in the joint when moved, and even visible deformity

A broken collarbone typically results from falling or landing on your shoulders with excess force. To determine if the collarbone is broken, your medical provider will perform a physical exam and will likely get x-rays of the affected area. During the physical exam, they press near the collarbone to check for tenderness, swelling or deformity. In critical cases, your provider may suggest CT scans.

It’s always best to seek medical attention if you suspect that you have suffered a broken collarbone.

What is Tendonitis?

Tendonitis is a form of tendon injury that can cause severe and debilitating pain. It is often the result of repetitive motion, such as typing, playing a sport, or working on an assembly line. The inflammation that results from tendonitis can be particularly painful and affect everyday activities.

A provider will usually suggest physical therapy to correct and strengthen the muscles at risk for tendonitis. Treatment for tendonitis usually includes rest, ice and anti-inflammatory medication. In extreme cases, a corticosteroid injection or physical therapy may be recommended by a physician.

Get your injury treated at AFC Urgent Care today!

AFC Urgent Care is equipped with the latest digital x-ray machines at our walk-in clinic to attend to life’s daily injuries. Our urgent care is staffed by full-time certified x-ray technicians and highly qualified medical providers. Plus, we send out x-rays for a second-read opinion to provide further accuracy.

We also stock boots, braces and stents to help stabilize injuries upon discharge. If you require specialized care, our physicians can refer you to physical therapists or orthopedic doctors for additional testing or treatment. Visit AFC Urgent Care Arden for treatment 7 days a week, with no appointment necessary.