A twisted ankle, pulled muscle, or hard fall during a game can leave you wondering where to go for care. Urgent care can treat many common sports injuries, including sprains, strains, and some fractures, especially when you need to be seen quickly but don't have a medical emergency.
If you're dealing with swelling, bruising, significant pain, or trouble putting weight on an injured area, getting it checked can help you understand how serious the injury may be. AFC Urgent Care Back Bay provides sports injury treatment in Back Bay and throughout Boston, with X-rays available when needed.
What Sports Injuries Can Urgent Care Treat?
Many sports injuries don't require a trip to the emergency room. Urgent care can evaluate injuries affecting the muscles, joints, ligaments, and bones, including:
- Sprained ankles, knees, wrists, and other joints
- Muscle strains
- Minor fractures
- Sports-related bruising and swelling
- Joint pain and limited movement
It's a good idea to have an injury checked if you're having trouble using the affected area normally. For example, you may want to visit urgent care if you can't put weight on an ankle or knee, the area is becoming increasingly swollen, or the pain is making it difficult to move.
When Should You See a Doctor for a Sports Injury?
Not every sore muscle or minor bump needs medical attention. However, some symptoms are a sign that it's time to have the injury evaluated.
Consider getting medical care if you have:
- Significant swelling or bruising
- Pain that is severe or isn't improving
- Difficulty walking or putting weight on the injured area
- Trouble moving a joint or limb
- A popping sensation when the injury happened
- A joint that feels unstable or gives out
It isn't always easy to tell how serious an injury is based on symptoms alone. A bad sprain and a small fracture, for example, can both cause pain, swelling, and bruising. An urgent care provider can examine the area and determine whether an X-ray or other testing is needed.
Can Urgent Care Check for a Broken Bone?
Yes. Urgent care can evaluate an injury for signs of a possible fracture and determine whether an X-ray is appropriate.
Fractures can cause swelling, bruising, tenderness, and difficulty putting weight on the injured area. You may also notice pain when you try to move the affected part of your body. Because these symptoms can overlap with sprains and other injuries, an examination can help determine what you're dealing with.
If you're in Back Bay and aren't sure whether an injury needs an X-ray, AFC Urgent Care Back Bay can evaluate the injury and help you figure out what to do next.
When Is a Sports Injury an Emergency?
Some injuries need emergency medical attention rather than urgent care. Go to the emergency room or call 911 for symptoms such as:
- Severe or uncontrolled bleeding
- Loss of consciousness
- Trouble breathing
- A major deformity
- A serious head or neck injury
- Sudden weakness, numbness, or loss of function
For an injury that is painful or limiting but doesn't appear to be life-threatening, urgent care may be a more appropriate place to start.
Get Sports Injury Care in Back Bay, MA at AFC Urgent Care
If you hurt yourself during a game, workout, or recreational activity, you don't always have to figure out on your own whether it's a sprain, strain, or something more serious. AFC Urgent Care Back Bay can evaluate many common sports injuries and provide X-rays when needed.
If you're experiencing pain, swelling, bruising, or difficulty moving after an injury, walk in or save your spot online to have it checked. We are open seven days a week from 8 am to 8 pm for your convenience.