Treatment for Pulls, Strains, Sprains, & Breaks in Grand Junction, CO

Don't let those injuries go untreated. Visit our urgent care in Grand Junction for orthopedic injury care on a walk-in basis. 

When an unexpected fall, accident, or sports injury leaves you with a painful sprain, strain, pull, or broken bone, getting the right care quickly can help you get back to your normal routine. At AFC Urgent Care, our medical team can evaluate your injury, provide on-site X-rays when needed, and help determine the appropriate next steps for recovery.

While some injuries may seem minor, trying to simply tough them out can sometimes make the problem worse or delay healing. Our clinic is equipped with braces, boots, splints, and other durable medical equipment (DME) to provide support and stabilization when appropriate. If you are dealing with pain, swelling, bruising, or difficulty moving an injured area, an urgent care evaluation can help determine what is causing your symptoms.

After a fall or accident, it can be difficult to know whether you are dealing with a sprain, strain, pull, or fracture. Understanding the differences between these common injuries can help you know when it is time to seek medical attention.

What Is the Difference Between a Sprain, Strain, Pull and Fracture?

Sprains, strains, pulls, and fractures can all cause pain and limited movement, but they affect different parts of the body.

• Sprain: A sprain occurs when a ligament, the tissue that connects bones at a joint, is stretched or torn. An ankle sprain is a common example.
• Strain: A strain occurs when a muscle or tendon is stretched or torn. Hamstring and lower back strains are common examples.
• Pull: A muscle pull is a common term for a strained or overstretched muscle.
• Fracture: A fracture is a crack or break in a bone. Fractures can range from small cracks to more severe breaks that affect the alignment of the bone.

Although these injuries are different, they can have similar symptoms. An evaluation by a medical provider can help determine the cause of your pain and whether additional testing, such as an X-ray, is needed.

How Do I Know If I Have a Sprain or Strain?

Sprains and strains commonly occur during sports, exercise, falls, or other activities that put sudden stress on a joint, muscle, or tendon. A sprain is more likely to affect a joint, while a strain affects a muscle or tendon.

Common symptoms of a sprain or strain include:

• Pain or tenderness
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Muscle weakness
• Limited range of motion
• Difficulty using the affected area

For example, rolling your ankle can stretch or tear the ligaments around the joint, resulting in a sprain. Overstretching a hamstring while running or playing sports can result in a muscle strain.

Because sprains and strains can range from mild to severe, persistent or significant symptoms should be evaluated by a medical provider.

How Do I Know If I Broke a Bone?

It is not always possible to tell whether an injury has resulted in a fracture simply by looking at it. Some broken bones cause obvious swelling, bruising, or deformity, while smaller fractures may cause less noticeable symptoms.

Signs that may indicate a fracture include:

• Significant pain or tenderness
• Swelling or bruising
• Difficulty moving the injured area
• Difficulty putting weight on an injured leg or foot
• A visible change in the shape of the injured area
• A popping or grinding sensation
• Pain that gets worse with movement or pressure

An X-ray can help a medical provider determine whether a bone is broken and identify the location and type of fracture. Some small or stress fractures may be difficult to detect on an initial X-ray, so additional evaluation or imaging may sometimes be recommended.

What Are the Different Types of Fractures?

Fractures can vary based on how the bone breaks and whether the pieces remain aligned.

An incomplete fracture does not extend completely through the bone. Buckle fractures and greenstick fractures are examples that are more common in children.

A complete fracture extends all the way through the bone. A fracture may also be described as nondisplaced when the broken pieces remain in alignment or displaced when the pieces have moved out of alignment.

A closed fracture does not involve an open wound communicating with the fracture, while an open fracture involves an open wound associated with the broken bone. More complex fractures, including comminuted fractures in which the bone breaks into multiple pieces, may require specialized orthopedic care.

Treatment depends on the type, location, and severity of the fracture.

Do All Broken Bones Need a Cast?

No. Not every broken bone requires a traditional cast. Depending on the injury, treatment may involve a splint, brace, walking boot, cast, or other form of stabilization. Some fractures may also require a procedure to realign the bone or referral to an orthopedic specialist.

The appropriate treatment depends on factors such as the location and severity of the fracture, whether the bones are properly aligned, and how stable the injury is. An evaluation and X-ray can help determine the next step.

When Should I Get an X-Ray for an Injury?

An X-ray may be recommended when there is concern that an injury has caused a broken bone. You may benefit from an evaluation if you have significant pain or swelling, difficulty moving the affected area, difficulty putting weight on an injured limb, or tenderness directly over a bone.

An X-ray may also be appropriate after a significant fall, impact, or sports injury, especially if symptoms do not improve as expected.

At AFC Urgent Care, X-rays can help our medical team evaluate suspected fractures and determine whether additional treatment or referral is needed.

How Does Urgent Care Treat Sprains, Strains and Fractures?

Treatment depends on the type and severity of the injury. After evaluating your symptoms and medical history, a provider may recommend supportive care, activity modification, pain relief, or other treatment.

Depending on your injury, urgent care treatment may include:

• On-site digital X-rays when appropriate
• Braces, boots, splints, or other supportive equipment
• Recommendations for rest and activity modification
• Pain and swelling management
• Follow-up care instructions
• Referral to an orthopedic specialist or physical therapist when additional care is needed

Getting an injury evaluated can help you understand what happened and what steps may help support proper healing.

Sprain, Strain and Fracture Treatment at AFC Grand Junction

At AFC Grand Junction, our urgent care team provides evaluation and treatment for many common injuries, including sprains, strains, pulls, and suspected fractures. Our clinic is equipped with digital X-ray technology, and certified radiologic technologists can perform imaging when needed. X-rays may also be sent for a second review when appropriate.

When additional support is needed, our clinic is equipped with braces, boots, splints, and other DME. If your injury requires specialized treatment or further testing, our providers can refer you to a local orthopedic specialist or physical therapist.

If you have an injury that is causing ongoing pain, swelling, bruising, or difficulty moving the affected area, visit AFC Grand Junction for an evaluation. Our team can help determine whether you need an X-ray or additional treatment and help you take the next step toward recovery.

Visit AFC Grand Junction today for convenient treatment of sprains, strains, pulls, and other common injuries.