Fractures, Sprains, and Strains

Fractures, sprains, and strains are some of the most common activity-related injuries. If you think you’ve broken a bone or suffered a sprain or a strain, visit the team at Full Orthopedics Urgent Care in Aventura / North Miami Beach, Florida. The team offers fast access to diagnostic imaging and effective injury care. At Full Orthopedics Urgent Care, the team encourages patients to walk in at their convenience, so you don’t need to call to schedule a consultation. However, you can always call ahead to let the team know you’re on the way.

What are fractures, sprains, and strains?

Fractures, sprains, and strains are common musculoskeletal injuries that affect the bones, ligaments, muscles, or tendons. 

Fractures

Fractures are broken bones. They happen when one or more bones come under intense, excessive strain or compression. Auto accidents, falls (especially in older people), and sports injuries are common fracture causes.

Fractures typically cause immediate, intense pain as the bone breaks. The degree of pain a fracture causes varies depending on the type of break and its severity. 

Sprains

A sprain is an injury that occurs when one (or multiple) ligaments –– tough bands of tissue that connect the bones to the joints –– become torn or overextended. Sprains often affect the ankles and knees. They cause swelling, bruising, and mobility problems. Minor sprains typically improve with ice and rest, but more severe sprains may require surgery.

Strains

A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon. Like sprains, strains occur when these soft tissues are overextended or damaged. Anyone can experience a muscle or tendon strain, but they’re most common in athletes and people who work physically demanding jobs.

How are fractures, sprains, and strains diagnosed?

To diagnose a musculoskeletal injury, your Full Orthopedics provider reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and completes a physical exam. 

Sprains and strains typically present obvious symptoms, like swelling, bruising, and redness, but fractures can be more challenging to diagnose. If your provider suspects you have a broken bone, they order a series of onsite X-rays to look at your bones and the surrounding joints.

How are fractures, sprains, or strains treated?

To treat a sprain or a strain, the Full Orthopedics team might suggest:

• Ice and heat therapy
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Vitamin injections and supplements
• Slings, splints, or braces
• Steroid injections
• Assistive devices (e.g., a cane or crutches)

Fracture care varies according to the injury’s severity:

Casting and splinting

Simple fractures are ones where broken bones remain aligned. If the bones don’t need realigning, the Full Orthopedics team can fit a splint or cast to protect them while they heal.

Closed reduction

Your doctor can realign broken bones that have shifted out of position with their hands. This procedure (closed reduction) doesn’t involve surgery — just X-ray guidance to ensure the bones are correctly aligned before applying a cast.

Open reduction

Open reduction might be necessary if your doctor can’t realign the bones using closed reduction techniques. An orthopedic surgeon repositions the bones and repairs soft tissue damage under anesthetic.

Internal fixation

Internal fixation uses pins, screws, rods, or plates inside the body. External fixation is where a metal cage surrounds the break and supports rods holding the bones in position.

If your Full Orthopedics Urgent Care provider believes you need surgery, they refer you to a skilled orthopedic surgeon. 

Full Orthopedics Urgent Care asks patients with fractures, sprains, or strains to walk in — no need to make an appointment. You can contact the practice first to inform the team when you expect to arrive or simply walk in at any time.