Urgent Care for Sprains and Strains Treatment Q&A

The length of time that it takes sprains and strains to heal depends on a number of factors, including the severity of the injury; the area of the body affected; a history of previous strains and sprains; the type of treatment used; a patient’s individual physiology and; if other treatments have failed to provide relief. On average, it takes around one to two weeks for a minor strain or sprain to heal, between three to four weeks to heal a moderate sprain or strain, and three to six months for a more serious injury to heal. Severe injuries may require months of rehabilitative therapy to fully recover.

For immediate self-care of a muscle strain, the R.I.C.E. approach is the first line of treatment, which includes: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Over-the-counter pain medications may be used to reduce pain and inflammation, however, during the first 48 hours after a muscle strain, it is usually recommended to avoid using OTC painkillers that can increase the risk of bleeding, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. During this time period, acetaminophen can be helpful for pain relief.

Physical therapy may be prescribed to help maximize the stability and strength of the injured joint or limb. A brace or splint may be used to immobilize the area. For serious injuries that do not respond to these forms of treatment, surgery may be considered, although this is typically only used as a last resort.

A sprain involves the over-stretching or tearing of the ligaments, which are the fibrous connective tissues that connect bones to each other and stabilize them. They can occur in any joint, but most often affect the ankles. Symptoms include:

• Joint or muscle pain
• Inflammation
• Hampered movement
• Tenderness
• Bruising

A strain is the over-stretching or tearing of a muscle or tendon, which are the taut fibrous bands of tissue that connect the muscles to the bones. Any muscle or tendon can be affected by a strain, although they most often occur in high-movement areas. Symptoms include:

• Muscle spasms
• Weakness
• Cramping
• Immobility
• Pain
• Bruising
• Swelling

To diagnose a fracture, a healthcare provider will perform a physical examination of the injury. An imaging test may also be performed. These tests can include:

X-Rays — This well-known diagnostic tool creates a two-dimensional picture of the injured bone. Healthcare providers often turn to this imaging first.

Bone Scan — A bone scan may also be used to find fractures that do not show up or are hard to discern on an X-ray. This scan takes longer, but it can help detect more fractures than a standard x-ray.

CT Scan — To create detailed slices or cross-sections of the bone, a CT scan uses computers and X-rays.

MRI — An MRI creates highly detailed images using strong magnetic fields and is often used to diagnose stress fractures.

If you have sustained a strain, sprain or fracture, come to Priority Urgent Care for a higher level of care. Our kind and compassionate professionals can help address your unique needs using an individualized treatment plan that focuses on restoring your personal wellness. Our experience treating fractures, strains, and sprains will help you recover faster, so you can return to doing what you love most. We serve patients from Ellington CT, Unionville CT, East Haven CT, Cromwell CT, Oxford, CT and Newington, CT, and BEYOND!