At The Urgent care at Vermont, we see patients for fractures, sprains, strains, and back pain. Let’s go over the symptoms of the first three so that if you experience one of these injuries, you’ll be able to recognize which category it falls into and what kind of treatment to seek.
Fractures
Fractures or broken bones can happen after an accident like a fall or colliding with an object, and the most common signs of a fracture are pain, swelling, and deformity. Not all broken bones shift out of their normal positions however, but these are other indications to watch for:
- There may be a snapping or grinding noise when the injury happens
- The area may swell, bruise, or feel tender
- Putting weight on the injury, touching it, pressing it, or moving is painful
- The injured area may be a different shape, and in compound fractures, the bone may even poke through the skin.
- You may feel faint, dizzy, or sick due to the shock of breaking a bone.
If the break is small or if the bone is only cracked, it might not hurt very much. Get medical help if you suspect you’ve broken a bone, even if it’s just a severely stubbed toe. Help from medical professionals will ensure that the bone heals correctly, which is unlikely if you leave it alone. Bones need to be properly aligned and held in place, usually for several weeks, in order to heal properly. Otherwise, an infection, deformity, or long-term joint problems could result.
Sprains and Strains
Fractures affect bones, but sprains and strains are common injuries that affect the muscles and ligaments, and they can usually be treated safely at home. Signs of a sprain or strain include:
- Pain, tenderness, or weakness in the affected area (commonly the ankle, foot, wrist, thumb, knee, leg, or back)
- Swelling or bruising in the injured area
- Inability to put weight on the injury or use it normally
- Muscle spasms or cramping
For the first couple of days after a sprain or strain, follow the four steps of RICE therapy to bring down the swelling and support the injury:
- Rest: avoid exercise or physical activities and try not to put weight on the injury.
- Ice: apply an ice pack or bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours.
- Compression: wrap the injury with a bandage to support it.
- Elevate: keep the injury raised on a pillow as much as possible.
Try to avoid heat (such as from hot baths and heat packs) to help prevent swelling, and also steer clear of alcohol and massages for the first couple of days. Once you can move the injured area without pain, keep it moving so that it doesn’t become stiff. Most sprains and strains feel better after 2 weeks, but it’s a good idea to avoid strenuous exercise for up to 8 weeks in case of causing further damage.
Common causes of sprains and strains are not warming up before exercising, tired muscles, playing sports, and overstretching or twisting a muscle. They can’t always be prevented.
Back Pain
Back pain is very common, particularly lower back pain. It will usually improve within a few weeks but may last longer or recur. Back pain has many causes, not all of them obvious. It could be a pulled muscle (strain) or a medical condition like a slipped disc, sciatica (a trapped nerve), or inflammation. Very rarely, it could be a sign of a broken bone, cancer, or an infection.
To ease your back pain, follow these tips:
- Stay active and continue with daily activities.
- Take anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen.
- Use an ice pack or bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel to reduce pain and swelling.
- Use a heat pack wrapped in a towel to relieve joint stiffness or muscle spasms.
- Try doing exercises and stretches for back pain. Walking, swimming, yoga, and pilates may help with back pain.
- Don’t stay in bed for long periods of time.
Come see us if your back pain doesn’t improve after following these home care tips for a few weeks, if the pain is severe enough to interfere with your daily activities, if it is getting worse, or if you’re struggling to cope with it.