Sprains, Strains and Breaks

Sprain, Strain and Closed Fracture Care in MA & RI

Whether you’ve experienced a sprain or strain, at Southcoast Health Urgent Care, we can provide you with comprehensive care. Sprains are soft tissue injuries that involve an injury to a ligament or joint capsule, whereas strains are an injury to a muscle or tendon. Our physicians at our urgent care centers can also take care of closed fractures, which are bone injuries that don’t break the skin. Find the best care for your sprain, strain or closed fracture at Southcoast Health.

Diagnosing Sprains, Strains and Closed Fractures

Sprains, strains and closed fractures can have similar symptoms, but it’s best to know the signs of each injury.

Sprain Symptoms

Sprains occur when ligaments in your body are overstretched or torn, which can occur in your ankle, wrist or knee. Symptoms for sprains include:

• Bruising
• Swelling
• Pain near the joint
• Hearing or feeling a “pop”

Strain Symptoms

Strains happen when your muscles, tendons or groups of muscles and tendons are overstretched or torn. Symptoms for strains include:

• Swelling
• Cramping or spasms
• Visible bruising
• Muscle weakness
• Limited range of motion
• Radiating Pain

Closed Fracture Symptoms

Unlike open fractures, closed fractures involve broken bones that do not go through your skin. Common closed fractures are a broken wrist, hip fracture, ankle fracture or spinal compression fracture. Symptoms for closed fractures include:

• Discoloration and bruising
• Hearing or feeling a “snap” or “crack”
• Affected area is bent at an angle or deformed
• Inability to bear weight or move injured area

Your urgent care provider at Southcoast may order an X-ray to confirm your diagnosis of a sprain, strain or closed fracture.

What Causes Sprains, Strains and Closed Fractures?

Sports, falling, accidents and any event leading to stress on a joint, ligament or bone can all cause these types of injuries. People who have underlying illnesses and conditions are also at a greater risk for soft tissue injuries and fractures due to weakened bones.