Joint Injuries
Joint injuries can happen to anyone, at any age. Whether it's a sprain from an unexpected fall, a strain from overuse, or a fracture from a sports-related accident, our team at UF Health Central Emergency & Urgent Care is ready to provide exceptional care for your joint injuries. With adult and pediatric urgent care, we're conveniently located in Central Florida to serve the local communities.
Common Types of Joint Injuries & How We Treat Them
There are a variety of joint injuries that can develop for a number of reasons. The most common types of joint injuries we treat include:
- Sprains: This type of injury occurs when the ligaments, which connect bones in a joint, are stretched or torn. Sprains often occur due to sudden twisting or impact on the joint.
- Strains: Strains are injuries to the muscles or tendons surrounding a joint. They typically occur from overuse, repetitive motions, or sudden movements that impact the joint.
- Dislocations: Dislocations happen when the bones in a joint are forced out of their normal position. This can result from falls, accidents, or sports injuries.
- Fractures: Fractures refer to broken bones in or near a joint that occur due to trauma, falls, or excessive force applied to the joint.
Our comprehensive approach to treating joint injuries typically involves multiple care methods. Depending on the nature of your injury, your treatment plan may include any of the following:
- Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (RICE): This method is used initially to reduce pain and swelling. It includes resting the joint, applying ice packs, using compression bandages, and elevating the injured area.
- Immobilization: Some joint injuries may require immobilization with splints, braces, or casts to allow proper healing.
- Physical Therapy: We may recommend rehabilitation exercises and physical therapy to restore joint function, improve strength, and prevent future injuries.
- Medications: Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed to manage pain and reduce inflammation.
We are always here if you sustain a joint injury, but there are also steps you can take to avoid such injuries. Try implementing the following steps to keep yourself healthy and safe. For additional prevention advice, our team is here to answer any questions you may have:
- Warm-up and Stretching: Always warm up your muscles and joints before physical activity or exercise. Perform stretching exercises to increase flexibility.
- Proper Technique: Using correct techniques and form during sports or physical activities can prevent joint injuries.
- Protective Gear: Wear appropriate protective gear, such as helmets, knee pads, or wrist guards, during high-risk activities for added joint protection.
- Gradual Progression: Increase the intensity and duration of physical activities gradually to prevent overuse injuries to the joints.
- Maintaining a Healthy Weight: Excess weight puts additional stress on the joints, increasing the risk of injury. Maintain a healthy weight to reduce this risk.
Visit Us Today for Joint Injury Relief
At UF Health Central Emergency & Urgent Care, we're dedicated to helping you stay healthy and injury-free. However, if a joint injury occurs, our experienced team of healthcare professionals is ready to provide the urgent care you need.
Our Emergency & Urgent Care Centers are open 24/7 to treat joint injuries.
