Typically, sprain and strains are used interchangeably, but they are actually different soft tissue injuries. A sprain is the tearing/overstretching of ligaments (bands of tissues) connecting bones in a joint, whereas a strain is the tearing/overstretching of tendons (fibrous cords of tissues) connecting bones to muscles.
Sprain and strains are common injuries caused by slips and falls, lifting heavy weights, or twists. While mild strains or sprains can be treated at home with over-the-counter pain-relieving medications or sprays, severe ones require medical intervention to ensure proper care and prevent repetitive injuries.
Read on to learn when to go to an urgent care for muscle sprain or strains.
Muscle strains can either occur suddenly or develop slowly over time due to repetitive movements involved in a sport, such as running, throwing, and jumping.
Generally, muscle strains are benign and can be treated at home. However, you should consider visiting an urgent care center if you experience any of the following symptoms after a muscle strain:
It is recommended that you visit an urgent care provider if you have re-injured that area, because untreated re-injuries can lead to loose joints, arthritis, and tendon damage.
At FCCMG, we will perform a physical exam to diagnose a strain/sprain and its extent and nature of the damage. Our experts will check for swelling, tenderness, and intensity of pain in the affected area. We may also recommend an X-ray if we suspect any fractures or cracks in the injured joint.
Depending on your test results and the severity of your injury, we may:
Minor strains or sprain can be treated at home with:
Rest the injured joint for 48 to 72 hours. Avoid putting any weight on the injured area and physical activities that worsen your pain. However, resting does not mean that you have to avoid all activities. For example, even with an ankle sprain, you can exercise or move your arms and uninjured leg. Keep your other muscles active to minimize deconditioning except for the injured area.
Wrap a handful of ice in a thin towel and apply it to the injured area for 20 minutes for the first two days post-injury to minimize swelling and inflammation. Don’t leave ice on the skin for more than 20 minutes, as it can lead to tissue damage.
Compress the affected area with an elastic wrap or bandage to reduce swelling, as swelling or inflammation can reduce healing. However, do not wrap too tightly, as it can cause numbness or pain.
Keep the injured area elevated above your chest level whenever possible to prevent or limit swelling.
Over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can also help you manage pain and swelling.
Visit one of our urgent care clinic in Irvine, urgent care center in Fountain Valley, and Urgent Care clinic in Costa Mesa, CA, for severe muscle strains/sprain. We are committed to providing high-quality treatment for sprain/strains, so you can resume your routine activities and normal life.
Dr. Bunten is originally from Huntington Beach, CA. He attended high school in Tokyo, Japan, went to college at UC San Diego and then to medical school in the Midwest. He returned home to California for residency training in Family Medicine at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. His immediate family all reside in Huntington Beach.
Dr Fishbein has been in the practice of family medicine for over 35 years in Irvine. He received his undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University, medical degree from Chicago Medical School, and completed his family medicine residency at Memorial Hospital of Long Beach.
Dr. Kim is the Medical Director of Family Care Centers, Chair of the Department of Family Medicine at Hoag Hospital, and a recipient of the Physicians of Excellence award from the Orange County Medical Association. He is Board Certified in Family Medicine, and has been practicing in our community for over 20 years.
Dr. Memon is a board certified Family Medicine physician and recently completed her fellowship in Geriatrics at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center. She attended Saint George’s University, School of Medicine and completed her residency at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. Her interest in medicine started at an early age and has since evolved into a passionate career.
Dr. Gina Nguyen obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Irvine where she graduated Suma Cum Laude. She went to USC Keck School of Medicine, and returned to UC Irvine for a Family Medicine Residency. Since 2005, she worked at Kaiser Permanente, VNCOC, and Family Care Center Urgent Care.
Dr. Williams is Board Certified in Family Medicine and Sports Medicine. He is a native to Orange County and returned home after completing his medical degree at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. After completing his residency in family practice he successfully completed a fellowship in sports medicine.
Dr. Hye Lee is a board-certified Family Practice Physician, affiliated with the American Osteopathic Association and the American College of Osteopathic Family Practice.She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Riverside and earned her medical degree from Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center. Afterward, she did her internship at Downey Regional Medical Center in California and has been a primary care physician since 2005.
Dr. Coyne is a board certified family practice physician and a California native. He completed his undergraduate degree at UCLA before earning his medical degree at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Dr Coyne spent 6 years in the US Air Force at Andrews and Luke Air Force bases, eventually separating as a Major. He enjoys working with patients of all ages.”
Dr. Jay Friehling is a Family Practice physician who has worked in Orange County since 1981. Born in Florida, he received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and then earned a Medical Degree at the New York Medical College.” His healthcare interests include Diabetes, Geriatric Care, and Hospice Care.
Dr. Jennifer Shoquist is board certified in Family Medicine. Her special interest is woman’s health and her practice accepts patients from 6 years old to seniors. Dr. Shoquist received her M.D. degree at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston in Houston, Texas, and did her residency with Memorial Family Practice at memorial Southwest Hospital in Houston, Texas.
Dr. Tom is a board certified family medicine physician and native Californian. He received his bachelors of science with great distinction in biochemistry and honors in chemistry. Dr. Tom was awarded a Regents Scholarship to attend medical school at UC Irvine.
Dr. Yan attended Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her Family Practice residency at Kern Medical Center in Bakersfield, California. She joined Family Care Center in 2001. She chose Family Practice because she enjoys working with a wide variety of people and because it provides a unique opportunity for continuing care.
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