If you recently twisted your ankle while jogging and are experiencing tenderness, swelling, or redness, you may have suffered a sprain, which occurs when a ligament is overstretched or torn. While mild to moderate sprains will often heal on their own, severe pain or difficulty walking or standing on the injured leg may be indicative of a more serious injury, such as a broken bone. If you are concerned about your injury, the medical providers at TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track are here to help.
Our walk-in clinic is open for extended hours every day, and we offer short wait times and accept many health insurance plans. Our affordable rates make us a convenient alternative to the ER for non-emergency urgent care needs, such as sprain treatment.
What Is Involved in Sprain Treatment?
If you visit TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track walk-in clinics for an injury assessment, your provider may order an X-ray to fully evaluate the extent of your injury. We have the ability to perform X-rays on-site, allowing us to quickly assess your condition. If a fracture is ruled out and it is determined that you have a mild or moderate sprain, your provider may recommend PRICE therapy as a form of home treatment. PRICE therapy, which stands for Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation, is a proven approach for managing sprains. It involves the following steps:
- Protection: Protecting the injured area from further harm by using a brace or other supportive device
- Rest: Resting the injured area to allow it to heal
- Ice: Applying ice to the injured area to reduce swelling and inflammation
- Compression: Applying compression to the injured area to help reduce swelling and stabilize the joint
- Elevation: Elevating the injured area above the heart to help reduce swelling
Following these steps can help reduce pain and swelling and promote healing.
If you are experiencing significant pain due to a sprain or other injury, your healthcare provider may recommend using over-the-counter pain medication to help manage your symptoms. Additionally, you may find it helpful to use a walking aid, such as a cane or crutches, to help support your injured leg while you heal. These measures can help reduce pain and allow you to move around more comfortably while your injury is healing. It’s important to follow your provider’s recommendations and take any prescribed medications as directed to ensure that you are properly managing your injury and promoting healing.
Most sprains are not serious and can be effectively treated with the right approach. However, it’s always a good idea to have an injury checked out, especially if it is not improving or causing significant pain. The knowledgeable and compassionate medical professionals at TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track are here to help you recover from your injury and get back on your feet as soon as possible. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the services we offer, please don’t hesitate to contact us or visit one of our walk-in clinics in Tampa, FL.
Sprain Treatment at TGH Urgent Care
If you are experiencing a persistent or severe sprain that requires immediate treatment, our urgent care centers are here to help. We are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, to make it convenient for you to receive the care you need without having to miss school or work. Our team will evaluate your condition and determine the best course of treatment for you. If a lab test or prescription is needed, we have full in-house diagnostic and pharmacy services to ensure that you receive the comprehensive care you need. Don’t hesitate to visit us if you are in need of urgent care for a sprain or other injury.
Contact TGH Urgent Care today if you would like to learn more about the sprain treatment offered at our 16 Tampa Bay facilities. If you plan to visit the location nearest you, signing in ahead of time through our online Save My Spot system could reduce your wait time once you arrive.