When to Visit Urgent Care for a Sprain
When to Visit Urgent Care for a Sprain
Sprains occur when the ligaments that connect bones are overstretched or torn. While mild sprains often heal on their own, some require professional medical evaluation to prevent long-term complications. At Pronto Urgent Care in Fort Lauderdale, we help patients recover safely and quickly from sprains of all kinds.
What Is a Sprain?
A sprain is an injury to a ligament, typically caused by a sudden twist or impact. It most often affects joints like the ankle, wrist, or knee. Sprains are classified into:
- Grade I – Mild stretching, minor pain
- Grade II – Partial tear, moderate pain/swelling
- Grade III – Complete tear, severe instability and swelling
Common Causes of Sprains
- Sports injuries (e.g. jumping, pivoting, or sudden stops)
- Accidental falls
- Improper footwear or poor surface traction
- Past joint injuries or instability
Red Flags: When to Seek Urgent Care
You should visit urgent care if you experience any of the following:
- Severe pain or inability to bear weight
- Significant swelling or bruising within hours
- Visible deformity of the joint
- Numbness, tingling, or coldness below the injury site
- No improvement after 48 hours of home treatment (R.I.C.E.)
- History of recurrent sprains or chronic joint instability
💡 Tip: If you’re in Fort Lauderdale and suspect a moderate or severe sprain, walk into Pronto Urgent Care for fast, on-site diagnostics and treatment.
What to Expect During Your Visit
- Injury history review – We ask how the sprain happened and your current symptoms.
- Physical exam – Checking stability, swelling, range of motion, and pain.
- On-site imaging – X-rays may be taken to rule out fractures.
- Diagnosis – We'll grade your sprain and create a treatment plan.
- Treatment – Depending on severity, we may provide:
- Bracing or splints
- Pain relief medication
- Referral to physical therapy or orthopedics
On-Site Treatment Options
At Pronto Urgent Care, we offer:
- X-rays & imaging
- Joint immobilization (bracing, compression)
- Pain management
- Specialist referrals when needed
Home Care Tips After Your Visit
- Continue R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) for 48–72 hours
- Avoid putting weight on the injured area
- Start gentle motion exercises after 2–3 days (as advised)
- Follow up as instructed if symptoms worsen
How to Prevent Future Sprains
- Wear supportive shoes and gear during activities
- Warm up and stretch before exercise
- Strengthen supporting muscles with targeted workouts
- Improve balance and stability with training exercises
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How soon after a sprain should I go to urgent care?
If you can’t walk or have severe swelling, seek care within 24 hours. For mild cases, if there’s no improvement after 48 hours of R.I.C.E., visit us.
Will I need an X-ray?
We may perform an X-ray to rule out fractures, especially if swelling and pain are severe or you can’t move the joint.
Can urgent care treat a Grade III sprain?
Yes, we can stabilize the injury and provide referrals to orthopedic specialists or imaging for more complex cases.
