Both sprains and fractures can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility and should be checked out by a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. At AFC Urgent Care Centennial, our medical staff can help get you on the road to recovery without a long and expensive ER visit. Visit the walk-in clinic seven days a week for same-day injury diagnosis and treatment.

Sprains vs. Fractures: What’s The Difference?

Although it is almost impossible to determine whether an injury is just a spain or whether it could be a fracture without medical imaging, here are some common differences that may help to identify between sprain and fracture:

Sprains

A sprain occurs due to damage to the ligaments that hold bones to one another. Ligaments are powerful, fibrous structures that support joints and limit motion. A quick twist, fall, or impact that pushes a joint outside of its usual range of movement sometimes results in sprains. Ankle, wrist, and knee sprains are common injury locations.

Fractures

Fractures, on the other hand, refer to broken bones. A fracture can vary in severity, from a small crack to a complete break. Bones can fracture due to direct trauma, such as a fall or blow, or indirect forces, like repetitive stress. Fractures can occur in any bone in the body, including long bones like the femur, flat bones like the ribs, and small bones like those in the wrist or hand.

Symptoms of a Sprain vs. a Fracture

Sprains and fractures share many symptoms, making it important to seek medical attention to properly diagnose your injury. At AFC Urgent Care Centennial, our medical professionals can perform tests such as digital X-rays to properly diagnose whether your injury is a sprain or a fracture.

Common symptoms of a sprain include:

• Pain: Acute pain at the site of the injury that may be sharp or throbbing and worsen with movement.
• Swelling: Swelling around the affected joint due to inflammation.
• Bruising: Bruising may occur as blood vessels are damaged during the injury.

Common symptoms of a fracture:

• Pain: Fractures can cause intense, localized pain. The pain may worsen with any attempt to move the injured area.
• Deformity: In some cases, a fracture can result in a visible deformity.
• Swelling and Bruising: Fractures can also lead to swelling and bruising, the severity may vary.

Getting a Full Evaluation, Diagnosis, & Treatment Plan at Urgent Care

Without a physical evaluation and digital X-ray images, it can be difficult to determine whether your injury is a sprain or a fracture. AFC Urgent Care Centennial has board-certified medical professionals who can diagnose your injury and provide a personalized treatment plan. We accept walk-ins and are open 7 days a week with extended business hours, making it easy to seek medical guidance for your injury.

Here's what you can expect during your visit:

Physical Examination

 A member of our trained medical staff will perform a thorough physical examination, assessing the injured area's appearance, mobility, and tenderness. They will also ask about the circumstances of the injury.

Imaging Studies

 In many cases, X-rays are necessary to confirm the presence of a fracture and determine its severity. Our facility has in-house digital X-ray machines available to help diagnose your injury quickly. Sprains may not always require imaging.

Treatment Plan

Your medical provider will develop a personalized treatment plan based on the evaluation and diagnostic findings. This may include immobilization using a cast, splint or brace as well as pain management and physical therapy referrals.

Visit AFC Urgent Care Centennial for Sprain & Fracture Care near Centennial, CO

Differentiating between a sprain and a fracture is crucial for proper treatment and healing. However, both injuries have some similar symptoms and require a medical assessment for diagnosis and treatment. At AFC Urgent Care Centennial, we accept most major insurance plans, and offer discounted self-pay options to ensure you get the care you need. Visit our walk-in clinic to receive fast diagnosis and professional medical treatment for sprains and fractures.