April 01, 2021
by: Sport Ortho Urgent Care
At times, some orthopedic injuries can be observed for a few days to see if their symptoms will subside on their own. However, others will require immediate medical attention. Unfortunately, many orthopedic emergencies are serious and can lead to more damage if left untreated for too long.
Treatment of fractures and other orthopedic emergencies will require prompt care. In the following scenarios, you can skip the hospital trip and get help from an urgent care facility:
When the ends of the bones are forced out of position due to direct force, dislocations can occur. Apart from the bone being visibly out of place, dislocations can be accompanied by pain and swelling. Dislocations can also affect the following joints:
It is important to remember that this kind of injury will not always warrant a trip to the emergency room. However, it is still considered an emergency. That said, it is recommended that you visit an orthopedic care clinic as soon as possible.
When the joint is forced out of its normal position, damage to the ligaments that support the joint's structure can occur. If you notice the following symptoms, it is likely that you have a torn ligament and should visit an orthopedic care facility as soon as possible:
Understandably, life-threatening conditions warrant emergency care treatment. However, orthopedic urgent care is considered a better option for conditions that are not life-threatening as the specialized facilities are less congested.
Typically, the following orthopedic injuries and concerns can be addressed at orthopedic care centers:
Orthopedic emergencies are injuries and conditions that require intervention the same day the injury occurs to ensure further harm and long-lasting impact. Wide or deep cuts, complex fractures, and loss of consciousness require prompt care at a hospital emergency room.
Life-threatening orthopedic injuries and conditions should always be directed to the emergency department for expert management and care. The emergency department has top-of-the-line equipment and can best address severe orthopedic injuries such as:
Some of the most common orthopedic injuries occur as a result of an accident or surgery. The following are some of the most common orthopedic conditions that will require emergency attention:
For severely injured children, the emergency room is considered the most appropriate place to seek help. Pediatric orthopedic cases that require emergency care include:
If you are unsure if an orthopedic condition requires immediate medical attention or otherwise, consider it best to check with your orthopedic specialist right away. It's the best thing you can do so you don't put your health, independence, and ability to function in jeopardy.
The DRYPRO waterproof arm and leg covers are excellent resources for keeping injuries dry and protected during the recovery phase.
About Dr. Kaelin
Dr. Charles R. Kaelin received his medical degree from the University of Louisville, Kentucky, and completed his orthopaedic training at Orlando Regional Center in Orlando, Florida. Dr. Kaelin also received training in Sports Medicine at Alabama Sports Medicine with Dr. Lemak, specializing in sports medicine and workman's compensation injuries. He has been a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) since 1990. He is a charter member of the International Cartilage Research Society, Founding member of the AAOS Education Enhancement Fund (AAOS) and past editorial board member for the American College of Sports Medicine Health and Fitness Journal.
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