Expert care for sprains, strains, and other acute injuries with quick recovery. Don’t let an injury slow you down—schedule an appointment today for expert, same-day treatment.
An acute injury usually happens from a sudden event. This can be a fall, an impact, or a twist. Acute injuries include sprains, strains, bruises, and fractures. As an alternative to emergency services, Access Sports Medicine is equipped to handle the evaluation and treatment of all acute injuries.
What are Acute Injuries
Sprains: A sprain occurs when ligaments—which connect bones—are stretched or torn due to excessive force. Commonly affected areas include the ankles, wrists, and knees. Symptoms typically involve pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the joint.
Strains: Strains involve the stretching or tearing of muscles or tendons (the tissues connecting muscles to bones). They commonly occur in the back, hamstrings, or shoulders. Symptoms of a strain can include muscle pain, spasms, stiffness, and difficulty moving the affected muscle.
Contusions: Contusions, or bruises, happen when small blood vessels are damaged from a direct impact, causing blood to leak into nearby tissues. This leads to pain, swelling, and skin discoloration. The severity of contusions can range from mild to severe.
Fractures: A fracture is a break in a bone, from a small crack to a complete break, often caused by impacts like falls or accidents. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, deformity, and difficulty using the limb. Treatment usually involves immobilization and sometimes surgery.
Common Causes of Acute Injuries
● Falls: Sudden slips or trips can lead to sprains, fractures, and other injuries.
● Twisting Movements: Rapid or excessive twisting motions can result in strains, sprains, or ligament tears.
● Sports and Physical Activities: High-impact sports and physical activities often include sudden movements or collisions. These can lead to acute injuries like sprains, fractures, and joint problems.
Initial Treatment for Acute Injuries
The trained professionals at Access Sports Medicine will examine and evaluate acute injuries to ensure they are not more serious than they appear.
Access Sports Medicine offers same-day appointments and walk-in clinics for acute care at all locations, allowing treatment to begin as soon as possible.
Based on the type and seriousness of your injury, your doctor at Access Sports Medicine will suggest a treatment plan. This plan may include the following:
1. Application of hot or cold packs
2. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for the inflammation and pain
3. Local application of gels and ointments
4. RICE – Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation
5. Sling, splint, cast, or brace
6. Physical or occupational therapy
How to Prevent Acute Injuries?
- Warm up properly by stretching major muscle groups with dynamic stretches to boost blood flow and flexibility.
- Avoid overtraining by giving your body time to recover between workouts. Overtraining fatigued muscles, making you more prone to injuries.
- Practice proper form for movements in sports and exercises. Incorrect techniques can lead to strain and acute injuries.
- Wear appropriate protective gear for sports (helmets, pads, mouthguards, etc.) to reduce the risk of trauma.
- Ensure you have shoes that provide adequate support and are suited to the activity.
- Cool down after the activity with gentle stretches to help muscles relax, reducing the risk of stiffness or injury.
Why Choose Access Sports Medicine?
- Expert Evaluation: Our skilled physicians specialize in assessing and treating acute injuries, ensuring accurate diagnosis and effective care.
- Same-Day Appointments: We provide easy same-day appointments and walk-in clinics for acute care. This way, you can get quick treatment when you need it most.
- Specialized Facilities: We have six convenient NH locations with digital imaging is available at Dover, Portsmouth, Exeter, and Raymond. Our skilled staff can help with many acute injuries to get you back to good health.
Don’t Let an Acute Injury Hold You Back
Get on your path to healing and recovery with Access Sports Medicine. Schedule your same-day appointment or visit one of our two walk-in clinics today!
