Is it just a sprain or something more serious? If you’re worried about swelling, bruising, or pain that hasn't gone away, seek urgent medical care.

The experienced team at Pomona Valley Health Centers can provide fast answers, expert care, and a clear plan forward.

Walk into our urgent care center today for sprain care.

What Is a Sprain?

A sprain is an acute soft tissue injury resulting from sudden trauma. This trauma causes a person’s ligaments (strong, flexible bands of tissue connecting the bones, joints, and muscles) to stretch or tear.

Common Causes of Sprains

Sprains are caused when a joint is forced to move in an unnatural way, often resulting from one or more of the following:

• Ankle
  • Walking, running, or exercising on uneven or slippery surfaces.
  • Landing awkwardly from a jump.
• Knee
  • Pivoting quickly during physical activity.
• Wrist
  • Landing on an outstretched hand during a fall.
• Thumb
  • Injury or overextension during physical activity.

Types of Sprains (Mild, Moderate, Severe)

Grade 1: Mild

This is the mildest form of sprain. It involves minimal tissue damage and quick recovery time. First-degree or mild sprains can typically be treated at home with the RICE method (e.g., rest, ice, compression, elevation).

Most individuals will recover fully from a mild sprain in about a week.

Grade 2: Moderate

Moderate sprains cause damage to one or more ligaments. They often present with swelling and bruising and may require additional treatment to ensure proper healing. Moderate sprains often take a few weeks to heal and usually benefit from urgent care to avoid complications and delayed healing.

Grade 3: Severe

Grade three or severe sprains happen when one or more ligaments are torn. Many people report hearing a popping sound at the time of injury, followed by severe pain. Common symptoms include swelling, bruising, and an inability to bear weight on the injured joint or limb. Severe sprains can take 6-12 weeks to fully heal.

Symptoms of a Sprain

No matter where you’ve sustained a sprain on your person, you may have one or more of the following symptoms:

• Joint pain.
• Muscle pain.
• Swelling.
• Joint stiffness.
• Joint instability.
• Limited range of motion.
• Discoloration of the skin (e.g., bruising).

How to Tell If It’s a Sprain or a Fracture

Unfortunately, there is no way to confirm whether you have a sprain or fracture without X-ray imaging.

The skilled providers at Pomona Valley Health Centers are dedicated to providing top-notch health services for a broad range of medical conditions, including urgent care for sprains, strains, and fractures.

Warning signs that may indicate a fracture include:

• Intense pain that worsens with movement.
• An inability to put weight on the injured joint or limb.
• Numbness or tingling.
• A visible deformity.
• A bone protruding through the skin.

When to Go to Urgent Care for a Sprain

Mild vs. Severe Sprains: When to Seek Help

Mild sprains can be safely and effectively treated at home without medical intervention. However, some sprains are more serious and may include bone fractures. Seek medical attention if you:

• Cannot move or bear weight on the affected joint.
• Have severe pain directly over the bones of an injured joint.
• Experience swelling or deformity.
• Have numbness in any part of the injured area.
• Are unsure about the severity of your injury.

Can You Walk on a Sprained Ankle?

Many people can still walk with a mild sprain with minimal pain or instability. However, trying to walk with a moderate to severe ankle sprain will cause significant pain and instability.

Trying to walk on a sprained ankle, regardless of severity, can slow healing or make the injury worse.

How Urgent Care Treats Sprains

Diagnosis: Physical Exam & Imaging

During a physical exam, your provider will assess swelling, tenderness, range of motion, and pain intensity.

They may also perform specific physical tests to assess ligament stability.

Next, they will likely order X-ray imaging to identify or rule out fractures or other bone injuries. Urgent care for sprains may also include an Ultrasound, CT, or MRI to assess the extent of soft tissue and ligament damage.

Treatment Options: RICE, Bracing, Pain Management

General tips for sprain recovery include:

• RICE method (e.g., rest, ice, compression, elevation) for initial treatment.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers to help manage pain.
• Physical therapy to restore range of motion and strength.
• Consult a physician if the pain is severe or doesn’t improve after a few days.

Follow-Up Care & Recovery Tips

After visiting urgent care for a sprain, following all aftercare instructions is important. These may include:

• RICE method.
• Using a splint, brace, or crutches.
• Take over the counter or prescription pain medications as prescribed.
• Participate in physical therapy exercises as recommended.
• Seek immediate medical attention if you notice increased pain, swelling, numbness, or tingling in the affected area.
• Avoid applying heat to the injured area.
• Avoid alcohol consumption.

Preventing Future Sprains

Strengthening Exercises & Stretching

Once you sprain your ankle, wrist, knee, or thumb, you have a higher risk of repeating the same injury. Strengthening exercises and stretches can lower your risk of re-injury. Here are some general guidelines for rebuilding strength and stability:

• Isometric exercises (e.g., planks, wall sits, push-ups, bicep curls)
• Eccentric movements (e.g., lowering into a bicep curl, squat, or bench press)
• Plyometric exercises (e.g., jumps, hops, push-ups, and throws)
• Muscle and joint-focused stretching to improve range of motion over time.

Proper Footwear & Support

Shoes with adequate arch support, cushioning, and fit can reduce the risk of re-injury and future sprains. They provide better stability and shock absorption and prevent excessive strain on the feet, ankles, and joints.

Why Choose Pomona Valley Health Centers for Sprain Treatment?

Sprains can’t wait, and neither should you. With compassionate providers, advanced imaging, and walk-in availability, Pomona Valley Health Centers makes getting urgent care for sprains fast, easy, and reassuring.

Our team combines expert diagnosis with personalized care to help you heal quickly and safely.

Contact us or walk into your nearest location today.