Sprains are one of the most common sports injuries, and we see a lot of them at our urgent care. They occur when a ligament—the tissue between two bones that allows a joint to move and function—becomes overstretched or tears. Mild and moderate sprains require a few days to several weeks to heal. However, more severe ones may need several months along with physical therapy for a full recovery. Sprains are often confused with strains, which occur to the muscles or fibrous tissues connecting muscles and bones.

When a bone fractures, it can sometimes cause open wounds near the site. This compound fracture (also known as an open fracture) is typically caused by the broken bone and fragments themselves as they pierce through the skin. The underlying bone may or may not be visible from the wound.

To be diagnosed, your doctor must look at your personal and family medical history as well as perform a complete physical exam. This can involve checking your lung function, sinuses, throat, and upper airways. Additionally, children under 5 years old may have a spirometry test performed. By evaluating your symptoms and test results, our urgent care team can understand which type of asthma you have or if another health problem is present.

Not all cuts and wounds need stitches. In many cases, shallow lacerations can heal neatly without infection and with little to no scarring. However, with deeper injuries, you should see a doctor for stitches and professional wound care. Otherwise, the gash runs the risk of becoming infected and scarring. Stitches also give support to the wound, allowing it to close and heal faster and more effectively.