Understanding the Differences Between Urgent and Emergency Orthopedic Care

From a sprained ankle to a fall during a sports event, knowing where to turn for medical help is key. When facing a sports injury, you must decide between different levels of care, and this choice impacts how you begin. Here is more information about the differences between urgent and emergency orthopedic care:

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When To Get Orthopedic Care

You may seek orthopedic urgent care for injuries that are not life-threatening but need prompt attention. A sprain, strain, or fracture is a reason to get orthopedic urgent care, where specialists are equipped to handle them. These facilities offer a focused alternative to a general emergency room, so you receive specialized care for your injury.

Seeking this type of care may help with chronic joint pain and flare-ups from previous injuries. Conditions such as tendonitis or persistent back pain are suitable for an orthopedic urgent care setting. While these problems might not stem from a sudden event, they still require timely medical evaluation from a provider who understands musculoskeletal health.

When To Get Emergency Care

Immediate emergency care is necessary for severe orthopedic injuries. Go to an emergency room if you experience an open fracture, which is when bone breaks through the skin. A deformity in a limb also signals a need for emergency services, as does any sports injury with a loss of circulation.

Head, neck, or spine injuries always demand a visit to the emergency department. These injuries have the potential for serious complications, and they require the comprehensive resources that a hospital emergency room provides. If you suspect a concussion or are unable to move a limb after a fall, emergency medical professionals will assess and stabilize your condition.

What the Differences Are

The main distinction between orthopedic urgent care and emergency care lies in the severity of the injury. Emergency rooms are designed to handle life-or-limb-threatening situations, so they are staffed and equipped for the most severe cases. Urgent care, on the other hand, addresses less severe problems that require attention within approximately 24 hours.

Another difference involves the scope of services provided. An orthopedic urgent care clinic focuses exclusively on musculoskeletal injuries, giving you direct access to specialists. An emergency room offers a broad range of medical services for all types of emergencies, and while they can stabilize an orthopedic injury, you will likely need a follow-up with an orthopedic specialist.

Wait times may differ between the two options, and they can vary depending on various factors. Because emergency rooms prioritize patients based on the severity of their condition, you might face a long wait for a less severe orthopedic issue. Orthopedic urgent care centers typically offer shorter wait times for non-emergency bone and joint injuries.

Treat a Sports Injury

Deciding where to go for a sports injury depends on the symptoms you are experiencing. For minor sprains, strains, or suspected closed fractures, an orthopedic urgent care clinic offers specialized and timely treatment. For major trauma, like an open fracture or a joint dislocation, the hospital emergency room is the correct place for your care. If you have an orthopedic injury and need guidance, reach out to our team to find the right care path for you.