When Every Minute Counts: Recognizing Injuries That Need Immediate Attention

Every year, millions of people suffer orthopedic injuries, ranging from minor sprains to serious fractures and dislocations. These injuries can happen anywhere—to athletes pushing their limits, busy parents juggling daily tasks or someone simply taking a wrong step on the sidewalk.

What they have in common, though, is the importance of timely care. LifeBridge Health Hand and Upper Extremity Surgeon Brian Cho, MD, explains, “Patients with orthopedic conditions are unique in that many of their conditions have a timeline in terms of when best to be treated.”  

Recognizing this window—and the signs that an injury requires immediate attention—is key to a successful recovery. Here’s what you need to know about how orthopedic injuries happen, when to seek treatment and how to get expert care without the ER wait.

What Is an Orthopedic Injury?

Orthopedic injuries affect the musculoskeletal system—the bones, joints, muscles and ligaments that support movement. These injuries can occur suddenly from trauma (such as falls, accidents or sports injuries) or develop gradually due to repetitive stress (such as overuse from running or lifting).  

Common Orthopedic Injuries 
Orthopedic specialists frequently treat:

• Fractures (Broken Bones): These range from small cracks (stress fractures) to complete breaks requiring realignment.  
• Sprains and Strains: A sprain occurs when ligaments (which connect bones) are overstretched or torn. A strain affects muscles or tendons.  
• Dislocations: When a bone is forced out of its normal position in a joint, leading to pain and instability.

These injuries often cause pain, swelling and limited mobility, making daily activities difficult. While some may heal with rest, others require prompt medical attention to prevent long-term complications.

How Do You Recognize an Injury That Needs Immediate Attention?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention as soon as possible to reduce pain, prevent further injury and speed up recovery:

• Severe Pain: Intense pain that doesn’t subside with rest may indicate a serious injury.
• Unnatural Positioning or Misalignment: A joint or limb that looks out of place, twisted or has an unusual bump could mean a fracture or dislocation.
• Rapid Swelling and Bruising: This can signal a severe sprain, fracture or torn ligament.
• Difficulty Moving or Bearing Weight: If you can’t move a joint normally or put weight on a limb, it may indicate a break or severe soft tissue injury.
• Joint Instability: If a joint feels loose or unstable after an injury, it could be at risk for further damage.
• Numbness or Tingling: A loss of feeling, tingling or numbness around the injured area might indicate nerve damage, which requires urgent evaluation.

If you’re still not sure whether to seek immediate care, ask yourself these three questions:

• Is the pain getting worse?
• Can I move the injured area normally?
• Is there swelling, bruising or a visible deformity?

When in doubt, consult a medical professional. For life-threatening injuries, call 911 immediately.

What to Expect When Seeking Orthopedic Care

If you do need urgent orthopedic care, here’s what you can expect:

Diagnosis: Identifying the Injury  
Your provider will:

• Review your symptoms and how the injury occurred.
• Perform a physical exam to assess movement, pain and swelling.
• Order imaging tests (X-rays, MRIs or CT scans) to determine the severity if needed.

Treatment: Your Path to Recovery 
The right treatment depends on the type and severity of your injury. Common options include:

• Pain Management: Over-the-counter or prescription medications can help control discomfort and inflammation. They’re often a first line of defense.
• Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE): Used for mild sprains and strains to reduce swelling and pain.  
• Immobilization: Casts, splints or braces help stabilize the injury and promote healing.  
• Injections: Corticosteroid injections may be used to reduce pain and swelling in some cases.
• Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation exercises restore strength, flexibility and function.

Surgery: When Is It Needed? 
While many orthopedic injuries heal with non-surgical treatments, surgery may be required for:

• Severe fractures needing realignment with plates, screws or rods.
• Torn ligaments or tendons that require surgical repair.
• Dislocations that cannot be corrected non-invasively.

Your provider will discuss the best approach based on your specific injury and lifestyle.

Get Immediate Care at OrthoCare ASAP  

At OrthoCare ASAP, we know that waiting in pain isn’t an option. Our walk-in orthopedic clinic provides fast, high-quality care without the wait times you see at emergency departments.  

Why Choose OrthoCare ASAP?