Orthopedic Urgent Care

Some of the common spine, back & neck injuries we treat include:

Back or Neck Pain

It is important to be seen immediately for persistent back or neck pain as this can be the sign of an underlying injury such as an injury to the spinal discs, vertebrae or muscles of the spine.

Whiplash

Whiplash occurs when sudden force “whips” the neck forward or backward and is common in motor vehicle accidents or as the result of a high impact collision during sports.  This sudden motion causes strain to the muscles and ligaments of the neck and can result in pain and stiffness in the neck as well as dizziness and headaches.

Sciatica (Pinched Nerve in the Lower Back)

Sciatica is a term used to describe irritation to the sciatic nerve and is often the result of an underlying spinal condition such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.  When this nerve is irritated the common symptoms include pain that radiates from the lower back and into the buttocks and leg, weakness in the leg or numbness in the leg.

Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve in the Neck)

Similar to sciatica, cervical radiculopathy is the result of the irritation of one or more nerves in the cervical spine.  Although the irritated nerve is in the neck, pain commonly radiates down from the neck and into the shoulders and hands.  Other symptoms can include weakness, numbness or tingling in the hands or fingers.

Back Strains or Sprains

Strains and sprains of the lower back are commonly the result of overuse or lifting heavy objects with improper form.  When significant amounts of force are placed on the muscles of the lower back they can become damaged, torn or inflamed.  Common symptoms of back strains and sprains include pain, stiffness or muscles spasms in the lower back.

Herniated or Bulging Discs

Between each vertebra of the spine, small fluid-filled discs (intervertebral discs) provide cushioning and stability for the spine.  When one of these discs is damaged by a sudden impact or overexertion, they can move out of their intended position in the spine (bulging disc).  If the discs are ruptured, the fluid within the disc can begin to irritate the spine (herniated disc). Herniated and bulging discs both can place pressure on the spinal nerves or spinal cord.  Common symptoms include pain in the neck or back, pain that radiates into the arms, buttocks or legs, numbness or tingling in the extremities or muscle spasms.

Some of the common shoulder injuries we treat include:

Shoulder Pain

It is important to be seen immediately for persistent shoulder pain or swelling as this can be the sign of an underlying injury such as an injury to the ligaments, tendons or bones of the shoulder.

Rotator Cuff Tears

The rotator cuff is a grouping of 4 muscles within the shoulder that meet to form tendons around the head of the shoulder.  These tendons help provide stability to the shoulder as well as hold the shoulder in the socket.  The rotator cuff can be damaged due to a sudden impact, overuse, arthritis or a fall onto an outstretched arm.  Although the severity of a rotator cuff tear can vary from partial tears to complete tears, common symptoms include pain, pain that is worse at night, difficulty raising and lowering the arm or a “cracking” feeling when raising the arm.

Shoulder Fracture and Dislocations

Shoulder fractures and dislocations most commonly occur during contact sports, but can also be the result of a sudden accident or slip and fall.  If the shoulder is dislocated, it means that one of the bones of the shoulder has been shifted outside of its normal position in the joint.  If the shoulder is fractured, it means that one of the bones that comprise the shoulder joint has been broken.  The severity of the fracture can vary, but if any portion of the bone is visible outside of the skin, please go to nearest Emergency Room.  Common symptoms of shoulder dislocations and fractures include pain, a “popping” or “snapping” sound when the injury occurred, bruising, swelling or a visible deformity under the skin.

Shoulder Labrum Tears

The socket of the shoulder joint is lined with a ring of cartilage, known as the labrum, which provides stability to the shoulder joint and allows it to move smoothly in multiple directions.  Damage to this cartilage can often occur as the result of a sudden impact, forceful change in the direction of the shoulder or a fall onto an outstretched arm.  The severity of the damage to the labrum can vary, but common symptoms include pain in the shoulder, swelling, stiffness, difficulty lifting objects overhead or a feeling of locking in the shoulder joint.

Shoulder Bursitis

Around the shoulder joint, small fluid-filled sacs (known as the bursa) help the shoulder joint glide smoothly in the socket.  Repetitive actions such as throwing, lifting or pulling can cause these sacs to become inflamed or irritated.  Common symptoms of shoulder bursitis include pain in the shoulder, swelling, stiffness or difficulty lifting objects overhead.

Some of the common elbow injuries we treat include:

Elbow Pain and Swelling

It is important to be seen immediately for pain or swelling in the elbow as this may be the sign of an underlying injury such as a tendon, ligament or bone injury.

Golfer’s Elbow or Tennis Elbow

Golfer’s or Tennis Elbow injuries are caused by overuse or injury to the tendons that attach at the bony point of the elbow.  Common symptoms include pain, stiffness, numbness or tenderness in the elbow as well as pain that begins at the elbow and radiates into the arm.

UCL Injuries

The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is the ligament that attaches and provides stability to the upper arm and forearm.  UCL injuries can vary in severity from sprains to partial or complete tears.  It is common for throwing athletes to sustain UCL injuries, but the UCL can also be injured as the result of falling onto an outstretched arm or a sudden accident.  Common symptoms include pain, weakness, swelling, bruising or a tearing sensation in the elbow.

Elbow Dislocations and Fractures

Elbow fractures and dislocations most commonly occur during contact sports, but can also be the result of a sudden accident or slip and fall.  If the elbow is dislocated, it means that one of the bones of the elbow has been shifted outside of its normal position in the joint.  If the elbow is fractured, it means that one of the bones that comprise the elbow joint has been broken.  The severity of the fracture can vary, but if any portion of the bone is visible outside of the skin, please go to nearest Emergency Room.  Common symptoms of elbow dislocations and fractures include pain, a “popping” or “snapping” sound when the injury occurred, bruising, swelling or a visible deformity under the skin.

Biceps Tendon Injuries

The bicep muscle is comprised of two tendons in the arm.  One of these tendons attaches at the shoulder and the other tendon attaches at the elbow.  Biceps tendon injuries can be the result of a sudden accident or from repetitive overuse.  The severity of these injuries can range from strains to complete tears.  Common symptoms a biceps tendon injuries include pain, swelling, bruising, weakness, hearing a “pop” when the injury occurred and difficulty rotating the arm.

Some of the common hand and wrist injuries we treat include:

Hand or Wrist Pain and Swelling

It is important to be seen immediately for pain or swelling in the hand or wrist as this may be the sign of an underlying injury such as a tendon, ligament or bone injury.

Hand or Wrist Fractures

A fracture to any part of the hand or wrist is a common result of a slip and fall or sudden impact.  The hand or wrist can be fractured in several areas and common symptoms include pain, swelling, weakness or visible deformity under the skin.  If any portion of the bone is visible outside of the skin, please go to nearest Emergency Room.

Finger Dislocations

Finger dislocations occur when the bones of the finger are moved outside their normal position within the joint and can occur at both the tips and base of the finger.  These injuries are often the result of jamming the finger, high impact collision during sports or a fall onto the outstretched hand.  Common symptoms of a finger dislocation include pain, swelling, difficulty bending the finger, bruising or paleness of the finger and a visible deformity under the skin.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common condition that occurs as a result of irritation to the median nerve.  The median nerve travels down the forearm and passes through the carpal tunnel at the wrist and into the hand.  When this nerve is irritated it can cause pain, weakness, numbness and tingling in the fingers.

Common hip injuries we treat include:

Hip Pain

It is important to be seen immediately for persistent hip pain as this can be the sign of an underlying injury such as a ligament, tendon or bone injury or arthritis.

Hip Fractures

Hip fractures are often the result of a fall onto the hip which causes a break in the bone in the upper part of the leg, known as the femur.  The severity of the fracture can vary based on the strength of the bone as well as the force of impact that caused the fracture. If any portion of the bone is visible outside of the skin, please go to nearest Emergency Room.  Common symptoms of a hip fracture include pain, bruising or a visible deformity under the skin.

Hip Dislocation

The hip is a ball and socket joint and a hip dislocation occurs when the head of the femur (the ball) is moved outside of the socket in the hip.  This usually occurs as the result of a fall or sudden impact and symptoms can include pain, bruising or a visible deformity under the skin.

Hip Labral Tears

The socket of the hip joint is lined with a ring of cartilage, known as the labrum, which provides stability to the hip joint.  Damage to this cartilage can often occur as the result of a sudden impact or forceful change in the direction of the hip.  The severity of the damage to the labrum can vary, but common symptoms include pain in the hip or groin, stiffness or a feeling of locking in the hip joint.

Some of the common knee injuries we treat include:

Knee Pain and Swelling

It is important to be seen immediately for persistent knee pain or swelling as this can be the sign of an underlying injury such as an injury to the ligaments, tendons or bones of the knee.

ACL Injuries

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the ligaments that provide stability in the knee and prevents the knee from moving too far in a specific direction. Although ACL injuries are common among athletes, they can also occur as the result of a slip and fall or sudden forceful change in the direction of the knee. The severity of ACL injuries can range from mild tears to complete tears of the ligament. Common symptoms of an ACL injury can include pain, swelling, difficulty walking or hearing a “pop” when the injury occurs.

MCL, LCL or PCL Injuries

Similar to the ACL, the MCL, LCL and PCL all provide stability to the knee and prevent the knee from moving too far in any direction. These ligaments can be injured as the result of a slip and fall or a sudden forceful change in direction of the knee. The severity of MCL, LCL or PCL injuries can range from mild tears to complete tears of the ligament. Common symptoms of an injury can include pain, swelling, difficulty walking or hearing a “pop” when the injury occurs.

Meniscus Tears

Within the knee joint, there are two C-shaped pieces of cartilage (menisci) that act as shock absorbers and prevent the bones of the knee from rubbing together. When these pieces of cartilage are damaged by a direct blow to the knee, sudden forceful change in direction of the knee or over time due to wear and tear it is known as a meniscus tear. The type, shape and severity of the tear can vary but common symptoms include pain, swelling, difficulty walking or a feeling of “catching” or “locking” in the knee.

Patella Tendon Injuries

The patellar tendon is located in the front of your knee and works with the muscles within the thigh to help with activities such as running, jumping or kicking. The tendon can become damaged as the result of overuse or repetitive stress on the tendon from running, jumping or muscle imbalance. The severity of patella tendon injuries can vary from inflammation to partial and complete tears. Common symptoms include pain under the kneecap, swelling and difficulty walking, standing or getting up from a chair.

Patellar Fractures or Dislocations

The patella (also known as the kneecap) is a circularly shaped bone at the front of the knee that protects the internal structures of the knee. The patella can become damaged as the result of a direct blow to the knee, a slip and fall or a sudden forceful change in direction of the knee. If the patella is fractured it means the bone itself has sustained or more cracks or breaks. If the patella is dislocated it means it has slipped out if its normal position within the knee. Common symptoms of a patellar fracture or dislocation include pain, swelling, difficulty walking and a visible deformity under the skin.

Knee Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis of the knee is a common condition that occurs mostly due to the ageing process. The knee joint is lined with smooth cartilage that helps the knee glide in multiple directions and prevents the bones of the knee from rubbing together. However, the osteoarthritic process breaks down this cartilage which, in turn, can cause the joints of the knee to rub together. Over time, this rubbing causes bone spurs to form within the knee joint. Although the severity of osteoarthritis of the knee can vary, common symptoms include pain, swelling, stiffness, loss of mobility and skin that is warm to the touch around the knee.

Quadriceps Tendon Injuries

The quadriceps tendon is made up of the 4 muscles that meet above the patella (kneecap) and extend down to the tibia (shinbone). These muscles work together to help bend and straighten the leg as well as provide acceleration during sports. This tendon can become damaged due to overuse or as the result of a sudden change in acceleration or direction. The severity of the damage to the tendon can range from strains to complete tears. Common symptoms of a quadriceps tendon injury include pain, bruising, difficulty walking, a visible indentation above the kneecap or a sagging of the kneecap.

Some of the common foot and ankle injuries we treat include:

Ankle, Heel or Foot Pain and Swelling

It is important to be seen immediately for pain or swelling in the ankle, heel or foot as this may be the sign of an underlying injury such as a tendon, ligament or bone injury.

Ankle Sprain

Ankle sprains are common injuries among athletes but can also occur as the result of a slip and fall or missed step.  The severity of an ankle sprain can vary based on the amount of damage to the ankle ligaments.  Common symptoms of an ankle sprain include pain, swelling, bruising or tenderness around the ankle.

Ankle Fracture

The ankle joint is made up of 3 separate bones and a fracture can occur in any of these 3 bones.  Ankle fractures can be the result of a sports injury but also as the result of a sudden impact or slip and fall.  Common symptoms of an ankle fracture include pain, swelling, bruising, difficult walking or tenderness around the ankle.

Achilles Tendon Injuries

The achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body and stretches from the back of the heel into the calf.  An injury to the achilles tendon can occur as the result of a sudden shift or pivot during sports or from overuse.  The severity of achilles tendon injuries can range from sprains to complete tears of the tendon.  Common symptoms of an achilles tendon injury can include pain at the back of the heel or calf, difficulty bearing weight or walking, hearing a sudden “pop” when the injury occurred, swelling or bruising at the heel or calf.

Broken Toes

Broken toes can have a variety of causes but the most common symptoms include pain, swelling, redness and a visible deformity of the toe.