Orthopedic urgent care can evaluate and treat many sudden, non-life-threatening injuries involving your bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Instead of visiting a general emergency department for a non-life-threatening musculoskeletal injury, orthopedic urgent care gives you direct access to a team that specializes in these problems.
Union County Orthopaedic Group serves the Linden, Clark, and Union, NJ, communities, with orthopedic urgent care available at its Linden office. The practice’s provider team includes Katie Cannon, PA-C, who has 14 years of experience as a physician assistant.
Which Injuries Can Orthopedic Urgent Care Treat?
You don’t need to know exactly what’s wrong before coming in. Symptoms such as sudden pain, swelling, limited movement, or difficulty using an arm or leg may warrant an orthopedic assessment.
Conditions seen through Union County Orthopaedic Group’s urgent care service include:
- Sprains and strains: These injuries affect ligaments, muscles, and tendons and can happen during sports, exercise, work, or daily activities.
- Minor fractures: A sudden fall, collision, or direct blow may cause a broken bone that requires imaging, bracing, splinting, casting, or other treatment.
- Dislocations: A joint that has moved out of its normal position needs prompt medical evaluation.
- Sports-related injuries: Twisting a knee, landing awkwardly, or hurting an ankle during activity can all lead to an urgent visit.
- Joint, back, or neck pain: Sudden musculoskeletal pain might need an exam to determine the source.
- Swollen or painful joints: New swelling and discomfort may make movement difficult and need evaluation right away.
- Pediatric orthopedic injuries: Children with musculoskeletal injuries can also be seen through the service.
- Work-related injuries: Injuries that happen on the job are another reason you might need orthopedic care quickly.
What Can Happen During an Urgent Care Visit?
Your visit starts with an assessment of the affected area and the circumstances surrounding the injury. Digital X-rays are available on-site when imaging is appropriate.
Depending on what the exam shows, treatment may include casting, bracing, or splinting. Having orthopedic care and imaging in the same setting can also make it easier to determine what kind of follow-up you need after the initial injury.
When Does an Injury Need the Emergency Room?
Orthopedic urgent care is intended for musculoskeletal problems that aren’t life-threatening. Major trauma, uncontrolled bleeding, severe head injury, an open fracture with bone visible through the skin, or signs of reduced blood flow to an injured limb warrant emergency medical care instead.
Get Prompt Care for an Orthopedic Injury
An unexpected injury can leave you wondering where to go for help. Union County Orthopaedic Group’s orthopedic urgent care treats many bone, joint, and soft tissue damage without a traditional ER visit. Contact our Linden office today at 908-486-1111 for more information. We also have orthopedic offices in Clark and Union, NJ.