Urgent Care for Sprains and Strains in Columbia MD

At Elite Urgent Care, we frequently treat injuries such as sprains and strains, and it’s essential to understand the difference between the two. Both are soft tissue injuries, but they affect different structures in the body. A sprain involves the overstretching or tearing of ligaments, the tough bands that connect bones at a joint. Common sites for sprains include the ankle, knee, and wrist. In contrast, a strain affects muscles or tendons, the tissues that connect muscles to bones, and is often seen in the back or hamstring muscles.

When it comes to which injury is worse, it really depends on the severity, the area affected, and your overall health. Both sprains and strains can range from mild, requiring only rest and supportive care, to severe, which may involve significant pain, swelling, bruising, and loss of function. In some cases, surgery or extensive rehabilitation may be needed for full recovery.

If not properly treated, severe sprains can lead to ongoing joint instability, chronic pain, or repeated injuries. Likewise, severe strains may cause long-term muscle weakness or reduced mobility. That’s why it’s essential to have any significant injury evaluated by a medical professional.

Our experienced providers can quickly assess your injury, order X-rays or other imaging if necessary, and recommend the best treatment plan—whether that’s rest, immobilization, physical therapy, or referral to a specialist.

If you experience significant pain, swelling, or difficulty moving the injured area, don’t wait—visit Elite Urgent Care for prompt, expert evaluation and care. Early intervention can help you heal faster and prevent future complications.

Strains and sprains are among the most common injuries we see in urgent care, often resulting from sports, exercise, accidents, or everyday activities. Our experienced medical team is equipped to diagnose and treat all grades of muscle, tendon, and ligament injuries to help you recover quickly and safely.

Understanding Strains and Sprains
• Strains involve injury to muscles or tendons.
• Sprains involve injury to ligaments.

Both injuries are classified into three grades based on severity:

Grade I (Mild)
• Slight overstretching or minor tearing of fibers.
• Symptoms: Mild pain, swelling, and little to no loss of function.
• At Elite Urgent Care, we provide rapid assessment and treatment, including advice on rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), as well as guidance on safe return to activity.

Grade II (Moderate)
• Partial tear of the muscle, tendon, or ligament.
• Symptoms: Increased pain, swelling, bruising, and some loss of function or joint instability.
• Our team at Elite Urgent Care offers on-site X-rays to rule out fractures, personalized treatment plans including splinting or bracing if needed, and referral to physical therapy.

Grade III (Severe)
• Complete tear or rupture.
• Symptoms: Severe pain, significant swelling, extensive bruising, and major loss of function. The affected area may not be usable, and sometimes surgical repair is necessary.
• At Elite Urgent Care, we quickly evaluate severe injuries and coordinate prompt referrals to orthopedic specialists or emergency care when surgery or advanced intervention is required.

Why choose urgent care for Strains and Sprains?

• Walk-in convenience: No appointment needed.
• On-site diagnostics: X-rays and rapid assessment.
• Expert care: Experienced providers who specialize in acute injuries.
• Personalized treatment: Tailored recovery plans and follow-up care.

If you or a loved one suffers a strain or sprain, visit Elite Urgent Care for immediate, professional evaluation and treatment. Our goal is to help you heal and return to your daily activities as soon as possible.

Wrist injuries are common, but not all wrist pain is the same. At Elite Urgent Care, we often see patients with both sprained and strained wrists, and while the symptoms can seem similar, these injuries affect different tissues in your wrist.

A sprained wrist happens when the ligaments—tough bands that connect your wrist bones—are stretched or torn, often due to a sudden fall, twist, or impact. If you’re experiencing pain, swelling, bruising, a feeling of instability, or difficulty moving your wrist after an injury, you may have a sprain.

A strained wrist, on the other hand, involves injury to the muscles or tendons, which connect your muscles to your bones. Strains are usually caused by overuse, repetitive motions, or overstretching. Symptoms of a wrist strain can include pain, muscle spasms, weakness, swelling, or cramping.

While both injuries cause pain and swelling, accurate diagnosis is important because the treatment and recovery process can differ.

If you have persistent pain, swelling, or trouble moving your wrist, don’t wait—visit Elite Urgent Care. Our experienced medical professionals will evaluate your injury and provide the right treatment to help you heal quickly and safely. Walk in or schedule an appointment today for expert care, so you can get back to your daily activities with confidence.

If you’ve recently twisted an ankle, overextended a muscle, or experienced a sudden injury, here’s what to watch for:

1. Pain: Most strains and sprains cause pain at the site of the injury, which often worsens with movement or when pressure is applied.
2. Swelling: The affected area may become swollen or puffy as your body responds to the injury.
3. Bruising or Discoloration: You might notice bruising or a change in color around the injured site, and sometimes you may also have difficulty moving the affected limb or joint.

At Elite Urgent Care in Columbia, MD, Dr. Nasser Nasseri, MD, a Board-Certified Internist and Board-Recertified Rheumatologist, offers expert care for sprains and strains caused by sports, exercise, or daily activities. With his deep understanding of musculoskeletal injuries, Dr. Nasseri provides personalized evaluations and treatment plans designed to relieve pain, restore function, and speed up recovery. His goal is to help patients regain mobility and prevent long-term complications through evidence-based, compassionate care.

Elite Urgent Care stands out for its commitment to providing comprehensive, same-day care for musculoskeletal injuries under the guidance of Dr. Nasser Nasseri, MD. The clinic offers on-site evaluations, diagnostic imaging, and individualized treatment approaches, all in a comfortable and welcoming environment. With Dr. Nasseri’s dual expertise in internal medicine and rheumatology, patients receive high-quality care focused on effective recovery and long-term joint and muscle health.
 
At Elite Urgent Care, our experienced providers can assess your injury, provide immediate relief, and develop a tailored treatment plan to help you recover safely and quickly. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 6100 Dobbin Rd, Suite A Columbia, MD 21045. We serve patients from Columbia MD, Ellicott City MD, Laurel MD, Elkridge MD, Clarksville MD, Fulton MD, Jessup MD, and surrounding areas.