Sprain and Strain Treatment in Buckhead

A twisted ankle, pulled muscle, or painful wrist after a fall may seem minor at first. But sprains and strains can make it hard to walk, work, exercise, lift objects, or use the injured area normally.

Some mild injuries improve with rest and home care. But if pain, swelling, bruising, or limited movement is not improving, it is better to get checked. A clinician can examine the injury, make sure nothing more serious is being missed, and help you understand what to do next.

At our Buckhead clinic, you can walk in for sprain and strain care or schedule an appointment.

What Are Sprains and Strains?

A sprain happens when a ligament is stretched or torn. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect bones and help stabilize joints. Sprains often happen in the ankle, wrist, knee, or thumb.

A strain happens when a muscle or tendon is stretched or torn. Tendons connect muscles to bones. Strains are common in the back, neck, shoulder, hamstring, calf, or arm.

Both injuries can happen during sports, exercise, work, lifting, falls, or a simple wrong step.

Symptoms of a Sprain or Strain

Sprains and strains can feel similar, especially right after the injury.

Common Symptoms Include

• pain around a joint or muscle
• swelling
• bruising
• tenderness when touching the area
• stiffness
• trouble moving normally
• weakness
• muscle spasms
• pain when walking, gripping, lifting, or putting weight on the injured area
• a popping or tearing feeling at the time of injury

The pain may be mild at first and get worse over the next few hours as swelling increases. In other cases, the pain is immediate and sharp.

Why You Should Get Checked

It is not always easy to tell the difference between a mild sprain, a more serious tear, and a fracture at home. Some people keep walking on an injured ankle or using an injured wrist because they assume it is “just a sprain,” then the pain and swelling get worse.

A Medical Visit Can Help You Understand

• how serious the injury may be
• whether the joint looks stable
• whether you can safely keep using the injured area
• whether a brace, wrap, or support may help
• whether you may need imaging, such as an X-ray
• what symptoms should be watched closely at home
• when you may need follow-up care

This is especially important for children, older adults, athletes, and anyone who cannot bear weight, cannot move the injured area normally, or has swelling that keeps getting worse.

When to Come to the Clinic

• pain that does not improve with rest
• swelling or bruising
• trouble walking or bearing weight
• trouble using the hand, wrist, arm, knee, ankle, or foot
• pain after a fall or sports injury
• a joint that feels unstable
• numbness, tingling, or weakness
• pain that gets worse instead of better
• an injury in a child who is limping or refusing to use the injured area

If the injury looks severe, the bone appears deformed, there is an open wound over the injury, or the limb is cold, blue, numb, or impossible to move, go to the emergency room.

Get Sprain and Strain Care in Buckhead

If you twisted an ankle, pulled a muscle, hurt your wrist, or developed pain and swelling after a fall or workout, visit our Buckhead clinic.

You can walk in or schedule an appointment. We can examine the injury, help determine whether imaging may be needed, recommend the right next steps, and give you clear care instructions so you are not guessing at home.