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Sprain

Urgent Care located in Yakima, WA

Sprain services offered in Yakima, WA


Whether you roll your ankle or pull a muscle at the gym, pain and soreness can stop you from participating in the activities you enjoy. Summitview Urgent Care in Yakima, Washington, has emergency room-trained providers to diagnose and treat sprains, strains, and other soft tissue injuries. Call or schedule an appointment online today to get the care you need.

Sprain Q & A

What is a sprain?

A sprain is an injury to the ligaments that connect two bones. Ligaments stabilize bones, allowing them to move without shifting out of place. When a ligament overstretches or tears, it can destabilize the bones, leading to additional injuries. Sprains cause inflammation that can lead to pain, soreness, and limited mobility.

The sooner you seek treatment for a sprain, the better the outcome. Summitview Urgent Care is open seven days a week and welcomes walk-ins, so you don’t need an appointment to get the immediate attention you need. What are the signs of a sprain?

Common signs of a sprain include:

  • Pain (sharp, dull, or achy)
  • Bruising
  • Limited range of motion
  • Inability to bear weight
  • Stiffness
  • Tenderness
  • Redness
  • Swelling

While sprains can occur anywhere in your body, they most commonly affect the joints. An ankle sprain has several different grades that can evaluate its severity. A thorough evaluation is essential to diagnose your sprain and ensure there aren’t more serious complications, like a fractured bone.

What causes a sprain?

There is no single cause of a sprain, but many factors can increase your risk, such as:

  • Twisting or turning suddenly
  • Poor conditioning
  • Genetics
  • Improper footwear
  • Older age
  • Overuse
  • Excess weight
  • Trauma of any kind

If you have a history of sprains or other musculoskeletal injuries, your provider at Summitview Urgent Care can develop a preventive care plan to reduce your risk.

How is a sprain diagnosed?

Diagnosing a sprain requires a thorough medical history review and physical exam. They may apply gentle pressure to the injured area or carefully stretch the ligament to determine whether you have a sprain. Your provider may also order an X-ray to confirm your diagnosis and rule out additional injuries. 

How is a sprain treated?

The best treatment for a sprain depends on its severity. Standard treatments for sprains include:

  • Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E.)
  • Bracing
  • Massage therapy
  • Physical therapy

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain relievers or prescription pain medications can also help reduce swelling and discomfort while you rest.

Call Summitview Urgent Care today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about sprains.