When you or a loved one suffers a fracture, it can be a stressful and painful experience. Understanding the appropriate level of care is crucial for effective treatment and recovery. While some fractures require immediate emergency room attention, many can be efficiently and expertly handled at an urgent care facility.
This guide is designed to help you identify when a fracture should be addressed at Patient Care Now Urgent Care, ensuring you receive timely and appropriate care.
Understanding Bone Fractures: Causes and Symptoms
A bone fracture, commonly known as a broken bone, occurs when there is a break in the continuity of the bone. Fractures can be the result of many causes, such as the following:
- Trauma: This includes falls, car accidents, or any direct blow to the body.
- Overuse: Repetitive motions or overexertion, often seen in athletes, can lead to stress fractures.
- Osteoporosis: This condition weakens bones, making them more susceptible to fractures.
- Medical Conditions: Certain conditions like cancer can weaken bones, increasing the risk of fractures.
Common Symptoms of a Fracture
Recognizing the symptoms of a fracture is the first step in seeking the right care. Typical symptoms include:
- Intense pain at the injury site
- Swelling and bruising
- Deformity or an unusual angle of the limb
- Inability to move or bear weight on the affected limb
- A grating sensation or sound when moving the injured area
Knowing these symptoms can help you understand the severity of the injury and guide you to the appropriate medical facility.
Five Signs A Fracture Needs Urgent Care, Not the Emergency Room
- The Fracture is Stable
If the broken bone is not displaced (meaning the bone has cracked but remains in place), it can often be treated at an urgent care center. Stable fractures typically don’t require surgical intervention.
- Manageable Pain Levels
If the pain from the fracture is intense but manageable with over-the-counter pain relief, it is a sign that you might not need emergency room care. Urgent care centers can provide stronger pain management if necessary.
- No Open Wounds
A closed fracture, where the skin remains intact, can generally be treated at urgent care. If there is no bone protruding through the skin, the risk of infection is lower, making it suitable for urgent care treatment.
- Minimal Swelling and Bruising
While some swelling and bruising are normal with fractures, if these symptoms are mild to moderate, they can be effectively managed at an urgent care facility. Significant swelling might indicate a more severe injury that requires emergency care.
- Functionality of the Limb
If you can still move the affected limb to some extent, even with pain and difficulty, it is a good indicator that an urgent care center can handle the fracture. Complete immobility or loss of function might necessitate a visit to the emergency room for further assessment.
Why Choose Patient Care Now Urgent Care for Fracture Treatment?
Our board-certified physicians bring decades of experience in the top emergency rooms in the greater Philadelphia region to our practice. Offering premium urgent care services in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Patient Care Now is an excellent choice for your immediate care needs. Alongside fracture treatment, we offer splinting and casting, pain management, and follow-up care to monitor healing progress. We also provide physicals and occupational medicine services.
Comprehensive Fracture Care
Patient Care Now Urgent Care offers a range of services specifically designed to treat fractures efficiently and effectively. Our facilities are equipped with modern diagnostic tools, including X-rays, to accurately assess the extent of your injury.
The Benefits of Choosing Urgent Care
The benefits of choosing urgent care facilities for care include:
- Shorter Wait Times: Emergency rooms can be crowded, leading to longer wait times. Our urgent care center provides quicker access to medical attention.
- Cost-Effective: Treatment at an urgent care facility is generally more affordable than an emergency room visit.
- Quality Care: Our experienced medical staff are trained to handle a variety of fractures with expertise and compassion.
- Convenient Location: Patient Care Now Urgent Care is conveniently located in Fairless Hills, giving easy access to the surrounding community.
Urgent Care in Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania
When it comes to treating fractures, knowing where to go can make all the difference in your treatment and recovery. Patient Care Now Urgent Care stands ready to provide the expert care you need, right when you need it.
For any of your urgent care needs, Patient Care Now Urgent Care is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year. No appointment is necessary. You can simply walk into our Fairless Hills location to receive immediate care for an acute illness or injury.
For more information, we welcome your call at (267) 202-6433.
