{"id":25226,"date":"2026-01-19T08:55:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-19T15:55:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/?p=25226"},"modified":"2026-01-19T08:55:30","modified_gmt":"2026-01-19T15:55:30","slug":"er-vs-urgent-care-sprains-and-strains","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/er-vs-urgent-care-sprains-and-strains\/","title":{"rendered":"Sprains and strains: Where to go for care"},"content":{"rendered":"
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You often can care for sprains and strains at home. If the pain persists, see your doctor. Photo: Getty Images.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We all get sprains and strains. Kids get them on the playground at school; adults get them trying to impress somebody at the gym.<\/p>\n

Sprains and strains are similar but \u201cnot interchangeable.\u201d<\/p>\n

A strain is the overstretching of the ligaments \u2013 tissue that attaches bone to bone, mostly in joints. A sprain is an injury to the tendons, which attach muscle to bone. But the treatments for them are similar.<\/p>\n

So when does a sprain or strain require medical attention? And where should you seek that attention?<\/p>\n

Self-care for sprains and strains<\/strong><\/h2>\n

For a minor strain or sprain, most people can self-treat by taking Tylenol or ibuprofen, resting the injured body part, applying ice or a compress, and elevating it.<\/p>\n

Ice has long been recommended for such injuries, but it doesn\u2019t help in all cases. If you do apply ice, do it for about 20 minutes three times a day. Also, a bandage can do more harm than good, if not properly applied.<\/p>\n

If there\u2019s just a little bit of swelling or bruising and some pain, and maybe you can\u2019t move it a lot, but you can<\/em> move it, chances are you can treat it at home. But if progress at home isn\u2019t good, it\u2019s OK to see your primary care physician in the next few days to get advice on how to take care of it.<\/p>\n

When to see your doctor for strains or sprains<\/strong><\/h2>\n

If you\u2019ve had an injury for more than five days and it\u2019s not getting better, you should see a doctor. A doctor can check the injury and advise a protocol for treatment for your particular situation.<\/p>\n

Urgent care for sprains or strains<\/strong><\/h2>\n

If you feel like your injury needs medical attention, but you can\u2019t get in to see your doctor, you might try going to urgent care.<\/p>\n

Emergency care for sprains and strains<\/strong><\/h2>\n

For leg injuries, which are common, here are some reasons why you should see a medical provider right away:<\/p>\n