When a sudden injury occurs, knowing where to seek immediate medical attention can be confusing. For injuries that are not life-threatening but still require prompt care, orthopedic urgent care centers offer a specialized solution. Unlike emergency rooms or general urgent care clinics, orthopedic urgent care focuses specifically on musculoskeletal injuries. If you’re dealing with a non-traumatic injury and suspect bone, joint, or muscle involvement, an orthopedic specialist should be your first point of contact. For acute injuries requiring immediate attention, Ortho Urgent Care walk-in services provide convenient access to expert care without the need for an appointment. To make your visit even smoother, you can check urgent care wait times online, allowing you to choose the location with the shortest wait and receive timely care when you need it most.
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Walk-In Orthopedic Care Available Daily
Open from 8 AM to 8 PM every day, orthopedic urgent care locations are well-equipped to treat a range of injuries, including simple fractures, sudden injuries, and muscle strains. Whether you’ve sustained a sports injury or are experiencing a sudden orthopedic issue, specialized orthopedic providers are ready to assist you. Checking urgent care wait times online before your visit can further optimize your experience, minimizing your wait time and getting you on the path to recovery faster.
Injuries Treated at Orthopedic Urgent Care Centers
Orthopedic urgent care centers are designed to handle a variety of musculoskeletal conditions that require prompt attention but are not severe enough for an emergency room. Knowing when to choose ortho urgent care can save you time and ensure you receive the right type of specialized treatment.
Visit Orthopedic Urgent Care For:
- Simple bone fractures resulting from falls or sports injuries
- Acute injuries accompanied by a grinding or crunching sensation upon movement or touch, indicating potential bone or joint issues
- Muscle and tendon strains due to overexertion or sudden movements, and ligament and joint sprains from twists or impacts
- Broken collarbones, AC joint sprains, or separated shoulders often sustained during sports or falls
- Torn biceps, triceps, or quadriceps tendons, typically from sudden forceful movements
- Wrist and forearm injuries, including sprains, strains, and fractures
- Hamstring injuries common in athletes, causing pain and limited mobility
- Lower extremity injuries where bearing weight is difficult or impossible, suggesting fractures or severe sprains
- Sports concussions with symptoms like headache, nausea, and dizziness (for patients aged 3 and older)
- Pediatric orthopedic injuries in patients 3 years and older, ensuring specialized care for children and adolescents.
Person holding their wrist in pain
When to Go to the Emergency Room
While orthopedic urgent care is ideal for many injuries, certain conditions necessitate a visit to the emergency room. Recognizing these situations is crucial for ensuring you receive the appropriate level of care for severe injuries.
Seek Emergency Room Care For:
- Open fractures where the bone is visible through the skin or there is an open wound near the fracture site, increasing risk of infection
- Fractures with severe angulation where the bone is broken and significantly out of alignment, requiring immediate realignment
- Deep cuts and lacerations that may require stitches or further medical intervention to prevent infection and ensure proper healing
- Burn injuries that affect bones, joints, or muscles, needing specialized burn care and orthopedic assessment
- Severe sports concussions accompanied by vomiting or loss of consciousness, indicating a more serious head injury requiring emergency neurological evaluation.
When to Choose Traditional Urgent Care
Traditional urgent care centers are valuable resources for a wide range of medical issues. However, they are best suited for conditions that are not musculoskeletal in nature. Understanding this distinction helps ensure you get the most appropriate and efficient care for your specific health concern.
Opt for Traditional Urgent Care For:
- Common illnesses such as colds, flu, and respiratory infections, addressing general health concerns
- Stomach issues and gastrointestinal problems, which fall outside the realm of orthopedic care
- Medical conditions not related to bones, joints, or muscles, ensuring comprehensive care for non-orthopedic ailments.
“After my wrist fracture was stabilized at TCO Urgent Care, Dr. Koch moved her schedule around the very next day and was able to conduct my much needed surgery. I was relieved that healing…” – Linda R., patient
Choosing the right place for immediate injury care is essential. For musculoskeletal injuries, orthopedic urgent care offers specialized expertise and efficient service, bridging the gap between immediate needs and expert orthopedic attention. By understanding when to utilize ortho urgent care, emergency rooms, and traditional urgent care, you can make informed decisions about your healthcare and ensure you receive the most appropriate and timely treatment.
Find Orthopedic Urgent Care Near You
Blaine | Brooklyn Park | Burnsville | Eagan – Viking Lakes | Eden Prairie | Edina – Crosstown | Maple Grove | Plymouth | Stillwater | Vadnais Heights | Waconia | Woodbury
For billing inquiries or further information about orthopedic urgent care services, please contact us today.
