Receive Fast & Effective Sprain Treatment at Our Walk-In Clinic in Tampa, FL

Did you recently stumble and twist your ankle while jogging through South Tampa? Is it now tender, swollen, or red? Most likely, you overstretched or tore a ligament, resulting in a sprain. Usually, a mild to moderate sprain will heal on its own; however, this type of injury is sometimes accompanied by a more serious issue, such as a broken bone. Therefore, if you have severe pain or you can’t walk or stand on your injured leg, it’s important to find out what’s going on. The experienced and compassionate medical providers at South Tampa Immediate Care can evaluate your injury and help you recover.

Our walk-in clinic is open every day during extended hours, and our wait times are typically short. We accept many health insurance plans and have affordable rates for those paying out of pocket. For all of these reasons and more, South Tampa Immediate Care is a convenient alternative to an ER when you need non-emergency urgent care, such as sprain treatment, on short notice.

What Does Sprain Treatment Involve?

To thoroughly assess your injury, your provider at South Tampa Immediate Care may order an X-ray, which we can quickly perform on site. If we rule out a fracture and determine that you have a mild or moderate sprain, we may suggest that that you try PRICE therapy. This tried-and-true form of home sprain treatment involves:

• Protection – As you recover, you should avoid any activities that could worsen your injury.
• Rest – Take it easy for a few days. To “stay active” and promote healing, you can perform some simple range-of-motion stretches.
• Ice – Apply an ice pack to your injured ligament for 10-15 minutes at a time as needed to alleviate painful swelling.
• Compression – Support your injured joint with a snug elastic wrap. Loosen or remove the wrap when you go to bed.
• Elevation – When possible, try to elevate your injured ligament above the level of your heart, which can help reduce pain and swelling.

If you need further pain relief, your provider may suggest an over-the-counter medication. You may also find it helpful to use a walking aid, such as a cane or crutches, for a little while.

Most sprains aren’t serious and heal quickly with proper treatment, but it’s always best to have an injury checked out, especially if it doesn’t seem to be improving. The trusted, friendly medical professionals at South Tampa Immediate Care will help you get back on your feet in no time. For more information, contact us or visit our walk-in clinic in Tampa, FL, today.