Sprain, strain and joint pain treatment

1. You may have to answer a few questions about symptoms to help us prepare for your visit prior to scheduling your appointment.

2. Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment:

   If you made your appointment online:
   Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.

   If you made your appointment in the clinic:
   Sign in at the electronic kiosk.

   If you made a MinuteClinic Virtual Care® appointment:
   To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth and zip code to join the visit.

3. When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
4. Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
5. At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, receipt and educational material about your diagnosis. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.

Joint pain can be caused by injury, trauma, overuse and inflammatory diseases (such as arthritis). Joint pain can be divided into 3 categories:

• Arthritis (inflammation and stiffness of the joints)
• Bursitis (inflammation of fluid-filled sacs in different joints)
• Dislocations

A sport injury is a type of injury that typically happens while exercising or playing a sport. Whether you’re a professional athlete or just someone who enjoys weekend jogs, sports injuries can keep you from doing your favorite activities. Fortunately, these injuries are treatable and often preventable. A few common sports injuries include:

• Achilles tendonitis
• Ankle sprain
• Groin pull (strain)
• Knee injuries
• Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)
• Rolled ankles
• Shin splints
• Sprained finger or thumb
• Tennis elbow (epicondylitis)

The bedrock for treating sprains, strains or joint pain is the RICE method, which stands for:

• Rest: Reduce daily activities and stop regular exercise for a few days.
• Ice: Ice the affected area for 20 minutes at a time, several times every day.
• Compression: Wrap the area to reduce swelling.
• Elevation: Raise the affected area so that it’s above your heart. This reduces swelling.

MinuteClinic providers are trained to assess your injury, which includes asking about your medical history and performing a physical examination. If necessary, your provider will also order laboratory or imaging studies to identify the root cause of your joint aches and pains. They will then offer appropriate treatment for your sprains, strains or join paint. This treatment may include recommendations for medicine as well as therapy and advice that would not require a prescription. Your provider may refer you to a specialist if needed. They can also educate you about how to avoid future injuries and relieve pain in your joints.

Sprain injuries happen when a ligament is torn or stretched. Ligaments hold bones together at a joint and can be injured during a fall or from an impact. Common causes of sprains include:

• Falls (especially on an outstretched hand)
• Over-extension injuries
• Twisting or pivoting motions

Strains happen when a muscle or tendon (tissue that connects muscles to bones) gets stretched or torn. Some happen suddenly, such as during sporting events. Sudden (acute) strains are usually caused by falls, twists or blows to the body.

Strains can also happen slowly over time through repetitive stress or overuse. Those at elevated risk for repetitive stress injuries or strains include:

• Heavy computer users
• Miners
• Electricians
• Anyone who performs the same task over long periods of time