Types of Acute Injuries

Sprains & Strains

Sprains and strains are among the most common acute injuries evaluated at ConvenientMD. 

• Sprains affect ligaments, which connect bones to each other.
• Strains affect muscles or tendons, which connect muscles to bones.

These injuries often occur due to overstretching, sudden twisting movements, or walking or running on uneven surfaces. While sprains and strains can be painful, many mild to moderate cases improve with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). In these situations, an X-ray is not always required unless symptoms worsen or do not improve.

Dislocations

A dislocation occurs when a bone is forced out of its normal position within a joint. Dislocations often cause visible deformity, swelling, bruising, or significant pain. They commonly result from falls, collisions, or contact sports and can occur in the:

• Fingers
• Shoulders
• Elbows
• Jaw
• Ankles
• Knees

After an examination, a provider may order an X-ray to confirm the dislocation and check for associated fractures or joint damage.

Fractures

A fracture occurs when a bone experiences more force than it can withstand. The terms fracture, break, and crack are often used interchangeably and mean the same thing—the bone is no longer intact.

There are many types of fractures, including:

• Bowing fractures, where the bone bends or cracks but does not fully break
• Complete fractures, where the bone breaks into two or more pieces

While a provider may suspect a fracture based on symptoms and physical examination, X-ray imaging is necessary to confirm the diagnosis and determine the type and severity of the fracture.

Signs and Symptoms of Broken Bones

Pain is the most common symptom of a fracture, though pain tolerance varies from person to person. Additional symptoms that may indicate a broken bone include:

• Bruising & Discoloration: Bruising shows that blood has escaped from the capillaries and is a sign of tissue damage. Though it can occur with any type of injury, bruising as a result of fracture may be particularly extensive and dark in color.
• Swelling: Swelling often occurs due to blunt trauma, when fluid leakage causes soft tissue such as muscles and skin to swell. Swelling may be a sign that a bone has broken.
• Crepitus: A grating or crunching sensation or sound produced by bone fragments rubbing together. This sensation is not normally felt in the body and may indicate a breakage.
• Deformity: If a bone is either bent in an odd direction, protrudes from the skin or is otherwise deformed in some way, chances are that a fracture has occurred.

Not every injury requires an X-ray, but every injury should be evaluated. A thorough physical examination helps determine the type of injury, guides treatment, and reduces the risk of complications.

Untreated fractures can lead to:

• Improper bone healing or deformity
• Nerve, muscle, or ligament damage
• Chronic pain and swelling
• Loss of function or mobility

We’re Here to Help

If you or a family member may have sustained an acute injury, the providers at ConvenientMD can quickly assess your symptoms and determine whether an on-site X-ray is necessary. Just walk into any ConvenientMD location in Maine, New Hampshire, or Massachusetts, or check in online. We’re open 8am–8pm, seven days a week, with no appointment needed.