Orthopedic emergencies, like broken bones, fractures, and sports injuries, require immediate and specialized care. What follows is a brief guide to understanding the crucial distinctions between orthopedic urgent care, emergency rooms (ERs), and general urgent care/walk-in clinics when dealing with orthopedic pain and injuries. Read on to discover the significance of each option, and help your future self make an informed decision for your health.

Understanding Orthopedic Urgent Care for Broken Bones and Fractures 

Orthopedic urgent care is often the quickest solution to an orthopedic emergency, such as a possible broken bone or fracture.  Picture a sudden fall resulting in severe pain or a dislocated joint – orthopedic urgent care centers such as OrthoSouth – specialize in these situations, providing swift diagnosis and treatment tailored to each patient. The key differentiator between orthopedic urgent care and general urgent care is the focus on orthopedic and sports medicine expertise, ensuring you receive specialized attention immediately, without the delays that can occur in ERs and general urgent care clinics which handle a wider range of injuries and illnesses. 

Swift Diagnosis and Treatment for Orthopedic Emergencies in Memphis

OrthoSouth’s Urgent Orthopedic Care in Memphis excels at diagnosing and treating orthopedic emergencies promptly. If you experience an injury with immediate pain, swelling, or a possible fracture, our providers are available after hours and on Saturday to ensure you are seen promptly by specialists who understand the urgency of your situation.

Preventing Complications from Broken Bones and Fractures 

Think of orthopedic urgent care as your preventative measure against escalating injuries. Visiting an orthopedic specialist immediately following an injury can help minimize the risk of long-term damage. An injury that might only require a cast or a simple procedure when addressed quickly could turn into a more complex issue if left untreated. For this reason, OrthoSouth orthopedic urgent care is available in the evenings throughout the week and on Saturdays. Our providers and care team look forward to working with patients to prevent complications and fast-track their recovery.

Distinguishing Between Urgent Orthopedic Care, ERs, and Walk-In Clinics in Memphis

Let’s break down the distinctions between orthopedic urgent care, ERs, and general urgent care/walk-in clinics.

Orthopedic Urgent Care vs. ERs for Broken Bones and Fractures 

While the ER is the default choice for many emergencies, it may not always be the quickest or most specialized option for orthopedic and sports medicine issues like broken bones or fractures. OrthoSouth’s orthopedic urgent care clinics prioritize these emergencies, ensuring you’re seen by experts in the controlled and more therapeutic atmosphere of a clinic (rather than an ER). If your concern is orthopedic-specific, visiting the OrthoSouth Orthopedic Urgent Care clinic can lead to a faster, more tailored resolution to your injury. 

If you do end up in the emergency room for your injury, there is still a good chance you will see an OrthoSouth orthopedic hospitalist for your treatment. Baptist Memorial Hospital – Memphis and Baptist DeSoto are staffed with OrthoSouth hospitalists 24/7, ensuring that patients admitted with emergency orthopedic injuries have access to specialists qualified to treat their specific problems quickly.

Urgent Orthopedic Care vs. Walk-In Clinics for Orthopedic Emergencies 

Walk-in clinics are convenient for general medical concerns but may lack the specialization required for orthopedic emergencies. OrthoSouth’s orthopedic urgent care clinics bridge this gap by offering immediate attention to orthopedic emergencies like severe falls or sports injuries. While walk-in and general urgent care clinics may not have an X-ray on-site, all OrthoSouth urgent care locations have on-site imaging and X-ray techs on hand during open hours. If you’re dealing with a sprain, strain, or fracture, choosing urgent orthopedic care ensures you receive specialized care, quickly, without sacrificing convenience.

Conclusion

When it comes to orthopedic emergencies in Memphis and the Mid-South, understanding the differences between urgent orthopedic care, ERs, and walk-in clinics empowers you to make the right decision for your health. If you’re facing an orthopedic concern and want swift, personalized care, look no further than OrthoSouth for urgent orthopedic care tailored to your specific needs – your direct route to a speedy recovery. Call us at 901-641-3000, or walk in to any of our walk-in/urgent care locations –> click here to find your nearest location.