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Sprains And Fractures Specialist

OrthoCare

Orthopedic Surgeons located in Harlingen, TX

Sprains and fractures have more in common than you may think: Both are intensely painful and damaging if you don’t get treatment. At OrthoCare in Harlingen, Texas, the experienced orthopedic surgery delivers the best in sprain and fracture diagnosis and care. Trusted physician Stephanie Baker, MD, uses today’s most advanced treatment protocols to get you back to even better than before after a sprain or fracture. Click the online scheduler or call the office for help now.

Sprains and Fractures Q & A

What is a sprain?

A sprain is a ligament injury that occurs with either overstretching or tearing. Your ligaments join two bones together, so they play an extremely important role in your overall musculoskeletal function and health. 

Although your ligaments are tough fibrous cords, they’re vulnerable to sprains if the bones they’re retaining move out of place even briefly. Many sprains happen during sports, but you can just as easily sprain a ligament when you trip and fall or when you lose your balance on unstable ground. 

Symptoms of sprains usually include pain, swelling, bruising, and an inability to bear weight on the affected body part. The most common sprains occur in the ankle, but you can also sprain ligaments in your knee, wrist, or other areas. 

What is a fracture?

A fracture is a partial or complete break in a bone. The most common cause of fractures is trauma, which often occurs with sports injuries or in accidents. 

If you have osteoporosis, cancer, or another condition that weakens your bones, you could sustain a fracture after even a minor collision or fall. 

Fractures may be hairline cracks, breaks that don’t actually move the bone, breaks that completely knock the bone out of alignment, or even breaks in which part of the bone breaks your skin. 

Fractures are often quite painful, and they may cause swelling, bruising, and inability to bear weight on the affected part of your body. Some common areas for fractures include the ankles, hips, wrists, and legs. 

How do you treat sprains and fractures? 

Sprains and fractures can cause serious symptoms, and if you don’t get treatment, you risk an even worse injury. The OrthoCare team offers all-encompassing sprain and fracture care on-site. Your treatment may include: 

  • Brace, splint, or cast
  • Oral medication
  • Physical therapy
  • Regenerative medicine, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
  • Closed reduction (bone resetting)
  • Surgical repair using plates, screws, and other hardware
  • Surgical ligament repair, graft, or replacement
  • Joint replacement

OrthoCare typically recommends a conservative approach to sprain and fracture care when possible. If you’re unable to heal naturally, a variety of cutting-edge treatments can jump-start your recovery. 

If you need surgery for a sprain or fracture, you can count on the world-class orthopedic surgeons at OrthoCare for a safe and effective procedure. 

Get immediate sprain and fracture care from leading orthopedic surgery specialists by calling OrthoCare or using the online scheduler now.