Know where to go: ER or orthopedic immediate care

If you injure your knee during a weekend pickup game or wake up with a swollen wrist after a fall, you may question where you should go for care.

For most people, the answer is the emergency room (ER). But when an injury involves bones, joints, muscles or tendons, many are surprised to learn that the ER isn’t the only option.

“Many sports medicine or orthopedic injuries can be seen at an orthopedic immediate care or urgent care location,” says Dr. Spencer Kirk, a sports medicine physician at Advocate Health Care. “When you have possible life‑threatening injuries or need immediate surgery, then the ER is still the best place to go.”

What’s the difference between the ER and orthopedic immediate care?

Unlike traditional facilities, orthopedic immediate care or urgent care facilities specialize in bone and muscle injuries that don’t require emergency intervention but still need quick, expert care. Many facilities even give you the opportunity to talk to an orthopedic specialist.

“Going to an orthopedic immediate care is a great way to get expert opinions and appropriate next steps in care or follow-up,” Dr. Kirk adds. “You can even schedule an appointment to reduce wait times.”

Despite the benefits, many people hesitate because they worry about choosing the wrong place or whether they need to go at all. But in reality, that’s not as much of an issue as people think.

“There are often multiple viable treatment options,” Dr. Kirk says. “But there’s one wrong answer, and that’s not getting help at all. If it’s not appropriate for an orthopedic immediate care, you’ll be directed to the ER right away.”

What conditions are appropriate for orthopedic immediate care?

In general, orthopedic immediate care is a good place to start for the following injuries:

• Sprains and strains
• Simple fractures
• Joint pain or swelling
• Hand, finger, foot or ankle injuries
• Acute flare-ups or chronic orthopedic conditions

The ER is the best choice when you have a life-threatening condition, open fractures where the bone is visible, serious deformities or anytime you lose consciousness.

Why it’s important to seek care

Regardless of where you go, getting care right away is what matters most.

“We always articulate to the patient that you’re not here wasting our time,” Dr. Kirk says. “We are here to care for you, answer your questions and give an expert opinion.”

When it comes to orthopedic injuries, getting evaluated early can help prevent complications and keep recovery on track.

Do you have hip or knee pain? Take a free online quiz to learn more.