By Express Urgent Care, Diamond Bar, CA
https://expressurgentcareinc.com/
Understanding the Importance of Splinting
When an injury causes pain, swelling, or an inability to move a limb, one of the first medical priorities is stabilization. Splinting is a vital step in the treatment of sprains, strains, and fractures—it helps prevent further injury, reduces pain, and allows the healing process to begin safely.
At Express Urgent Care in Diamond Bar, our medical professionals are trained to quickly assess musculoskeletal injuries and apply appropriate splints to immobilize the affected area. Whether you’ve twisted your ankle during sports or suffered a fall resulting in a possible fracture, urgent care can provide fast, effective relief and protection until definitive treatment is determined.
What Is Splinting?
A splint is a rigid or semi-rigid device that supports and immobilizes an injured body part. Unlike casts, splints are typically open along one side to allow for swelling and can be easily adjusted or removed as the injury heals or progresses.
Splinting serves several key purposes:
- Prevents further injury to muscles, ligaments, and bones.
- Reduces pain by limiting motion.
- Decreases swelling and bleeding in the surrounding tissues.
- Stabilizes fractures before casting or orthopedic follow-up.
Common Injuries That Require Splinting
At Express Urgent Care, we commonly apply splints for:
- Sprains and strains of the wrist, ankle, or knee.
- Fractures of the hand, arm, leg, or foot.
- Dislocations that have been reduced.
- Soft tissue injuries needing immobilization to promote healing.
Our providers use materials like padded metal, fiberglass, or elastic wraps depending on the injury and location.
How Urgent Care Stabilizes Sprains and Fractures
When you visit Express Urgent Care for a suspected fracture or severe sprain, here’s what you can expect:
- Assessment and Imaging – A physical exam and X-rays (if needed) are performed to determine the type and extent of injury.
- Immobilization – A custom splint is applied to keep the injured area in the proper position.
- Pain Management – Ice, elevation, and over-the-counter or prescribed medications may be recommended.
- Follow-Up Care – If the injury requires orthopedic follow-up or casting, our team coordinates referrals to ensure continuity of care.
Prompt splinting prevents complications such as nerve damage, increased swelling, and misaligned healing—making urgent care the ideal first stop after an acute injury.
When to Seek Urgent Care for an Injury
Visit Express Urgent Care right away if you experience:
- Visible deformity or swelling of a limb
- Inability to bear weight or move a joint
- Numbness, tingling, or coldness in fingers or toes
- Severe bruising or pain after a fall or accident
Even if you’re unsure whether your injury is a sprain or a fracture, our experienced providers can diagnose and stabilize it on-site.
Q&A: Splinting and Injury Care
Q: How is a splint different from a cast?
A: A splint is semi-rigid and allows for swelling, while a cast fully encases the limb and is used for longer-term immobilization after swelling has subsided. Splints are often the first step in injury management.
Q: Can I remove my splint at home?
A: Unless specifically instructed by your provider, do not remove your splint. It is designed to protect your injury until your follow-up visit or until swelling decreases.
Q: What should I do after getting a splint?
A: Keep the injured limb elevated, apply ice to reduce swelling, and monitor for signs of poor circulation such as numbness or discoloration. Return to urgent care or the ER if these symptoms occur.
Q: How long will I need to wear a splint?
A: Duration varies depending on the severity and type of injury. Minor sprains may require splinting for a few days, while fractures could need weeks of stabilization and later casting.
Q: Can urgent care handle all fractures?
A: Express Urgent Care can diagnose and stabilize most fractures. For complex or open fractures, we coordinate immediate referral to an orthopedic specialist or emergency department.
Expert Injury Care Close to Home
When you need fast, compassionate treatment for a sprain, strain, or fracture, Express Urgent Care offers expert evaluation and splinting—all without the long wait times of the emergency room.
Contact Information:
Express Urgent Care
📍 750 N Diamond Bar Blvd, Suite 102
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
📞 (909) 718-2455
🌐 https://expressurgentcareinc.com/
Walk in today for injury evaluation and splinting—no appointment needed.