Orthopedic emergencies can strike without warning, whether from a sports collision, a sudden misstep during daily activities, or an accident at home. These sudden injuries often involve bones, joints, or soft tissues and require timely care to prevent complications. Here’s how to respond in those first critical moments to help protect your mobility and recovery.
Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
Your first step is to remain calm and carefully assess the injury. Look for signs such as severe pain, swelling, deformity, or inability to bear weight. These may indicate a fracture, dislocation, or significant soft tissue damage that requires prompt care.
Limit Movement and Provide Support
Avoid moving the injured area as much as possible. If necessary, stabilize it with a temporary splint or support to prevent further damage. For leg or foot injuries, keep weight off the area until it has been properly evaluated by a specialist.
Apply Ice and Elevate
For swelling and discomfort, apply a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the injured area. Elevating the limb above heart level can also help reduce inflammation until medical care is available.
Seek Prompt Orthopedic Care
Musculoskeletal trauma such as fractures, dislocations, or ligament tears should never be ignored, as delays in treatment can lead to lasting complications. That’s why it’s important to seek timely care from orthopedic specialists who can provide accurate diagnoses and tailored treatment.
For more severe or urgent cases, patients often have the option to request a specific orthopedic surgeon when being admitted to the hospital, ensuring continuity of care from a trusted provider. To do so, patients or their caregivers can let the hospital admissions team or emergency department staff know their preference when registering or being evaluated.
Expert Care for Orthopedic Emergencies
When you need urgent orthopedic care, OrthoAccess clinics at IBJI provide a faster, more affordable alternative to the ER. No appointment is required, and you’ll receive same-day treatment with shorter wait times. Patients benefit from on-site diagnostic services and a calm, family-friendly environment, all at a lower cost than an emergency room visit.
Know where to go before an emergency strikes. Find your nearest IBJI OrthoAccess clinic and get the expert orthopedic care you need, when you need it most.
About the Author
Sergey M. Kachar, DO, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip, knee, and musculoskeletal trauma.
