A rolled ankle on the trail, a hard fall on the ice, a wrist that took the brunt of a soccer tackle. Injuries happen fast, and the first question is usually the same: is it broken, or just badly sprained? At Ridgeline Medical Urgent Care in Idaho Falls, you can walk in, get examined, and have an X-ray taken on site, usually in a single visit.
Key Takeaways
- Walk-ins welcome: No appointment or referral is needed for injury care or X-rays.
- On-site digital X-ray: Your provider can check for a fracture during the same visit.
- A plan for your injury: Treatment may include splinting, wrapping, bracing, crutches or a referral for specialist follow-up.
- Know when it’s an emergency: Bones through the skin, heavy bleeding, head or neck injuries and loss of feeling belong in the ER.
Sprain, Strain or Fracture: What’s the Difference?
- Sprain: A stretched or torn ligament, the tissue that connects bone to bone. Ankles, wrists and knees are the usual spots.
- Strain: A stretched or torn muscle or tendon. Think pulled hamstring, calf or lower back.
- Minor fracture: A crack or small break in a bone that stays in place and doesn’t break the skin, such as a toe, finger or some wrist and ankle fractures. Stress fractures from overuse fall in this group too.
All three can cause pain, swelling and bruising, which is why it’s hard to tell them apart at home. An exam and an X-ray settle the question.
Injuries We Treat at Urgent Care
- Sprained ankles, wrists and knees
- Muscle strains and pulled tendons
- Minor fractures of fingers, toes, hands, wrists and feet
- Sports injuries and joint pain
- Bruises, cuts and other soft tissue injuries
When to Come In
Walk in to Ridgeline Medical if you have:
- Pain, swelling or bruising after a fall or accident
- Trouble putting weight on a leg or using a hand or arm
- Limited movement in a joint
- Pain that isn’t improving after a day or two of rest and ice
- Tenderness right over a bone, or a joint that looks a little out of shape
Call 911 or Go to the ER If…
- A bone is poking through the skin (an open fracture)
- There is heavy bleeding or a deep wound that won’t stop bleeding
- A limb looks badly deformed, or is cold, pale, numb or can’t move
- You suspect a head, neck or back injury
- The injured person passed out, is confused or has severe pain that keeps getting worse
If you aren’t sure whether an injury needs urgent care or the ER, call us at 208-715-9990 and we’ll help you decide. When in doubt about a serious injury, call 911. Our guide on choosing urgent care or the ER has more examples.
What Happens at Your Visit
Exam
Your provider will ask how the injury happened, check swelling, movement, strength and circulation, and press gently to find the most tender spots.
X-ray, if needed
Not every sprain needs an X-ray, but when a fracture is possible we can take digital images on site at our lab and X-ray department. Your provider reviews the images with you during the visit. Let staff know if you are or might be pregnant before any X-ray. Wear loose clothing that’s easy to move away from the injured area.
Treatment
Depending on what we find, your plan may include:
- A splint, brace, wrap or sling to protect the area
- Crutches or advice on how much weight to put on the limb
- Pain relief recommendations
- Wound care for cuts and scrapes
- A referral to an orthopedic specialist if the break needs casting, setting or surgery, or if a ligament or tendon may be badly torn
Caring for Your Injury at Home
For most sprains and strains, the first two to three days follow the familiar RICE steps:
- Rest: Avoid activities that cause pain. Use crutches or a brace if you were given them.
- Ice: Apply a cold pack wrapped in a thin towel for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. Don’t put ice directly on skin.
- Compression: An elastic wrap can limit swelling. Loosen it if your fingers or toes tingle, turn blue or feel cold.
- Elevation: Prop the injured area above heart level when you can.
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help. Check with your provider first if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcers, take blood thinners or are pregnant. As pain eases, gentle movement helps the joint heal without stiffening.
Follow up if…
- Pain or swelling is getting worse instead of better
- You still can’t bear weight after several days
- Numbness, tingling or color changes appear below a splint or wrap
- The injury isn’t clearly improving after a week or two
Follow-up questions can sometimes be handled through a telehealth visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What injuries can urgent care treat?
We treat sprains, strains, minor fractures, cuts, bruises and many sports injuries. Our on-site X-ray helps us check for broken bones during your visit.
Do I need an appointment or referral?
No. Walk-ins are welcome for urgent care, and you don’t need a referral for an X-ray when your provider orders one during the visit.
Can you tell if a bone is broken?
Yes. We offer digital X-rays on site to look for fractures and joint injuries. If the images show a break that needs specialist care, we’ll arrange a referral.
Can children be seen for injuries?
Yes. We see kids and teens for sprains, strains and minor fractures. Young athletes can also get their sports physicals with us before the season starts.
Do you take insurance?
We accept most major insurance plans and offer self-pay options. Call ahead to confirm your plan.
Ridgeline Medical is at 2470 Jafer Ct in Idaho Falls and serves Idaho Falls, Ammon and East Idaho. We’re open Monday through Thursday 8 AM to 8 PM, Friday 8 AM to 6 PM and Saturday 9 AM to 5 PM, closed Sunday. If you’ve been hurt, walk in to urgent care, call 208-715-9990 or text 208-754-5360.
