Urgent Care for Musculoskeletal Disorders Q&A

At Physicians Now Urgent Care, we have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating a broad range of medical conditions, including musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). These disorders are a key focus of our practice and can significantly impact a patient’s mobility, comfort, and overall quality of life.

MSDs are a specific category of conditions affecting the body’s musculoskeletal system, which includes muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons, and joints. They can be characterized by discomfort, pain, or impairment, resulting in limited physical movements and daily activities.

Common MSDs we treat include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, muscle strains, tension neck syndrome, back and neck pain, tennis elbow, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia.

Our comprehensive approach to diagnosis involves taking a detailed medical history, performing a physical examination, and utilizing various imaging tests to determine the extent and nature of the condition.

Our treatment strategies for MSDs are tailored to the specific condition and its severity as well as the individual’s overall health. These can include rest and activity modification, medication such as pain relievers and anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, occupational therapy, lifestyle modifications, or in severe cases, surgery.

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) comprise a wide array of conditions that affect the body’s musculoskeletal system, including bones, muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels.

A key symptom of these disorders is pain, which can range from mild to severe and debilitating. This pain can be localized, widespread and can disrupt daily activities.

MSDs can also cause stiffness in muscles or joints, reduced range of motion, and muscle weakness, potentially leading to reduced grip strength or difficulty in carrying objects. In such cases, Dr. Olisemeka’s expertise can help identify the root cause and provide treatment to improve your mobility and strength.

Swelling or inflammation, numbness or tingling sensations, and fatigue are other common symptoms of MSDs. These symptoms can interfere with your daily life and indicate the presence of a musculoskeletal disorder.

Visible changes in the affected area, such as deformities, redness, or changes in shape or size, are other signs of MSDs.

Other symptoms, such as fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss, may also be present in certain musculoskeletal disorders.

The severity and impact of musculoskeletal disorders can greatly vary. Some may only cause mild discomfort, while others can significantly impact your quality of life.

While many musculoskeletal disorders can be managed with rest, over-the-counter pain relievers, or primary care, there are certain symptoms that require immediate attention.

You should book an appointment with Physicians Now Urgent Care if:

• Severe pain: If you’re experiencing intense pain in your bones, joints, or muscles that isn’t alleviated with rest and interferes with daily activities or sleep.

• Swelling and redness: If there is extreme swelling, redness, tenderness, or warmth around the affected area, which might indicate an infection or inflammation.

• Deformity: If the joint appears deformed or there’s an obvious change in the shape or alignment of a bone, joint, or limb, particularly if associated with a recent injury.

• Difficulty bearing weight or loss of function: If you’re unable to move the affected area, put weight on an affected limb or joint, or carry out daily tasks due to pain or discomfort.

• Neurological symptoms: If you’re experiencing numbness, tingling, or weakness in the area of the disorder.

• Open wound: If there’s a visible cut, puncture, or laceration associated with the musculoskeletal complaint.

Other symptoms that may indicate the need for an urgent care visit include persistent pain, limited range of motion, joint instability, and fever or chills.

Not all musculoskeletal disorders require urgent care. However, if you experience one or more of these listed symptoms, it’s advisable to seek medical attention to prevent further complications. Even if the symptoms are not severe, prolonged discomfort may be indicative of the presence of an underlying condition that requires treatment.

When you’re dealing with sudden or worsening musculoskeletal pain, swelling, or limited mobility, getting prompt medical attention is essential. Your visit to Physicians Now Urgent Care will begin with an initial assessment. Our team of healthcare professionals will inquire about your symptoms and medical history as well as any relevant lifestyle factors. A physical examination will be conducted of the affected area and they will ask about any recent injuries or accidents to understand your condition better.

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, diagnostic tests may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and inform the treatment plan. These could include X-rays, MRIs, ultrasounds, or other imaging studies to examine the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other structures of the musculoskeletal system.

After the diagnosis, comprehensive treatment options will be discussed with you. These options could include:

• Medications: Over-the-counter or prescription medications to manage pain, inflammation, or swelling.

• Physical Therapy: Recommended exercises and stretches to improve mobility, flexibility, and strength.

• Injections: In certain cases, injections of corticosteroids or other medications to reduce pain and inflammation.

• Immobilization: Restricting movement of the affected area with braces or splints if necessary.

• Referral: If further evaluation or specialized care is needed, a referral to an orthopedic surgeon or another form of specialist.

Post-treatment, Dr. Olisemeka and his team will provide instructions for home care and schedule follow-up appointments, explaining potential side effects and expected outcomes. We encourage everyone to visit us online for directions to our leading urgent care and walk-in clinic! You can also visit us online to learn more about our services for patients and to meet our team of leading healthcare professionals! We serve patients from Rockville MD, Travilah MD, Lone Oak MD, Colesville Park MD, Redland MD, Darnestown MD, Anscroft MD, and Wheaton-Glenmont MD!