Common Bone and Joint Issues
Some bone and joint issues are obvious right away. Others build over a few days as swelling, stiffness, and pain increase.
Consider visiting Prisma Health Urgent Care if you’re experiencing:
- Joint pain (ankle, knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, wrist)
- Swelling, bruising, or warmth around a joint
- Limited range of motion or stiffness
- Pain with walking, gripping, lifting, or reaching
- Suspected sprain or strain after a twist, fall, or impact
- Back pain after lifting or overuse
- Finger or toe injuries that are jammed, swollen, and painful
- Minor sports injuries that aren’t improving
In some cases, your pain may require emergency care rather than urgent care. Call 911 or go to the nearest ER if you have:
- Bone visible through the skin, or uncontrolled bleeding
- A severe deformity or suspected dislocation with intense pain
- New numbness, tingling, weakness, or inability to move a limb
- Loss of circulation signs, such as cold, pale, or blue fingers/toes
- Severe back pain with loss of bladder/bowel control
- A head injury with confusion, fainting, or repeated vomiting
For non-emergency pain, our experienced providers at Prisma Health Urgent Care can help evaluate your symptoms and guide you to the appropriate level of care.
What Causes Bone and Joint Pain?
Bone and joint issues can come from a single event (like a fall) or from repeated stress over time. Understanding what may be behind your symptoms helps your provider choose the right evaluation and treatment plan.
Sprains and Strains
Sprains affect ligaments (the bands that connect bones), while strains affect muscles or tendons. These often happen during quick changes in direction, awkward landings, or lifting with poor mechanics.
Overuse and Repetitive Motion
Repetitive activity, such as sports, workouts, or job-related movement, can irritate the joints. Pain may start mild and become more noticeable with continued use.
Bruises and Minor Impact Injuries
A direct hit can cause bruising, swelling, and tenderness. Sometimes, the discomfort is mainly from soft-tissue injury, even if the bone itself is okay.
Suspected Fractures
Not all fractures are obvious. If your pain is significant after an impact or you can’t bear weight normally, an exam and imaging may be needed to rule out any broken bones.
How We Evaluate Bone and Joint Pain
When you’re dealing with pain or limited movement, you want a clear plan, fast. During your visit, our certified providers may:
- Ask how the injury happened, your symptoms, and what makes it better or worse
- Examine the affected area for swelling, tenderness, stability, range of motion, and function
- Assess circulation and nerve function when appropriate
- Order X-rays at participating locations if a fracture or other issue needs imaging for evaluation
This approach helps us determine the most likely cause of your pain and the best next step — whether that’s supportive care, a brace or wrap, activity modifications, or a follow-up with a specialist.
Personalized Treatment Plans to Help You Get Moving Again
At Prisma Health Urgent Care, your care plan for bone and joint issues is built around your injury, activity level, and goals.
Depending on your evaluation, we may recommend:
- Supportive wrapping or bracing guidance
- At-home care steps like rest, ice/heat guidance, and gradual return-to-activity tips
- Work or activity recommendations to protect the injured area
- Next-step guidance if symptoms persist or if specialty follow-up is appropriate
Before you leave, you’ll get clear instructions on what to watch for and how long improvement may take, and we may refer you to a specialist or primary care provider within the Prisma Health network for continued care. Our goal is to help you feel supported, informed, and confident about what comes next.
Walk in today or book ahead online to reserve your spot in line. We’re open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. across South Carolina.