Tag: orthopedic

emergency room picture

When to Choose Orthopedic Urgent Care Over the ER: A Guide to Sprains, Fractures & Sports Injuries 

Posted on | by Crux KC

When an injury happens, it’s not always clear where to go for the right care. Do you head to the emergency room, or is orthopedic urgent care the better option?  

While the ER is necessary for life-threatening situations, orthopedic urgent care (Ortho UC) is often the best choice for non-life-threatening musculoskeletal injuries, such as sprains, fractures and sports-related trauma. Ortho Urgent Care is intended to treat injuries that have occurred within the last 72 hours.   

If you or a loved one experiences an orthopedic injury, knowing when to seek Ortho Urgent Care at Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute (KCOI) instead of the ER can save time, reduce costs, and ensure you receive specialized care quickly. 

What is Orthopedic Urgent Care? 

Orthopedic urgent care provides fast, specialized treatment for bone, joint and muscle injuries that do not require emergency room intervention. Instead of waiting for hours in an ER and seeing a general physician, patients at KCOI Ortho Urgent Care receive immediate attention from orthopedic specialists trained in musculoskeletal injuries. 

KCOI Ortho Urgent Care offers walk-in services seven days a week. In some cases, patients can schedule follow-up care with a specialist within 24 hours. If a fracture is confirmed, KCOI does its best to ensure patients are seen by a specialist within a day. 

Ortho Urgent Care vs. Emergency Room: Where Should You Go? 

emergency room picture

Deciding whether to go to KCOI Ortho Urgent Care or the ER depends on the severity and type of injury. Below is a breakdown to help guide your decision. 

When to Choose Orthopedic Urgent Care: 

  • Sports Injuries: Sprains, strains, dislocations and fractures that don’t break the skin can be effectively treated at KCOI Ortho Urgent Care. 
  • Bone Fractures: If the bone is not protruding through the skin, Ortho Urgent Care can provide rapid diagnosis and treatment, including casting and splinting. 
  • Sprains and Strains: Mild to moderate ligament and muscle injuries such as torn ACL, torn MCL, muscle contusions and minor lacerations are best managed by orthopedic specialists. 
  • Nerve Compression Injuries: Conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica and pinched nerves that cause pain, numbness or weakness can be evaluated and treated. 
  • Joint Injuries: Shoulder dislocations, knee injuries and other non-emergency joint issues can be assessed and treated without an ER visit. 

When to Visit the ER Instead: 

  • Severe Head Injuries: If the injury involves loss of consciousness, confusion or vomiting, immediate ER care is necessary. 
  • Open Fractures: If the bone has punctured the skin, it requires emergency medical attention. 
  • Severe Bleeding or Deep Lacerations: If bleeding cannot be controlled or a deep wound is present, the ER is the safest option. 
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: If there is any suspicion of a spinal injury, especially with symptoms of paralysis or extreme pain, seek emergency care immediately. 
  • Chest Pain or Difficulty Breathing: These symptoms may indicate a more serious medical issue that requires ER intervention. 

The Advantages of Choosing KCOI Ortho UC Over the ER 

When it comes to musculoskeletal injuries, choosing KCOI Ortho UC over the ER has significant benefits: 

  • Specialized Care: Instead of seeing a general physician, you’ll receive immediate attention from orthopedic experts who specialize in treating bone, muscle and joint injuries. 
  • Shorter Wait Times: ER wait times can be unpredictable, while KCOI Ortho UC offers faster service tailored to orthopedic conditions. 
  • Cost Savings: ER visits often result in higher medical bills, whereas Ortho UC provides a more affordable alternative for non-life-threatening injuries. 
  • Quick Access to Specialists: If follow-up care is needed, KCOI Ortho UC can often schedule an appointment with a specialist within 24 hours—ensuring seamless care from injury to recovery. 
  • Convenient Location: KCOI Ortho UC is conveniently located at 3651 College Boulevard in Leawood, KS, and is open seven days a week. No appointment necessary; walk-ins are welcome.  You can also call ahead to 913-218-0800, or save your spot online at https://www.kcoi.com/online-check-in/. 

Get the Right Care Without the ER Wait 

When an orthopedic injury happens, don’t waste time in the ER if you don’t have to. KCOI’s Orthopedic Urgent Care offers expert treatment, short wait times and specialized follow-up care—all designed to get you back to doing what you love, pain-free. 

Many people want to get help right away to reduce pain and ensure their bodies heal properly. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained physicians and surgeons are highly experienced and are considered among the best orthopedic providers in the Midwest. 

For questions regarding your injury, please call us at 913-218-0800. If you have a life-threatening injury, please dial 9-1-1.  

For more information about the Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute, please check out our About page.

Top 5 Hockey Injuries: Prevention and Treatment for Every Player 

Posted on | by Crux KC

Hockey is one of the most exhilarating sports, known for its speed, agility and high-impact collisions. However, it’s also one of the most physically demanding, and the risk of injury is significant at all levels of play. Whether you’re competing in a high school championship, playing in college or enjoying a rec league game, knowing how to protect yourself—and what to do if you’re injured—can make all the difference. 

At KCOI and KCOA , we know hockey injuries inside and out. KCOA is proud to be the official sports medicine provider for the Kansas City Mavericks, is a proud sponsor of AdventHealth Sports Park at BluHawk and we’ve helped countless players recover and return to the sport they love. Let’s break down the top injuries hockey players face, how to prevent them and the expert care options available in Kansas City. 

Top 5 Common Hockey Injuries 

1) Shoulder Injuries (Dislocations, Rotator Cuff Tears and AC Joint Sprains)

Hockey’s fast-paced, physical nature often puts players’ shoulders at risk. From intense body checks to falls on the ice, shoulder injuries are all too common. 

  • Symptoms: Pain, limited range of motion, swelling and in severe cases, visible deformity. 
  • Why They Happen: Collisions with other players or the boards, combined with the repetitive strain of shooting and passing, can lead to shoulder dislocations, rotator cuff tears and AC joint sprains. 
  • Prevention Tips: 
    • Invest in high-quality, properly fitted shoulder pads. 
    • Include exercises like dumbbell presses, push-ups and shoulder stabilization drills in your workout routine. 
    • Practice proper body-checking techniques to avoid awkward falls. 
  • Treatment Options: Depending on the severity, you might need physical therapy, cortisone injections or surgery. Our specialists use advanced techniques to help players recover quickly and fully. 

2) Knee Injuries (ACL Tears and Meniscus Tears)

Quick stops, sudden direction changes and player collisions place enormous stress on the knees, making them one of the most vulnerable joints in hockey. 

  • Symptoms: Swelling, instability, popping sensations or difficulty bearing weight. 
  • Why They Happen: The intense movements required in hockey, combined with impact injuries, can lead to ligament tears (like ACL or MCL) or meniscus damage. 
  • Prevention Tips: 
    • Incorporate leg-strengthening exercises like squats and lunges into your fitness program. 
    • Focus on agility training to improve your stability during quick pivots. 
    • Use properly fitted skates to maintain knee alignment on the ice. 
  • Treatment Options: Based on the findings from the evaluation performed by a KCOA specialist, treatments like physical therapy may be deployed. If a significant tear or disruption is noted, surgery using minimally invasive techniques at our orthopedic specialty hospital, KCOI, might be necessary.

3) Groin Sprains

Groin injuries are particularly common among hockey players due to the quick lateral movements required for skating. 

  • Symptoms: Pain or tightness in the inner thigh, swelling or difficulty skating. 
  • Why They Happen: Skating’s unique mechanics put a lot of strain on the groin muscles, especially if players don’t warm up properly or overexert themselves. 
  • Prevention Tips: 
    • Prioritize dynamic stretching before games and practices, focusing on the hip flexors and groin muscles. 
    • Incorporate core-strengthening exercises like planks and side lunges into your training. 
    • Gradually increase the intensity of your skating drills to avoid overuse injuries. 
  • Treatment Options: Mild strains typically improve with rest and targeted physical therapy. KCOA providers working with their physical therapy partners can set up a plan to focus on restoring strength and flexibility to get you back on the ice safely. 

 4. Wrist and Hand Injuries (Fractures and Sprains)

Whether blocking shots, falling or handling a stick, hockey players frequently injure their wrists and hands. 

  • Symptoms: Swelling, bruising, reduced grip strength or difficulty moving the fingers or wrist. 
  • Why They Happen: The repetitive motions of shooting and puck-handling, combined with falls and impacts, can cause fractures, ligament sprains or tendon injuries. 
  • Prevention Tips: 
    • Use protective gloves that offer ample wrist support. 
    • Practice proper techniques for falls to reduce the risk of landing on your hands. 
  • Treatment Options: From splints to surgical care, KCOI and KCOA can provide a full range of surgical and nonsurgical treatments for wrist and hand injuries.

5. Hip Injuries

Hockey involves repetitive motions like skating, quick turns, and powerful shots, all of which can strain the hip muscles and surrounding structures. 

  • Symptoms: Pain in the hip area, groin pain, limited range of motion, stiffness, and difficulty walking or skating. 
  • Why They Happen: Falls, collisions, and overuse, along with hockey’s repetitive and quick motions, can also contribute to hip injuries. Common injuries include hip flexor strains, labral tears, and bursitis. 
  • Prevention Tips:  
    • Maintain flexibility in the hip muscles through regular stretching, including dynamic stretches before activity. 
    • Strengthen the muscles surrounding the hip, including the core, glutes, and hip flexors. Exercises like squats, lunges, and side planks can be beneficial. 
    • Proper warm-up before skating or playing, including light cardio and sport-specific movements. 
    • Ensure proper skating technique to minimize strain on the hips. 
  • Treatment Options: Treatment will depend on the specific injury. Options may include rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, injections (such as cortisone), and in some cases, surgery. KCOA specialists can provide a comprehensive evaluation and create a personalized treatment plan.

Injury Prevention Strategies for Hockey Players 

Preventing injuries in hockey involves more than wearing the right gear—it requires a proactive approach to training, preparation and recovery. 

  • Invest in High-Quality Equipment: Ensure helmets, pads and skates fit well and meet safety standards. Poorly fitted gear increases the risk of injury. 
  • Warm Up and Stretch: Skipping your pre-game warm-up can leave muscles tight and prone to strain. Dynamic stretches and light skating drills can help loosen up your body. 
  • Condition Off the Ice: A well-rounded fitness program with strength, flexibility and agility training is essential. Focus on areas like core stability, lower-body strength and endurance. 
  • Stay Hydrated and Rested: Dehydration and fatigue increase the risk of injury, so stay hydrated and ensure you’re well-rested before hitting the ice.

What To Do If You Are Injured?

If you experience pain or suspect an injury, it’s critical to act fast. Ignoring symptoms can lead to further damage or longer recovery times. Here’s how KCOI and KCOA can help: 

  • Expert Diagnosis: Our orthopedic specialists use advanced imaging and diagnostic tools to pinpoint the problem. 
  • Customized Treatment Plans: From physical therapy to surgery, we provide tailored care to get you back on the ice. 
  • Comprehensive Recovery Support: Our team offers rehabilitation programs designed specifically for hockey players, ensuring a safe and effective return to play. 
  • Schedule an Ortho Urgent Care Appointment in the event you need specialized orthopedic urgent care. 

 

Why Choose KCOI and KCOA for Your Care? 

Hockey demands speed, strength and resilience—but injuries can sideline even the toughest players. That’s where KCOI and KCOA come in. With decades of experience treating athletes, we are trusted leaders in orthopedic care, specializing in injury prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. As the official sports medicine provider for the Kansas City Mavericks and proud supporters of local hockey, we understand the unique challenges of the sport and provide expert care tailored to the needs of high school, college and recreational players alike. 

From knee injuries to shoulder dislocations and wrist fractures, our team of specialists is equipped with the latest advancements in sports medicine to help you recover quickly and safely. We offer state-of-the-art imaging, innovative treatment options and customized rehabilitation programs designed specifically for hockey players. Whether you’re looking for non-surgical treatment, physical therapy or advanced surgical care, we’re committed to getting you back on the ice with confidence. 

Don’t let an injury keep you from playing the game you love. Take the first step toward recovery and prevention by scheduling a consultation with a KCOA specialist. Explore the full range of services available to get the expert care you need. 

Your performance on and off the ice matters, and at KCOI and KCOA, we’re here to keep you healthy, strong and ready to play.