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Sprains and minor injuries treatment, diagnosis & prescriptions

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Can I talk to a doctor on Maple about sprains and minor injuries?

Yes, you can. A doctor from Maple will most likely be able to provide a diagnosis for sprains and minor injuries by evaluating your condition, including viewing the affected area.

They may suggest you visit a clinic for a physical exam if they’re unable to provide a clear diagnosis for your sprains and minor injuries, and may send you for additional testing.

Can I get a prescription on Maple?

Yes, our physicians can prescribe medications for sprains and minor injuries online during your consultation. Once you accept a prescription for your sprains and minor injuries, you’ll have the option to pick it up from any pharmacy or to have it delivered right to your door at no additional cost.

You can visit our How it Works page to learn more.

What are sprains and minor injuries?

Sprains are injuries to the bands of tissue (ligaments) that connect two or more of your bones together. These aren’t to be confused with strains, which are injuries to your muscles or the bands of tissue (tendons) that attach muscles to your bones.

Minor injuries is a broad term that applies to many mild to moderate injuries. Some examples of minor injuries include:

  • Strains
  • Cuts, scrapes, or friction rashes
  • Insect bites or stings
  • Animal bites
  • Mild allergic reactions
  • Minor burns and scalds
  • Splinters
  • Minor eye injuries
  • Minor head injuries
  • Injuries to arms, legs, hands and feet, that allow for full recovery
What are the symptoms of sprains and minor injuries?

The most common symptoms and signs of sprains and minor injuries includes:

  • Bruising
  • Swelling or redness
  • Pain or tenderness
  • Limited mobility or functionality at the affected area
  • Hearing or feeling a popping sound at the time of injury

There are some other symptoms and signs of minor injuries to which sprains don’t apply. These are often exclusive to each condition, and can help the doctor identify the condition, in order to offer a clear diagnosis.

What causes sprains and minor injuries?

Sprains and strains occur when a joint is turned too much in one direction, causing the ligaments, muscles, and tendons to stretch too far or tear. The most frequent causes of sprains and minor injuries are accidents during physical activities.

While there are many different causes for minor injuries, sprains and other athletically-induced injuries often result from overextending or tearing ligaments and muscles. Typically, this happens during physical activities like walking, running, exercising, or playing sports.

In some cases, symptoms of sprains and minor injuries can be caused by accidental situations, such as tripping, falling, injuries while working, or vehicle accidents.

How are sprains and minor injuries diagnosed?

In most cases, the doctor will be able to offer a diagnosis for sprains and minor injuries by doing a physical assessment and discussing your symptoms.

Sometimes, the doctor may suggest additional testing, such as X-Rays, ultrasounds or MRI imaging tests to confirm their diagnosis for sprains and minor injuries.

How are sprains and minor injuries treated?

Most often, sprains and minor injuries treatments can be immediately addressed using the R.I.C.E. strategy:

  • Rest (avoid further strain on the area, consider using crutches for knee or ankle injuries)
  • Ice (use ice on the affected area to reduce swelling, 15 minutes every one to two hours – particularly for the first two days after the injury)
  • Compression (use an elastic bandage to wrap the affected area – this will help reduce swelling and provide support to the injured area)
  • Elevation (elevate the injured area above your heart level – particularly at night)

Usually, the doctor will suggest using over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce pain or swelling. If the sprain is severe, a splint may be prescribed. In some cases of torn ligaments, you may be referred for surgical consultation.

Rarely, the doctor may suggest prescription sprains and minor injuries medications to help manage pain or prevent infection, depending on the severity of your condition.

When to see a doctor for sprains and minor injuries?

If you’re showing symptoms or signs of sprains or minor injuries and self-care isn’t working after 48 hours, you should consider seeing a doctor. This is also the case if the symptoms of your sprains and minor injuries become severe.

The doctor will be able to suggest effective treatments for your sprains and minor injuries, and any prescription medications that may be necessary.

What is Maple?

With Maple, you can start talking to a doctor about your symptoms in a matter of minutes. We’re a healthcare app for fast, convenient 24/7 access to Canadian doctors.

You simply log in, tap a button to request a consultation, and we’ll immediately connect you to a doctor via live chat or video. You can visit our How it Works page to learn more.

Our doctors can assess symptoms, and provide treatment, including prescriptions as necessary.

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Patients love using Maple

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A fantastic way to get medical advice when you are unable to see someone in person. The app is so simple to use. Highly recommend. I am not a tech savvy person but the doctor was kind enough to patiently walk me through every step of the process. Thank you.

— Google Play Store

This app is amazing! The doctor was so professional. I just waited 1-2 mins to get served! I highly recommend this app.

— Google Play Store

The service has been amazing for our family. The doctors are kind, thorough, and ask all the right questions. As a busy family of five, this app has been a life saver

— App store review

Super impressed with this service. Without a family doctor, it’s easy to feel alone with no care. Very thankful to have options.

— Google Play Store User

So fast and efficient. A process that would have ordinarily involved a referral and a six months wait was completed in less than 72 hours. Wholeheartedly recommend Maple.

— Google Review

At 1:30 am, I realized I had a UTI and was desperate for help. I went online and within ten minutes, I had my prescription faxed to my pharmacy. This service gave me peace of mind.

— Trustpilot Review

Maple was there for me when other doctors couldn't be. So convenient. Any time, any day. I am grateful for this service.

— Trustpilot Review

We needed to see a doctor over the weekend as our pediatrician was not available. Logging into Maple and choosing from a selection of specialties was quick and easy. Excellent service!

— Trustpilot Review

Very easy to navigate Maple. It’s secure and trusted. Maple has truly gone above and beyond with their app. Highly recommended.

— Trustpilot Review

Amazing service! It was great being able to connect with a doctor from the comfort of home late at night.

— Trustpilot Review

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