Fractures and dislocations can happen suddenly—whether from a slip at home, a sports injury, or a fall on a slick surface. These are common injuries that affect people of all ages and are often treated at urgent care settings.

A fracture happens when a bone breaks, usually due to trauma, falls, or a direct hit. A dislocation occurs when a bone is forced out of its normal joint position—often in the shoulder, elbow, finger, or knee.

When these painful injuries occur, getting fast, expert care is important to avoid long-term problems. That’s where Midwest Express Clinic comes in.

With walk-in locations across Chicagoland and Indiana, we provide trusted urgent care for fractures and dislocations—without the long ER wait or high costs. Read on to learn more about these injuries and how we can help.

Understanding Fractures and Dislocations

Common Causes

Fractures and dislocations often result from:

• Slips or falls: Landing awkwardly can knock a joint out of place or cause a bone to break.
• Sports injuries: Contact sports like basketball or football can cause overextension or collision injuries.
• Trauma: Car accidents or hard impacts can lead to severe breaks or joint displacement.
• Overuse: Repeated stress on a joint can weaken it over time, increasing the risk of injury.

Common Symptoms

Visit your nearest Midwest Express Clinic if you experience:

• Swelling or bruising
• Sudden, sharp pain
• Trouble moving or putting weight on the injured limb
• Numbness near the joint
• Visible deformity or misalignment

These symptoms may indicate a bone fracture or joint injury that can worsen without medical attention.

Important: When deciding where to seek care, it is important to consider other injuries, such as head trauma, that may require additional medical attention.

Types of Fractures: What You Need to Know

When it comes to broken bones, not all fractures are the same. The type of bone fracture you experience can affect everything from the treatment you need to how long it takes to heal. Understanding the different types of fractures helps ensure you get the right medical care and can help prevent complications down the road.

• Stable Fracture: One of the less severe types, where the broken bone pieces remain aligned and the affected joint is not significantly displaced. These injuries are often treated with a non-surgical procedure, such as a splint or cast, to keep the bone stable while it heals. Most people with a stable fracture can expect a full recovery within a few weeks, provided they follow their doctor’s instructions.
• Transverse Fracture: It occurs when the break is straight across the bone, often resulting from a direct blow or trauma. These bone breaks can be either closed fractures, where the skin remains intact, or open fractures, where the broken bone pierces the skin. Open fractures are more serious, as they increase the risk of infection and require immediate medical attention.
• Oblique Fracture: Characterized by a diagonal break across the bone. This type of fracture can be more unstable and may require additional support, sometimes involving internal fixation with metal plates or screws to ensure the bone heals correctly.
• Comminuted Fracture: When the bone shatters into three or more pieces, often due to high-impact trauma such as a car accident. These complex fractures usually need surgery, where orthopaedic surgeons use metal plates, screws, or rods to stabilize the bone and promote healing.
• Open Fracture: Also called compound fractures, are particularly serious because the broken bone breaks through the skin, exposing the injury to bacteria and increasing the risk of infection. Immediate treatment is crucial, often involving surgery to clean the wound and stabilize the bone.
• Stress Fracture: Tiny cracks in the bone that develop over time due to repetitive force or overuse, common in athletes and those involved in high-impact or contact sports. While less dramatic than other fractures, stress fractures still require proper diagnosis and care—usually rest, protective gear, and sometimes physical therapy—to prevent the injury from getting worse.

X-ray imaging and orthopedic evaluation are essential to correctly identify these fracture types and the right treatment—from immobilization with a cast to surgery in more complex cases. Most people recover in a few weeks to several months, depending on the injury.

To reduce pain and swelling, your care team may recommend ice, elevation, and medication. Following your doctor’s advice is essential for healing correctly and avoiding complications. Most people can expect to return to normal activities within a few weeks to several months, depending on the injury.

How to Help Prevent Bone and Joint Injuries

While not all accidents can be avoided, you can reduce your risk with a few simple steps:

• Keep your home safe: Remove tripping hazards, install handrails, and ensure good lighting.
• Stay active: Regular exercise builds strength, balance, and joint support.
• Wear safety gear: Use helmets, braces, and pads during sports or risky activities.
• Choose proper footwear: Supportive, nonslip shoes help prevent falls.
• Get screened: Bone density and joint evaluations can detect early issues.

Taking these proactive steps can help lower your risk of injury, especially in high-impact activities or aging populations.

Why Choose Midwest Express Clinic for Immediate Injury Care

At Midwest Express Clinic, we make it easy to get high-quality care for fractures and dislocations—no appointment necessary. With over 50 walk-in locations across Chicagoland and Indiana, our experienced providers deliver fast, effective treatment without the long ER wait or high costs.

We offer:

• On-site digital x-rays for quick, accurate diagnosis
• Splints, braces, or immobilization to support healing
• Pain relief and anti-inflammatory care
• Referrals to orthopedic specialists if advanced treatment is needed

With extended evening and weekend hours, we’re here when you need us most—whether it’s after a game, during a busy weekday, or on a weekend.

Important: Head to the ER or call 911 if you experience:

• A bone breaking through the skin
• Heavy, uncontrolled bleeding
• Loss of consciousness or severe trauma

For non-life-threatening injuries, trust Midwest Express Clinic for convenient, affordable care that gets you back on your feet

Find your nearest clinic at midwestexpressclinic.com/locations.

Key Takeaways:

• Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen, reapplying every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating.
• Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses, and seek shade between 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Stay hydrated and avoid tanning beds to reduce long-term skin damage.
• Protect skin even indoors or in cars—UVA rays can penetrate windows.

Summer means more sun and outdoor fun—but too much sun can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage. Whether you’re relaxing by the pool, hiking, or grilling in the backyard, it’s important to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Prolonged exposure increases your risk of skin damage and skin cancer, so moderation and proper protection are essential. The good news? You can reduce your risk by taking simple, proactive steps. Read on to learn how to stay safe in the sun.

Top Tips to Prevent Sunburns and UV Damage

Urgent care providers at Midwest Express Clinic recommend the following sun safety habits:

• Use broad-spectrum sunscreen:
  Choose SPF 30 or higher that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Reapply every two hours or after swimming/sweating. For outdoor activity, look for the appropriate SPF and water resistance to ensure more protection against sun damage.
• Wear protective clothing:
  Long sleeves, pants, and wide-brimmed hats offer strong protection. Choose tightly woven, dark fabrics. Don’t forget UV-blocking sunglasses to protect your eyes and the surrounding skin.
• Stay in the shade (10 a.m.–4 p.m.):
  UV rays are strongest midday. Find shade, use an umbrella, or take breaks indoors during peak hours.
• Tanning beds:
  Avoid tanning bed use as indoor tanning greatly increases your risk of skin cancer and accelerates aging.
• Stay hydrated:
  Drinking water helps your skin stay healthy, especially in the heat.

Who Is Most at Risk for Sunburn?

Sunburns can happen to anyone, but there are certain groups that are more vulnerable. Individuals with fair skin, freckles or a family history of skin cancer should be especially cautious, as they are at higher risk of developing a sunburn. However, even people with darker skin tones are at risk of UV-related skin damage and should follow sun protection guidelines. Additionally, children and older adults also face increased risk of developing a sunburn. Children have thinner and more sensitive skin, while older adults’ skin is less resilient and slower to heal. That’s why families are encouraged to practice proper sun safety together, regardless of age or other health factors.

Sunburns can affect anyone, but there are certain groups that are more vulnerable—especially those with fair skin, freckles, or a family history of skin cancer. Children and older adults are also at higher risk due to more sensitive or less resilient skin. That’s why families are encouraged to practice proper sun safety together, regardless of age or skin tone.

Windows and Sun Safety: Protecting Your Skin Indoors and in Vehicles

Many people think they’re safe from UV exposure indoors or in a car—but that’s not always true. While standard windows block UVB rays, UVA rays can still get through. These can contribute to premature skin aging, increase the risk of developing skin cancer, and can damage skin cells over time.

If you spend time near windows or drive often, consider installing UV-blocking window film. Wearing sunscreen daily—even indoors—can also protect exposed areas like your face, hands, and arms. If you drive a lot, remember that side and rear windows offer less UV protection than the windshield.

By taking these simple steps, you can reduce your risks and keep your skin healthy, no matter where you are. Remember, sun protection isn’t just for the outdoors—protecting your skin from the sun’s UV rays indoors and in vehicles is an important part of your overall skin health strategy.

When to Seek Urgent Care for a Sunburn

Mild sunburns usually heal with home care—cool showers, aloe vera lotions, and over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help. But if you notice blisters, fever, chills, or signs of dehydration, or severe sunburn, visit Midwest Express Clinic for evaluation and treatment. Our providers can assess the severity and help prevent complications.

Midwest Express Clinic: Your Partner in Summertime Wellness

Preventing sunburn is only one part of a broader commitment to maintaining skin health and general wellness. During an annual wellness exam at Midwest Express Clinic, providers can check for unusual moles or skin changes, discuss your sun habits, and give personalized sun safety advice.

Don’t let a sunburn ruin your summer. Midwest Express Clinic is here to help you and your loved ones maintain healthy skin year-round. With over 50 locations open daily across Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, accessing high-quality, comprehensive care on your schedule is easier than ever.

To find urgent care in your area, visit midwestexpressclinic.com/locations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What SPF sunscreen do doctors recommend?
Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. This level blocks about 97% of UVB rays. For swimming or sweating, choose water-resistant formulas and reapply every two hours.

Can I get sunburned through a window?
Yes. UVA rays can penetrate glass and damage your skin over time. Use sunscreen daily and consider UV-blocking window film.

When should I go to urgent care for a sunburn?
If you have blisters, fever, chills, dehydration, or widespread sunburn, Midwest Express Clinic can assess the severity and provide proper treatment to prevent complications.

Is UV damage reversible?
Some effects like dryness or discoloration can improve with skincare. Long-term damage such as deep wrinkles or increased cancer risk is usually permanent. Prevention is key.

How can I protect my kids from sunburn?
To help prevent sunburn, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher that’s safe for kids. For more sensitive areas like the nose, cheeks, tops of the ears, and shoulders, look for products containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. When possible, avoid sunscreens with oxybenzone due to concerns about mild hormonal effects. It’s also important to dress your child in lightweight, protective clothing and encourage them to play in the shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Babies under 6 months old should be kept out of direct sunlight altogether. Ultimately, taking steps to prevent sunburn is what matters most—so using any sunscreen is better than not using one at all.

What should I do if my child gets sunburned?
If your baby is younger than 1 year and gets sunburned, contact their doctor right away. For older children, call your child’s doctor if there is any blistering, pain, or fever. You can give your child pain medicine to help with discomfort—acetaminophen is safe for babies under 6 months, while older children can take either acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Only use medicated lotions if your doctor approves them. Keep your child out of the sun until the sunburn has completely healed to prevent further damage.