Fractures & Sprains

You fell, bumped something, or twisted your ankle—you can't tell if it's a fracture just by looking. If the pain and swelling persist, it's important to get an accurate diagnosis with an X-ray.
We handle all types of injuries, including fractures, sprains, bruises, and muscle strains.

• X-rays performed on-site to accurately confirm the presence of a fracture
• Treatment tailored to your symptoms, such as immobilization, patches, and pain medication
• Referral letters to orthopedic specialist hospitals created as needed
• No appointment necessary, same-day visits OK | Open daily 9 AM to 9 PM

👉 Same-day visits without an appointment are also possible. Please feel free to consult us first.

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What are fractures and sprains?

A fracture is a condition where a bone breaks or cracks due to strong force. A "crack" is also medically considered a type of fracture. Even if it's not completely broken, there are various types, such as "incomplete fractures" where part of the bone is cracked, and "open fractures" where the bone pierces the skin.

A sprain is a condition where the ligaments or soft tissues supporting a joint are damaged when the joint is forced to move beyond its normal range of motion. It often occurs in the ankles, knees, wrists, and fingers. While it's easy to think, "It's just a sprain, it's nothing serious," there may be cases of complete ligament rupture or accompanying fractures, requiring proper diagnosis and treatment.

A bruise is an injury to the skin, muscles, and subcutaneous tissue due to direct impact, rather than to bones or joints. Pain, swelling, and internal bleeding are the main symptoms. A muscle strain is a condition where muscle fibers tear due to rapid stretching of the muscle, often occurring during sports.

It is difficult to accurately distinguish between a fracture and a sprain solely by visual inspection or touch for these injuries, and X-ray examination is necessary for confirmation. If you experience "severe pain," "persistent swelling," or "inability to bear weight," it is recommended to seek medical attention without self-diagnosing.

⚠️ Seek medical attention early in these cases:

• Severe pain, swelling, or internal bleeding
• The affected area appears deformed
• Unable to stand or walk due to pain when bearing weight
• Unable to move fingers or toes properly
• Numbness or abnormal sensation
• Received a strong impact such as from a fall or traffic accident
• Pain does not improve after several days
• Elderly person fell (risk of fracture due to osteoporosis)

Main types and symptoms of injuries

1. Fractures

Fractures can occur for various reasons, such as falls, collisions, and sports injuries. There are different types, including complete fractures (bone completely separates), incomplete fractures (hairline cracks), and stress fractures (fractures due to repeated stress). Characteristic symptoms of a fracture include severe pain, swelling, internal bleeding, deformity of the affected area, and excruciating pain when moved.

Treatment for fractures varies depending on the bone's position, the type of fracture, and the patient's condition. Fractures with no displacement are fixed with a cast or splint, and natural recovery is awaited. In cases where the bone is displaced or the fracture is complex, surgery may be necessary. At our clinic, we confirm the presence and condition of fractures with X-rays, and if surgery or specialized treatment is required, we promptly refer you to an orthopedic specialist hospital.

Common sites and characteristics of fractures

Site	Main cause/characteristic
Ankle (lateral/medial malleolus)	Can occur simultaneously with a sprain when twisting the ankle. Severe pain when bearing weight.
Wrist (distal radius)	Commonly occurs when falling and catching oneself with the hand. More common in elderly women.
Fingers (distal/middle phalanges)	Caused by ball impact, jamming, or falling onto the hand. A "sprained finger" can sometimes be a fracture.
Ribs	Can occur from chest impact or severe coughing. Pain with each breath.
Clavicle	Commonly occurs from falls or shoulder impact. Swelling and deformity of the affected area may be observed.
Femoral neck (hip joint)	Common in elderly falls. Results in inability to stand or walk. Strongly linked to osteoporosis.
Lumbar/thoracic vertebrae (compression fracture)	Common in the elderly. Can occur from falls, sneezing, or lifting heavy objects.
Stress fracture (tibia, metatarsal, etc.)	Common in those who frequently participate in sports. Occurs from accumulated repetitive stress. Often no clear external injury.

2. Sprains

A sprain is a condition where the ligaments supporting a joint or the surrounding tissues are damaged. It is classified into three grades based on the severity of symptoms: Grade I (ligament stretching), Grade II (partial ligament tear), and Grade III (complete ligament tear). Grade III sprains may require fixation or surgery, similar to fractures.

Ankle sprains are the most common, occurring during sports or tripping on uneven surfaces. If a sprain is left untreated, the ligaments may not fully repair, leading to chronic joint instability and a tendency for recurrent sprains.

Main symptoms

• Pain and tenderness around the joint
• Swelling and internal bleeding (may appear a few hours later)
• Painful or difficult to move the joint
• Pain when bearing weight on the affected area

3. Bruises

A bruise is an injury to the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and muscles caused by direct impact. Pain and swelling appear immediately after the impact, and internal bleeding (bruise) appears within a few hours to one day. Most bruises recover naturally with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE treatment), but a strong impact to the head, abdomen, or chest carries a risk of internal organ damage or intracranial hemorrhage, requiring prompt attention.

4. Muscle Strains

A muscle strain is a condition where muscle fibers tear due to a sudden contraction or extension of the muscle. It commonly affects the thighs (hamstrings and quadriceps) and calves, often occurring during rapid acceleration or braking movements in sports. There is a sudden "pop" sensation or severe pain, and the affected area becomes unable to move. Mild cases recover with rest, but severe cases involve a complete muscle tear, which can take several weeks to several months to recover.

First Aid (RICE Treatment)

When a fracture, sprain, bruise, or muscle strain occurs, performing RICE treatment before seeking medical attention can reduce pain and swelling.

Treatment	Content
R: Rest	Do not move the affected area or put weight on it. Forcing movement will worsen the injury.
I: Ice	Cool the affected area with ice or an ice pack wrapped in a towel. Aim for 20 minutes and do not apply directly to the skin.
C: Compression	Lightly compress the affected area with an elastic bandage to reduce swelling. Do not wrap too tightly.
E: Elevation	Elevate the affected area above heart level to prevent internal bleeding and swelling.

However, if a fracture is suspected, do not force movement. Immobilize the affected area and seek medical attention as soon as possible. If there is deformity or an open wound (bone piercing the skin), emergency medical attention is required.

Examinations and Treatments at Our Clinic

Examination/Treatment	Purpose/Content
X-ray examination (X-ray)	To confirm the presence of a fracture, bone displacement, and bone condition. Also used to differentiate from sprains.
Interview, palpation, visual inspection	To confirm the circumstances of the injury, location of pain, extent of swelling, and joint movement.
Immobilization (splint, cast, taping)	To fix the affected area for fractures and severe sprains, promoting recovery.
Prescription of patches/pain relievers	To relieve pain and inflammation.
Referral to specialist hospital	If surgery is required for a fracture or in cases of complex injuries, a referral letter to an orthopedic specialist hospital will be prepared.

Our clinic is equipped with X-ray facilities, allowing us to confirm the presence of a fracture on the day of your visit. In cases requiring surgery for a fracture, rehabilitation, or an MRI scan, we will promptly refer you to a collaborating orthopedic specialist hospital.

Flow of your visit

1. WEB booking, or walk-in
   If you cannot walk or are in severe pain, please call us and we will guide you through the process of your visit.
2. Reception and filling out the medical questionnaire
   Please fill out when and how the injury occurred, where it hurts, and whether there is swelling or internal bleeding.
3. Doctor's examination
   The doctor will visually inspect and palpate the affected area to determine if an X-ray is necessary.
4. X-ray examination
   X-rays will be taken at our on-site facility to confirm the presence and extent of any fractures.
5. Diagnosis, treatment, and prescription
   We will explain the diagnosis, and perform necessary treatments and prescribe medications such as immobilization, patches, and pain relievers. If a referral to a specialized hospital is needed, a referral letter will be prepared.
6. Payment and departure
   We will explain home care methods, daily life precautions, and the estimated timing for your next visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you also examine "sprained fingers"?
Yes. A sprained finger can sometimes involve a finger fracture or tendon rupture. Self-treatment like "pulling on it to fix it" can worsen the condition if there is a fracture or tendon damage, so we recommend getting an X-ray first.

Do sprains not show up on X-rays?
Ligaments and soft tissues do not show up on X-rays, but X-ray examinations are performed to rule out fractures. It is not uncommon for a "sprain" to actually be a fracture, so if the pain and swelling are severe, we recommend getting an X-ray.

Can you tell if there's a fracture just by looking?
If there's deformity or an open wound, a fracture can be identified, but hairline cracks or incomplete fractures may be almost imperceptible externally. Even with pain and swelling, a fracture cannot be ruled out without an X-ray.

Can I just get a prescription for patches?
Yes, but only after a consultation to confirm that there is no fracture or severe injury. Overlooking a fracture and just using patches can delay recovery, so we prioritize proper diagnosis.

If I'm told I need surgery, where should I go?
We will provide a referral letter to an orthopedic specialist hospital from our clinic. With a referral letter, you can smoothly consult a specialist outpatient clinic.

Can I continue playing sports?
In cases of fractures, severe sprains, or muscle strains, resuming sports without a doctor's approval can delay recovery or increase the risk of re-injury. We will assess the timing of your return based on your symptoms and recovery status, so please consult us during your visit.

Clinic Hours & Access

Item	Content
Clinic Name	Halu Clinic
Consultation Hours	Monday - Sunday 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Closed	None (Irregular holidays)
Location	J&MALL 1F, 2-27-1 Kamijujo, Kita-ku, Tokyo 114-0034
By train/on foot	1-2 minutes walk from JR Saikyo Line "Jujo Station", J&MALL 1st floor
By bus	Right in front of Kokusai Kogyo Bus "Jujo Station" bus stop
By car	Please use nearby coin parking lots
Contact Us	TEL: 03-6698-2509 / Official LINE: https://lin.ee/DRxcelo

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