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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is OrthoNOW?
    OrthoNOW offers a superior alternative to many traditional forms of orthopedic healthcare delivery, including emergency rooms and general urgent care centers. We treat broken bones, sprains, cuts, sports injuries, and workers’ compensation injuries, chronic conditions, and offer sports medicine solutions — all on a walk-in basis.
  • What are OrthoNOW’s hours?
    OrthoNOW® accepts walk-ins. NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY! Monday – Friday: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm Saturday: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
  • What if I don’t have insurance?
    OrthoNOW’s out-of-pocket costs are often significantly lower than hospital emergency rooms and general urgent care centers. Additionally, you have the opportunity to receive a definitive orthopedic diagnosis and treatment all at one facility — saving you time and money.
  • Do I need an appointment to be seen at OrthoNOW?
    No appointment is necessary to see one of our providers. Walk-Ins are welcome.
  • Why is the emergency room not for orthopedic injuries or pain?
    The emergency room is equipped to handle a wide range of medical emergencies, including traumatic injuries and life-threatening conditions. However, for orthopedic injuries and pain that are not life-threatening, it may be more appropriate to seek treatment from a specialist in orthopedic medicine or sports medicine. There are a few reasons why the emergency room may not be the best choice for orthopedic injuries or pain. First, emergency rooms are often busy, and may prioritize patients with more urgent or life-threatening conditions. This can result in longer wait times and less attention paid to patients with non-life-threatening injuries or pain. Second, emergency room staff may not have the specialized training and equipment needed to diagnose and treat orthopedic injuries and pain. Orthopedic specialists and sports medicine providers have extensive training in musculoskeletal conditions and may be better equipped to provide the most appropriate and effective treatment for your specific condition. Finally, emergency room care can be expensive, and you may be better off seeking care from a specialist who can provide more targeted and cost-effective treatment. For these reasons, it is often best to seek treatment for orthopedic injuries and pain from an orthopedic specialist rather than the emergency room.
  • What to do if you are experiencing orthopedic injuries and pain?
    If you are experiencing orthopedic injuries and pain, you should consider seeing a medical professional who specializes in treating such conditions. Here are some options: Orthopedic Specialist: An orthopedic specialist is a doctor who specializes in treating musculoskeletal conditions such as fractures, joint injuries, and chronic pain. They can diagnose and treat a wide range of orthopedic conditions, and may recommend surgical or non-surgical treatments depending on the severity of your injury or condition. Those dedicated to solving problems in children and adolescents are Pediatric Orthopedic Specialists. Sports Medicine Specialist: A sports medicine specialist is a doctor who specializes in treating injuries and conditions that occur as a result of physical activity. They can help diagnose and treat orthopedic injuries such as sprains, strains, and fractures, as well as chronic conditions like tendonitis and arthritis. Physical Therapist: A physical therapist is a healthcare professional who can help you manage pain, improve mobility, and prevent further injury through exercise and other therapies. They can work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that includes exercises, stretches, and other techniques to help you recover from your injury or condition. When it comes to injury rehabilitation, we often hear more about physical therapists than occupational therapists, but occupational therapy is just as important! Chiropractor: A chiropractor is a healthcare professional who specializes in treating musculoskeletal problems, particularly those affecting the spine. They use manual manipulation and other techniques to help relieve pain and improve mobility. Primary Care Physician: Your primary care physician can also be a good resource for treating orthopedic injuries and pain. They can refer you to a specialist if necessary and provide you with medications or other treatments to help manage your symptoms. It is important to note that the best course of action for your specific condition will depend on its severity and the specific symptoms you are experiencing. It is always best to consult with a medical professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
  • What type of injuries does OrthoNOW treat?
    OrthoNOW treats broken bones, sprains, cuts, foot/ankle, shoulder, back, knee, hand/upper extremity, bones/joints, muscle, work injuries, and sports injuries.
  • Do you have waterproof casting materials?
    Yes! We have waterproof casting materials in a variety of colors.
  • Where is OrthoNOW located?
    OrthoNOW has multiple locations: Casper, Doral, and Aventura. Our Casper location is located in The M Building on the corner of N Durbin St and E 1st St on 234 E 1st St, Suite 102, Casper, WY 82601. You can find us on the main floor. Call us if you need help finding us or are lost! (307) 333-2939
  • Will I pay more by going to OrthoNOW?
    We accept most insurances and charge competitive rates. We will even assist the uninsured with creative payment solutions. The OrthoNOW value is clear: save time and money by seeing an orthopedic specialist from the beginning!
  • What is orthopedic medicine?
    Orthopedic medicine treats a wide variety of injuries and disorders in children and adults pertaining to the skeleton and its supporting muscles, joints/ligaments/tendons (musculoskeletal or MSK system).
  • Pediatric Orthopedics
    Access to Expert Pediatric Orthopedic Care Is Critical, But Often Comes Too Late. Just because accidents aren’t convenient, doesn’t mean your child’s care can’t be. Whether your child broke an arm or sprained an ankle, your neighborhood OrthoNOW Center is dedicated to serve your family’s needs on an immediate, walk-in basis – and when you need it. You don’t even need a referral. Simply come in at your convenience and we can diagnose your child’s condition, explain it fully to you, and help you decide on the best treatment plan so that your child can heal with minimal impact on his or her future. On-demand care – no appointment necessary X-Rays available on-site Your child is seen by on orthopedic clinician on your first visit Significantly lower costs (over ER visit) Save time, money and avoid multiple appointments to get the care your child needs! As a parent, you understand your child’s risk of being injured doesn’t take a break. When accidents happen, and you need pediatric orthopedics services immediately, call or stop by OrthoNOW. Let us help you get your child back in the game – on or off the field!
  • Sports Injuries
    Youth Sports Injuries There’s no denying the fact that sports related injuries are on the rise among our youth in America. Why? Because children are more active than ever before – participating in higher level sports and starting at younger ages. Their growth plates are also still developing making them particularly susceptible to overuse injuries and fractures. And because their bones heal so quickly, it’s critical they get proper diagnosis and treatment fast, to ensure they heal correctly and avoid potential for long term issues. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons reports that 3.5 million children under 15 are treated for sports injuries each year. Recreational and sports related injuries account for approximately 3.2 million visits to emergency rooms a year for children ages 5-14. But what happens at the ER? Parents wait several hours only to be referred to see an orthopedic specialist and pay again. Not anymore. OrthoNOW’s neighborhood centers provide comprehensive orthopedic care on a walk-in basis for youth sports injuries, sports-focused rehabilitation services and concussion care. Adult Sports Injuries When it comes to injuries, kids are not the only ones “at risk”. Adults sometimes overestimate their abilities to “play like they used to” in their youth and push themselves to the point of injury. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, walking enthusiast, amateur or elite athlete, or if you have a child playing youth sports, you’re probably familiar with sports injuries. Now you can save time, money and the aggravation of multiple referrals by making OrthoNOW your first visit.
  • Laceration & Suturing
    OrthoNOW Helps You When You Need It You or your loved one got a pretty nasty cut, but how bad is it really? Can you just clean it up and slap on a bandage or is it severe enough that you need medical help? Open wounds are the ultimate “on the fence” medical issue and you may not realize how serious a gash is until it becomes infected. Many minor lacerations heal without medical intervention. But some injuries require stitches that are essential for proper healing. Deep cuts and abrasions are prone to infection and other complications, and the longer a wound stays open and vulnerable, the greater the risk of infection becomes. Stitches also help reduce the chance of developing scar tissue and speed up the overall healing process. How can you tell if specific treatment for lacerations may require more than minor treatment at home? Bleeding heavily and does not stop after 5 to 10 minutes of direct pressure Deep or longer than 1/2 inch Located close to the eye Large cuts on the face Caused by a puncture wound or dirty or rusty object Embedded with debris such as dirt, stones or gravel Ragged or have separated edges Caused by an animal or human bite Excessively painful Showing signs of infection such as increased warmth, redness, swelling, or drainage Also, seek medical help if: You or your loved one has not had a tetanus vaccination within the past five years, or if you are unsure You are concerned about the wound or have any questions It can be difficult to tell if an injury will require stitches or not – particularly when it comes to our loved ones. While some cuts and lacerations can be easily treated at home, others require medical attention. If you’re uncertain how serious the injury is it’s better to seek immediate expert medical attention. Our onsite clinicians are available on a walk-in basis and prepared to treat you with sutures, and, if needed, X-rays and tetanus shots.
  • Physicals
    Sports Physicals As parents, we strive to provide quality education for the future of our children. What about quality health? Yearly physicals are extremely important for kids – yet often overlooked. Why should annual sports physicals be a priority in your child’s life? Identify risk factors of specific sports related activities Detect conditions in early stages that may need monitoring Get training tips to help avoid injuries Maintain peak performance – on and off the field Get your athlete ready for their best season ever at any one of our convenient locations. Ready for Back to School? It is important to make sure your children are prepared for going back to school. That includes taking preventive measures for pediatric orthopedic health.
  • Consultations
    Acute Injuries Acute injuries are those that have occurred recently, usually defined as having occurred in the previous 48-72 hours. Acute injuries are also usually the result of a specific impact or traumatic event that occurs in one specific area of the body. Examples of acute injuries include tendon strains, ligament sprains, muscle strains, muscle contusions, and bone breaks or fractures. Most acute injuries heal better when treated within the first few days of being injured. Yet deciding if an injury requires medical attention may not be easy. Some signs that should prompt a visit to OrthoNOW include: moderate or severe amount of swelling, rapid swelling, inability to move the joint in a full range of motion, inability to walk, extreme pain or pain even when you are resting the injured area, and if the limb appears deformed. Even without any of these signs, if an injury does not significantly improve after resting it for a couple of days, or if you feel at all uncertain, consider getting it checked out. Early assessment and treatment of acute injuries is essential to a full recovery and safe return to everyday activities. Auto Accidents If you have been in a car accident, you are likely experiencing pain in multiple body parts, unsure of which pains will just go away on their own. Recovery can be tough. Finding the right health care provider to properly diagnose and treat your injuries can be even tougher. Your body also naturally produces endorphins to help deal with the stress at the time of an accident which can mask pain – and why many people walk away from an accident feeling fine – only to have pain unexpectedly flair up days or sometimes weeks later. Yet diagnosing the problem, including the type, location, and severity of an injury, is essential to proper treatment and requires a specialist. General Practitioners often miss details risking improper diagnoses and you in turn potentially being stuck with an injury that isn’t covered by insurance. But how do you know? At OrthoNOW, we use advanced technology required to identify delayed pain by assessing you for soft tissue damage that could affect your muscles, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. Damage to soft tissue is harder to track and quantify than broken bones, yet the effects can be just as debilitating. If you or your loved one has been in an auto accident, choose OrthoNOW and keep a bad situation from getting worse. Chronic Pain Just about everyone feels pain from time to time. When you strain your back, pain is your body’s way of telling you something is not quite right. Then once it heals, the pain stops. Chronic pain is different. Your body keeps hurting weeks, months, or even years after the injury. Doctors often define chronic pain as any pain that lasts for 3 to 6 months or more and can negatively affect your day-to-day life and mental health. Chronic pain may arise from an initial injury or an ongoing cause such as illness. There may also be no clear cause – yet the pain just won’t go away. Other health problems such as fatigue, inability to sleep through the night, loss of appetite, and mood swings often accompany chronic pain. Chronic pain may also limit movement which can reduce flexibility, strength, and stamina. If you develop chronic pain, it’s crucial that you seek specialty medical help and get a proper diagnosis. At OrthoNOW, our on-site providers will work with you to identify the causes and symptoms of your pain and provide effective treatments and management strategies to help maintain your quality of life. Fracture / Broken Bone A fracture is any break in the surface of the bone. Sprains can sometimes include a fracture. While some fractures are treated with casts, others only require a brace, sling or other support. Broken bones can often be treated conservatively, with just a cast or splint, but many situations require further treatment. It is important to treat a broken bone right away to ensure the bone heals in the proper position, and to make sure the vessels and nerves close by are unharmed. The wrong care compromises your health, is inconvenient and wastes time and money. If you suspect a bone may be fractured, your first stop should be to an orthopedic specialist. OrthoNOW offers on-site X-Ray on a walk-in basis. Pre-employment Physicals There are more health and safety requirements required for employers to follow than ever before. For many employers, pre-employment physicals have become a routine requirement to determine if applicants are suitable for the job and reduce the possibility of future on-the-job injuries. OrthoNOW works directly with employers and employees to determine company requirements and provide fast, reliable results so employees can start work as soon as possible while ensuring their safety. We also take special care to provide support and advice to patients who discover a previously unknown condition during a physical and recommend treatment options. Let our trained staff at OrthoNOW help you land your next career move. We are fully equipped to provide standard pre-employment exam and physicals – on site and on demand.
  • Diagnostic Services
    Our services are designed to get you fully-treated on your first visit in less than one hour. Digital X-Ray We offer state-of-the-art digital imaging radiography down the hall at Elite Imaging Center. No need to endure multiple visits to get treated. Digital radiography is a form of X-Ray imaging, where digital X-ray sensors are used instead of traditional photographic film. Advantages include time efficiency by bypassing chemical processing, and the ability to digitally transfer and enhance images. Less radiation can be used to produce an image of similar contrast to conventional radiography. CT Elite Imaging Center works closely with OrthoNOW offering state-of-the-art CT (Computed Tomography) imaging for any of your orthopedic needs right in the same building. We not only offer traditional CT imaging and standard exams, but we also have the only standing CT in Wyoming. If your joints hurt the most while standing, it only makes sense to image them in that position. Elite Imaging Center also has a billing department that is focused on working with your insurance company after your initial visit to get your exams pre-authorized. Our imaging staff offers the highest quality of care with skilled knowledge to get your providers the imaging they need to get you answers and ultimately feeling better and able to live your life! Ultrasound Ultrasound is a diagnostic imaging technique utilized to see internal body structures such as tendons, muscles, joints, vessels and internal organs to ensure thorough diagnosis of your injury. We use state-of-the-art ultrasound technology at OrthoNOW to find the source of an injury, or to exclude certain pathologies. An ultrasound uses sound waves with frequencies that are higher than those audible to humans.
  • Workers Compensation
    According to workers' compensation laws, the injured worker can receive compensation for lost wages and medical expenses associated with the injury, regardless of fault. Workers Compensation Claims and Specialty Care Did you know that over 90% of Worker’s Compensation claims are musculoskeletal and require specialty care? Why then would anyone risk misdiagnosis and waste time and money going to the ER or general clinic for work related injuries? For a Human Resources Director, a Manager, or a Health and Safety Committee Member, establishing a timeline for the employee’s return to work after an injury is imperative. At OrthoNOW, our goal is to provide you with the access to specialty care needed to get employees back on their feet and back on the job quickly and efficiently. Our physicians and health professionals are experts in diagnosing and treating work-related injuries, and our dedicated Workers’ Comp team fully understands the rules and regulations of the Workers’ Compensation system in Wyoming.
  • Bracing, Splinting & Casting
    OrthoNOW offers the full range of bracing, splinting and casting. Immobilizing the injured area is critical to the rehabilitation and healing of injuries and orthopedic conditions. We can even custom fit the braces and splints we use to support and limit the movement of the injured area. When these braces are customized to specific injuries they last longer and are better able to withstand stresses. Bracing Braces are designed to stabilize a joint, reduce pain and inflammation, and strengthen the muscle around the joint. A brace puts pressure on the sides of a joint to cause the joint to realign, which decreases the contact between two rough bone surfaces and reduces the pain while increasing mobility. Whether you’re looking to prevent, protect, or play through an injury or even just need a little extra support to get you through your day, OrthoNOW has got you covered. Durable Medical Equipment (DME) At OrthoNOW we offer a complete line of durable medical equipment for the foot and ankle, knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand, and spine. Splinting Fabrication Splints are designed to support painful joints and weak muscles, reduce nerve compressions, and protect healing injuries. OrthoNOW staff are trained in the art of fabricating custom splints for either stabilization or mobilization. Our unique bodies often fail to fit into “off the shelf” models of support or a patient may require a more individualized device following trauma. The splints are designed to support the joints while they heal, to immobilize a joint, or to limit motion. We ensure our splints are comfortable, as they are customized to fit each individual and can easily make modifications as needed to ensure your comfort and facilitate the fastest healing. Multicolor and Waterproof Casting Casts have come a long way in the past few decades. Rather than just plain white plaster, our casts come in a variety of colors and we even offer waterproof casts making life much easier for both kids and parents. Antibacterial material reduces irritation and unpleasant smells. This advanced technology allows you to shower without a bag and even swim – making a hard time a little easier! Regardless of the type of cast, splint or bracing that is right for you, the onsite clinicians at OrthoNOW will ensure the precise fit for the quickest path to full recovery.
  • Arthritis
    Arthritis literally means “inflammation of a joint.” A joint is where the ends of two or more bones meet. A smooth tissue of cartilage covers the ends of bones in a joint. Cartilage cushions the bone and allows the joint to move easily without the friction that would come with bone-on-bone contact. There are two major categories of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear on the articular cartilage through the natural aging process, constant use, or trauma. The cartilage covering the bone ends wears away and bone rubs against bone causing pain and swelling. Rheumatoid Arthritis affects many parts of the body, but mainly the joints. The joint lining swells, invading surrounding tissues. Swelling, pain, and stiffness usually develop, even when the joint is not used often or at all. If you or your loved ones are suffering with any of the following symptoms, it’s important to seek orthopedic care for diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms include: Weakness in the muscles Tenderness to touch Limited ability to move the joint A grating feeling or sound (crepitus) with movement Pain when pressure is placed on the joint or the joint is moved As you manage your osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or any of the numerous arthritis-related conditions, it’s critical to get the support you need. Our on-site orthopedic clinicians not only meet OrthoNOW’s high standards of medical knowledge and skill, they also focus on creating a successful provider/patient relationship to ensure optimal care. Together, we’ll monitor the progress of your disease and day-to-day function and customize a treatment plan specifically for you.
  • Shoulder & Elbow Care
    Shoulder and Elbow Injuries: Diagnosis, Treatment and Rehabilitation Therapies Our shoulders and elbows are a delicate, complex structure made up of nerves, muscles and tendons that we move dozens or even hundreds of times a day – making them particularly prone to wear and tear. All the more reason why when something goes wrong, you need specialized care that offers a true multidisciplinary approach to treating your pain and injuries. If you are experiencing problems with your shoulder or elbow causing pain and limiting your activities, OrthoNOW offers on demand expert diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation therapies. We treat tennis elbow, complex ligament tears, tendon injuries, and more. Our goal is to return you to an active life, diminish your pain, increase your joint function and give you back your independence. Whether your shoulder or elbow pain stems from arthritis, trauma, rotator cuff tears, instability (dislocations), throwing injuries, bicep injuries, or other problems, OrthoNOW is dedicated to providing you with the highest quality, personalized care. We know that shoulder and elbow pain can severely limit your life – but you should not have to live in pain. Common Shoulder & Elbow Conditions Clavicle Fracture – Broken Collarbone Contusion (Bruise) CrossFit Injuries & Treatments Biceps Tendon Tear at the Shoulder Rheumatoid Arthritis Rotator Cuff Repair Shoulder Fractures Shoulder Pain Shoulder Separation Elbow Fractures Epicondylitis – Tennis Elbow Golfer’s Elbow Torn Cartilage
  • Foot & Ankle Care
    The foot and ankle together make a complex “machine” of 26 bones and joints, working together to keep you moving. In the best of times, all the individual pieces work together just right. In the worst of times – like when you’re experiencing foot pain – life can be miserable. Our daily dependence on our feet and ankles means even minor problems can lead to immobility and have a major impact on quality of life. Normal activities we take for granted like getting from your car to your front door can become a challenge. From the moment you learn to walk, you expect your feet and ankles to work – supporting your weight and keeping you mobile. It’s the body’s foundation and must withstand tremendous weight-bearing forces, and at the same time, be of such intricate and complex structural design to provide the mechanical advantage necessary for everyday movements. Whether you're suffering from a common sports injury, or complex fracture, or pain from the effects of normal wear and tear, these critical bones deserve expert care. Proper and timely treatment when you feel pain are key. OrthoNOW clinicians are available on demand and specialize in diagnosis and treatment for a variety of conditions ranging from sports injuries to trauma related to the foot and ankle in both adults and children. Radiology and rehabilitation are offered on-site for your convenience. Common Foot & Ankle Conditions Contusion (Bruise) Congenital and Post-traumatic Conditions Forefoot and Toe Deformities Hallux Valgus Pilon Fractures of the Ankle Plantar Fasciitis Sprained Ankle Stress Fracture of the Foot and Ankle Tendon Injuries Turf Toe
  • Hip & Knee Care
    Osteoarthritis is the leading cause of hip and knee joint deterioration, pain, and movement limitation As weight-bearing joints, your hips and knees are highly prone to painful and debilitating injuries and which change your life by limiting your ability to walk, sit comfortably, exercise or perform normal daily activities. Although durable our hips and knees are far from indestructible. In addition, osteoarthritis is the leading cause of hip and knee joint deterioration, pain, and movement limitation. If knee or hip pain is limiting your ability to walk, perform simple activities, or work, you want the best possible care and treatment to help relieve your pain and get you back to your favorite activities as soon as possible. When pain interferes with your ability to move and live comfortably, it’s time to seek expert orthopedic care. At OrthoNOW our orthopedic specialists will assess and treat your hip or knee problem using the most current and state-of-the-art diagnostic methods and treatments available. The goal is to return you to a productive, pain-free lifestyle. Call us to schedule an appointment. Common Hip & Knee Conditions ACL Injury CrossFit Injuries & Treatments Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) Growth Plate Fractures Hip Bursitis Hip Arthritis Meniscal Tears Osteoarthritis of the Hip Osteonecrosis of the Hip Runners Knee
  • Hand & Wrist Care
    Have you injured your hand or wrist? Are you developing signs of carpal tunnel syndrome? The human hand is an intricate instrument that is both tough and delicate. Your hand and wrist contain a complex arrangement of joints, cartilage, and bones that must work together to accomplish functions we all can easily take for granted every day. Whether extending a hand to greet your neighbor or typing on a keyboard or even eating dinner with your loved ones, we depend on our hands. We need our flexibility and coordination to position our fingers and thumbs to do even the most basic things in our everyday lives. That’s also why when something goes wrong, and your hand or wrist quits working properly, all of sudden even simple tasks can become a chore. That’s when you need to consult a specialist. Our onsite orthopedic clinicians are available on demand to diagnosis and treat your hand and wrist pain or injury and get you back to a pain-free life as quickly and conservatively as possible. Common Hand & Wrist Conditions Carpal tunnel syndrome Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Basal Joint Arthritis of the Thumb Congenital deformities Wrist fractures Hand Fractures Dislocations Osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease Rheumatoid arthritis Wrist Sprains Tendinitis Thumb Sprains Trigger finger (locking finger) Mallet Finger Jersey Finger
  • Lumbar & Cervical Spine Care
    Are you experiencing any symptoms of pain or have a lumbar or cervical spine injury? More than 80% of the population in the United States will experience neck or back pain at some time in their life. Because OrthoNOW centers are focused solely on orthopedic health, we are experts in diagnosing and treating patients struggling with a range of conditions affecting the neck, back, and spine. Whether you are a weekend warrior or simply wish to get through your daily activities free of pain, we are here to restore and improve and our patients’ lives. We strive to ensure patients are treated in a personal and compassionate manner, which is why our patients continually recommend us to friends and family. Common Lumbar & Cervical Spine Conditions Strains and Sprains of the neck and back “Pulled muscles” Chronic neck or back pain CrossFit Injuries Herniated Disc Nerve Injuries Sciatica Spinal Stenosis Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis

OrthoNOW accepts walk-ins…NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY!
 

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