Athletes Welcome at Walk-In Clinics Across the Philadelphia Metro Area For Sports Injury Treatments

At AFC Urgent Care Centers throughout the Philadelphia Metro Area, we offer treatment for sports-related injuries in adults and children alike. Staying active through workouts or athletic activities is excellent for your health, but it can also put you at risk for common injuries. Knowing how they happen—and staying mindful of your physical limits—can help you avoid them. Our team of board-certified physicians and skilled nurses is here to help you both prevent and recover from sports injuries, with walk-in convenience and expert care.

What kinds of injuries do we treat at AFC Urgent Care Centers in the Philadelphia Metro Area?

We handle a wide range of athletic injuries, most of which affect the body's musculoskeletal system—your muscles, bones, joints, tendons, cartilage, and ligaments.
Here are some frequently seen cases:

Sprain – Sprains involve stretching or tearing the ligaments that connect bones at a joint. A misstep, fall, or hit can push a joint out of its natural alignment, causing pain, swelling, bruising, and limited motion. Our clinics regularly treat sprains of the knee, wrist, and ankle. Mild to moderate sprains typically heal with conservative care, but severe ones may require a referral for surgical repair.

Strain – A body suffers a strain when a muscle or tendon is overstretched or torn. Typically, this is due to overuse or improper movement. Symptoms include spasms, pain, and reduced strength. Groin pulls and hamstring strains are common strains we see at our clinics. While we treat most mild to moderate strains, significant muscle damage may require specialist care.

Achilles Tendon Injuries – These tendons, connecting the calf to the heel, can be injured suddenly and may present with sharp pain and loss of mobility. Some tears respond well to bracing and rest, while more serious ruptures may require structured recovery planning to prevent long-term complications.

Tennis Elbow / Golfer's Elbow – Caused by repeated use of the arms and forearms, this condition leads to discomfort around the elbow joint. It affects far more than just athletes—anyone performing repetitive motion with their arms can develop these symptoms, typically in their dominant arm.

Shin Splints – If your shins ache or throb after running, you might be dealing with medial tibial stress syndrome. Improper footwear, flat feet, and weak supporting muscles can all contribute to inflammation. Stretching and warm-up routines help minimize the risk.

Runner's Knee – Also known medically as patellofemoral syndrome (or informally referred to as jumper's knee), this condition arises from trauma or overuse of the knee joint. Pain often worsens with activities such as bending, climbing stairs, or prolonged sitting. Clicking and popping sensations in the knee are also common.

Concussion – A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury, usually caused by impact. While a loss of consciousness is often portrayed in films, many people with concussions stay awake. We're equipped to evaluate and stabilize patients, and if necessary, refer them to neurologists for follow-up care.

Dislocations – Common in contact sports, dislocations occur when bones in a joint are forced out of their normal position. These injuries require medical attention—bones must be properly reset to ensure full recovery and avoid complications.

Fractures – Bone breaks vary in severity. We treat clean, uncomplicated fractures (known as acute fractures) onsite. However, compound fractures—where the bone pierces the skin—should be managed in an emergency room setting.

How can you avoid sports injuries?

Start by respecting your body's boundaries. A proper warm-up boosts circulation and helps prepare muscles for action. Stretching before and after workouts keeps your tissues limber, lowering your chance of injury and tears. And don't overlook the importance of rest—fatigued muscles are more prone to injury.

You're welcome to walk in without an appointment at AFC Urgent Care Centers in the Philadelphia Metro Area. We're open seven days a week, offer flexible hours, and have on-site digital X-ray capabilities for a quick and accurate diagnosis.