Xpress Ortho Care talks avoiding the flu

ZANESVILLE, Ohio- Hospitals and urgent care centers are filled with patients suffering from the flu and other ailments, but one local practice said anyone suffering from broken ligaments and sprains can get treated by them instead.

Xpress Ortho Care on Maple Ave can treat any injury including broken bones — as long as the bone isn’t sticking out. Holly Voltz, the Clinic Administrator, said there are many advantages to coming to Xpress Ortho Care including: short wait times, low costs, and a lower chance of catching illnesses circulating emergency rooms.

“Another thing that’s a real key issue right now is the flu season is record breaking as far as how many people are affected by it. And so you don’t really want to go into an ER or an urgent care right now if you’ve got an orthopedic issue. So this way if you come in to see us you’re not exposed to people that are waiting in an ER or urgent care, you know, and get exposed to the flue. So here you know you’re sort of safe from that.”

Voltz said that this time of year is very busy for the clinic. She said many patients come to the clinic with injuries sustained while enjoying winter activities.

“You know Ohio weather is crazy. It’s either like sunshine and warm or it’s like crazy and ice. So we’ve had quite a few people having accidents either slipping on the ice or the snow and we’ve also had a lot of the snow fun activities like sledding and skiing, with a lot of accidents with that going on.”

Voltz said the specialists tend to see the same injuries over and over again during the winter.

“Some of the common injuries that you see with the ice and the snow is risk fractures, collarbone fractures and separation, arms, ankle fractures, are basically common. And you see that a lot because as you go to fall you try to catch yourself with your hand or you’re trying to stop that fall from happening and that’s usually where the accident actually occurs.”

Voltz said if you find yourself slipping on the ice the most important thing to do is protect your head and try not to brace yourself as you fall. Xpress Ortho Care is open 7 days a week and no appointment is needed to be seen. You can check their website for a list of insurance they accept.