If a knee, hip, shoulder, or other joint is hurting, or a muscle is strained and weak, our walk-in clinics in Baytown and Crosby can see you today. We examine the joint or muscle, take an on-site X-ray when it is needed, and start treatment to ease the pain. You do not need an appointment. If your pain is in your back or neck, our back and neck pain page covers that care.
When should I see a doctor for joint pain?
See a doctor for joint pain that is sudden and severe, or that keeps you from moving and doing daily activities. Also get checked if a joint is very swollen and painful, if pain lasts for days or weeks with a fever or weight loss you cannot explain, or if the pain started after a fall or injury.
What causes joint and muscle pain?
Joint pain has many causes, and the reason often depends on your age, lifestyle, and overall health. Arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, causes inflammation that leads to pain. Osteoarthritis, the most common form, happens as the cartilage in a joint slowly wears down.
Repetitive movements, too much physical activity, and lifting heavy objects can strain joints. Injuries such as a sprain, strain, dislocation, or fracture can damage a joint. Bacteria can also get into a joint and cause an infection, and some autoimmune diseases make the immune system attack the joints. A swollen, painful joint can also be a sign of gout.
Muscle pain is often a strain. Strains involve the muscles or tendons, which connect muscles to bones, and they often cause muscle spasms or weakness. They can come from repetitive motions or improper lifting, at work or at home. Read more in our post on sprains and strains.
Signs your joint or muscle pain needs a visit
Sudden, severe pain
Joint pain that comes on suddenly and is intense can point to a serious problem. Get care if it is stopping you from moving or doing daily tasks.
Swelling, warmth, or redness
These are often signs of inflammation. A joint that is very swollen and painful should be checked to rule out infection and other problems.
You cannot move it normally
If you cannot move a joint the way you usually do, it could mean a more serious issue.
Pain that will not go away
Pain that lasts for several days or weeks needs a look, especially with a fever, weight loss, or joint swelling you cannot explain.
A fall or injury
If a joint was hurt in a fall or other injury, seek care right away. Prompt treatment can prevent further damage.
A known condition gets worse
If you have a history of joint conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis and your pain suddenly gets worse, we can check for complications.
What happens at your visit
What to expect when you walk in with joint or muscle pain.
- Exam and questions. Your provider asks about your symptoms, examines the joint or muscle, and orders tests if they are needed.
- X-ray if needed. A common reason our physicians order an X-ray is to find out why you are in pain. X-rays can show fractures and infections. Images are read by board-certified radiologists. Learn more about X-rays at our clinics.
- Pain relief. Easing your pain is often the first priority. Depending on the diagnosis, you may receive medication to relieve pain and inflammation.
- Support for injuries. For joint injuries, you may get a brace, splint, or crutches to support the joint. This helps prevent further damage and helps it heal.
- Plan for home and follow-up. Before you leave, you get home care instructions and any prescriptions you need. Prescriptions can be sent electronically to the pharmacy in our building. Your provider may also set up a follow-up visit.
Why patients choose Urgentcare MDs
- ✓Walk in today.. Appointments are available but not required, and we are open 7 days a week, including evenings and weekends.
- ✓X-rays on site.. On-site digital X-rays are read by board-certified radiologists, so you do not need a separate trip for imaging.
- ✓ER experienced physicians.. Our clinics are staffed by physicians with emergency room experience.
- ✓Pharmacy in the building.. Prescriptions are sent electronically to the independently operated pharmacy in our building.
- ✓Primary care nearby.. For ongoing care, Prime Care MDs has clinics in Baytown and Crosby. The Baytown Prime Care is across the street from our urgent care.
Home care for mild joint and muscle pain
For mild pain, these steps can help while you heal. If your pain is severe or matches the signs above, come in.
| What to do | How it helps |
|---|---|
| Rest | Avoid the activities that make the pain worse. |
| Ice | Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. For a strain, rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E.) may be enough. |
| Heat | Heat packs or warm compresses can relax tense muscles and relieve joint stiffness. |
| Over-the-counter pain relievers | Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can ease pain for a while. |
| Braces, splints, or compression sleeves | These give the joint stability and reduce strain. |
| Gentle, low-impact exercise | Helps keep joints flexible and strengthens the muscles around them. |
When to go to the ER instead
Urgent care treats minor, non-life-threatening conditions and is not a replacement for the emergency room. Go to the ER or call 911 for:
- A visible deformity, such as a bone sticking out
- Major breaks or dislocations
- A limb you cannot move at all
- Severe or uncontrollable bleeding
- Head trauma or loss of consciousness
In a life-threatening emergency, call 911. See ER or urgent care?
Visit Our Baytown and Crosby Clinics
Walk in at either Urgentcare MDs clinic, open 7 days a week. We also welcome patients from nearby communities, including Mont Belvieu, Highlands, La Porte, Cove, Huffman, Barrett and Sheldon.
Baytown Urgent Care
1658 West Baker Rd
Baytown, TX 77521
Phone: (281) 428-0000
Mon to Fri: 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Sat and Sun: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Crosby Urgent Care
14405 FM 2100, Ste. B
Crosby, TX 77532
Phone: (832) 821-9780
Mon to Fri: 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Sat and Sun: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Joint and muscle pain: common questions
Where can I see a doctor for joint pain in Baytown or Crosby?
You can walk in to Urgentcare MDs in Baytown or Crosby. Both clinics treat joint pain and muscle pain, and both have on-site X-rays. We are open 7 days a week, including evenings and weekends. You can also call ahead or contact us to schedule.
Do I need an appointment for joint or muscle pain, and do you take insurance?
No appointment is needed. Walk-ins are welcome, and appointments are available if you prefer one. We accept most major insurance plans. For minor injuries and pain, urgent care usually costs less than the emergency room and has shorter waits. Some services depend on your insurance.
Can urgent care X-ray a painful joint?
Yes. Both of our clinics have on-site digital X-rays, and images are read by board-certified radiologists. Our physicians often order an X-ray to find out why you are in pain. X-rays can show fractures and infections, which helps your provider choose the right treatment.
Should I use ice or heat on joint or muscle pain?
Both can help. Ice packs wrapped in a cloth, used for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, can ease pain and swelling. Heat packs or warm compresses can relax tense muscles and relieve stiffness. If the pain is severe or does not improve, come in to be checked.
When is joint pain an emergency?
Go to the ER for a visible deformity such as a bone sticking out, a major break or dislocation, or a limb you cannot move at all. Sudden, severe joint pain without those signs, or a swollen and painful joint, can be checked at urgent care.
Can you help when my arthritis flares up?
Yes. If you have a known joint condition such as rheumatoid arthritis and the pain suddenly gets worse, visit urgent care to rule out complications or infection. For long-term arthritis care, the primary care doctors at Prime Care MDs treat chronic conditions, including arthritis.
I hurt a joint or muscle at work. Can you see me?
Yes. We treat work-related injuries and handle workers’ compensation visits. Repetitive strain, heavy lifting, and poor posture can all lead to joint pain. We document your injury and provide updates to employers and workers’ comp insurers. Read more about work injury care.
Get your joint or muscle pain checked today
Walk in to our Baytown or Crosby clinic, or call ahead. We will find the cause of your pain and help you start feeling better.