Pain, colds & allergies
Musculoskeletal sprains and strains
A rolled ankle on the stairs or a pulled back from lifting does not always need an emergency room. At Murray Shore Pharmacy in North York, a pharmacist can assess minor sprains and strains under Ontario's minor ailment program, check that nothing more serious is going on, and set you up with a recovery plan the same day.
Common signs
- Pain that started right after a twist, fall, or awkward lift
- Swelling or bruising around a joint such as the ankle, knee, or wrist
- Muscle soreness or stiffness that worsens with movement
- Tenderness when you press on the injured area
- Reduced range of motion in the affected joint or muscle
See a doctor instead if
- You cannot put weight on the leg or take four steps
- The joint looks deformed, or you heard a pop at the moment of injury
- Numbness, tingling, or the skin below the injury turning pale or cold
- Severe swelling that appeared within minutes
- Pain that is not improving at all after several days of rest
Any of these sound like you? Call 416-789-1800 and we will point you the right way — or reach Health811 (opens in a new tab) by calling 811.
How the assessment works
The pharmacist asks how the injury happened, examines the area, and screens for signs of fracture or ligament rupture that need a physician. If it is a minor sprain or strain, you leave with self-care instructions on rest, ice, compression, and gradual return to activity, and an analgesic may be prescribed where appropriate. The assessment is covered by OHIP with a valid health card.
Sources 1, 2Three ways to get started. Do it all from home, or come in.
Start online from your phone, call us, or walk in and ask for the pharmacist. No appointment is needed. When you start online, a pharmacist calls or messages you back to finish the assessment. Prefer email? Write to us.
Frequently asked questions
Plain answers from the pharmacy team. Tap a question to open it.
Can a pharmacist tell if my ankle is broken?
We cannot take X-rays, but we use the same screening questions physicians use, such as whether you can bear weight and where the bone is tender. If your answers suggest a possible fracture, we refer you for imaging right away rather than treating it as a sprain.
Should I ice or heat a fresh sprain?
For a new injury, ice is generally the starting point, and the pharmacist will walk you through timing and how long to continue. Part of the assessment is giving you a written plan so you are not guessing at home.
Do I need to see my doctor first before coming in?
No. Ontario pharmacists can assess sprains and strains directly. Walk in to 3537 Bathurst Street or call 416-789-1800, and bring your OHIP card so there is no charge for the assessment.
How soon after the injury should I be assessed?
Sooner is better. An assessment in the first day or two lets us catch fracture warning signs early and start the right care before swelling and stiffness set in.
Can you assess a sports injury in a child?
Yes, children can be assessed with a parent present. Growing bones injure differently than adult bones, so our referral threshold for kids is deliberately cautious.
What should I bring to my assessment?
Bring your Ontario health card and a list of any medications you take, including over-the-counter products. If you can, wear clothing that lets the pharmacist see the injured area easily. That is all the preparation you need.
What happens if the pharmacist thinks it is more than a sprain?
You get a clear referral rather than a guess. If the screening points to a possible fracture or ligament tear, the pharmacist directs you to the right next step, such as imaging or a physician visit, and explains why. Nothing is treated as minor until it has earned that label.
Can seniors be assessed for sprains and strains?
Yes, and older adults are a large part of who we serve on Bathurst Street. The pharmacist also considers medications and conditions that affect healing and pain relief options, and asks about the fall itself, since a fall sometimes deserves its own attention.
Will there be any follow-up after the assessment?
Yes. Minor sprains and strains should show steady improvement, so the pharmacist tells you what progress to expect and when to return or seek further care if it stalls. You are not left to manage it alone.
How do I keep from injuring the same joint again?
Gradual return to activity matters more than most people expect. The pharmacist walks you through pacing, supportive footwear, and simple strengthening as the injury settles, because going back to full activity too fast is the most common reason a sprain repeats.
Can the pharmacist help with other minor conditions at the same visit?
Yes. Sprains and strains are one of many conditions Ontario pharmacists can assess, and you can browse the full list of pharmacist services we offer. Mention everything that is bothering you and we will sort out what can be handled on the spot.
Sources & further reading
Numbered references, linked from the sections above.
Your pharmacist is one call away.
416-789-1800 Call nowPrefer not to call? Email info@murrayshore.com or visit us at Bathurst & Baycrest.