Posted on 11-14-2025 in Urgent Care, Injury Care, Hurt App & Sports Injury by Dr. Sonya Ahmed, Dr. Alex Coleman, Dr. Joshua Hackel, Dr. Steven Kronlage, Dr. Matthew Mai, Dr. Erik Nilssen, Dr. Chris O'Grady, Dr. Roger Ostrander, Dr. James Piorkowski, Dr. Ryan Riggs, Dr. Brett Smith
The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and... unfortunately, sometimes injuries. At North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists (NFBJS), we understand that accidents happen, especially when juggling holiday decorations, gifts and activities. That's why we're proud to offer the Hurt! app — your trusted resource for managing acute orthopaedic injuries, available 24/7, 365 days a year.
Whether you've taken a sudden tumble off a ladder while hanging Christmas lights or your child sprains their ankle riding the brand-new bicycle Santa delivered, these are moments when the Hurt! app can make all the difference. With this innovative tool, you can connect with a Hurt! Care Navigator, in real-time, who will guide you through the next best steps to take — all at no cost to you or your insurance.
Getting started is easy. Download the Hurt! app for free from the App Store or Google Play, or access the service from your desktop via our Urgent Care page. Once you've set up your account, you can securely send details and photos of your injury to the Hurt! team for an initial assessment. From there, we'll help you schedule a same- or next-day appointment with one of our NFBJS Orthopaedic Subspecialists or, if needed, direct you to one of our trusted emergency department partners. No matter where you're sent, our team will follow up to ensure your recovery stays on track.
The Hurt! app is ideal for addressing non-life-threatening injuries such as:
While the Hurt! app is not designed for life- or limb-threatening situations, it's perfect for efficiently navigating common musculoskeletal issues during the busy holiday season. The trained Hurt! Care Navigator will ensure you're connected with the most appropriate care provider, saving you the hassle, cost and risk of an unnecessary emergency room visit.
So, whether you're untangling holiday lights, chasing kids around the yard or trying out new winter sports gear, know that we've got you covered. Download the Hurt! app today or visit our Urgent Care page to learn more or begin the registration process from your desktop device.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, approximately 2 million older Americans sustain fractures yearly due to weak bones. By 2025, that number is predicted to rise to 3 million fractures annually. At North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists, we recognize the importance of maintaining strong bones, particularly as you age. In honor of Healthy Aging Month, the following tips can help you maintain, and even improve, your bone strength:
We see our share of broken bones as an orthopaedic and sports medicine practice. From the high school baseball player who collided with first base a little too hard to the avid DIY’er who took a tumble from an unsecured ladder and everything in between, we’ve seen it all. As we age, we also gradually lose bone mass, which occurs as small amounts of healthy bone are absorbed into your body as small amounts are replaced. When more bone is absorbed than is replaced, the density (bone mass) is reduced. Osteoporosis develops when the bone is no longer replaced as quickly as it is removed, and over time, it causes the bone to become progressively weaker, increasing the risk that it may break.
October is Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month, a time to highlight how this technology is reshaping sports medicine. At North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists, musculoskeletal ultrasound plays a vital role in the timely diagnosis and treatment of sports-related injuries, helping patients receive precise, efficient care without delay.