Categories: Urgent Care

5 Common Urgent Care Minor Injury Treatment Procedures

Urgent care facilities provide easy access to quality healthcare for many patients, especially when the offices of their primary care physicians are closed. A variety of conditions can be treated at urgent care centers. For minor injuries, you can save time by visiting an urgent care center for treatment. However, urgent care is not recommended for life-threatening conditions.

Urgent care or primary care

A primary care doctor plays an important part in a patient’s long-term health. But urgent care facilities can support patients who are going through urgent medical conditions. They are mainly helpful to patients who cannot wait for an appointment. Here are some of the minor injuries treated at urgent care centers.

Minor burns

Every year millions of people in America seek treatment for burns. A large number of them usually go to urgent care facilities. If a patient goes to a doctor for burn treatment, the healthcare provider will assess the severity of the burn by examining the skin. The treatment of burns depends on several factors, including the location and severity of the damage. Treatment may involve medications, therapy, and wound dressings. Most minor burns can be treated at home and often heal within a few weeks.

Sprains

A sprain is typically a tearing or stretching of a person’s ligaments. The most common locations for sprains are ankles, wrists, knees, and thumbs. During a physical exam, the doctor will check for swelling and any points of tenderness in an affected limb. The intensity and location of the pain can help determine the nature and extent of the damage.

Digital X-rays can help a doctor rule out a fracture or other bone injury. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can also help to diagnose the extent of the problem. If a person has sprained ligaments, then rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) may be recommended as one of the first treatments. Over-the-counter medications and physical therapy can also help.

A sprain is more serious than a strain. The mild type of sprain is when there is overstretching of the ligament. A severe sprain causes a full or partial tearing of the affected ligament. This type of injury may take weeks to heal. Many patients report that this injury often feels like the bone is broken.

Immediate swelling often happens during a sprain. The individual may feel a significant amount of pain. A person may take many weeks to recover from this type of injury. It is important to have the pain checked right away, especially if the individual is a child.

Observing the injured area is important. The symptom of a broken bone and a sprain are similar, especially in children. There is swelling and pain in the affected area. The individual cannot use the joint at all.

Minor cuts and bruises

Cuts and bruises are some of the most common injuries treated at urgent care facilities. A person should visit an urgent care clinic for the treatment of cuts that do not involve a lot of blood but are still serious enough to require stitches. If a bruise is bad and also extensive with skin loss, it should be checked out. Cuts and bruises should also be examined if there are signs of swelling and reddening of the injured area. This will allow the wound to be attended to, and antibiotics can be prescribed to help deal with an infection.

A minor cut or bruise can stop bleeding after three minutes or so. The direct pressure on the injured area for about 10 to 15 minutes can stop the bleeding. Washing the area with plain water can remove impurities and debris. Topical antibiotics on the wound can get rid of or stop the infection before it worsens. Covering the wound with a watertight and airtight dressing can help protect it from bacteria and contaminants.

Bone fractures

Bone fractures are extremely common. A doctor may be able to tell upon examination if a person has broken a bone. But an X-ray may be ordered to confirm the fracture and to also identify the type of fracture. Most fractures are treated by immobilizing them in a splint or cast, but some often also require antibiotic treatment to prevent infection. Physical therapy can also help to regain full range of motion.

Contact an urgent care clinic

For minor injuries that involve only moderate pain, you should consider visiting an urgent care facility. Urgent care centers can treat a variety of minor injuries, including minor burns, sprains, cuts, bruises, and bone fractures. If you need urgent medical attention, an urgent care center is ideal. Contact an urgent care clinic near you to learn more about common urgent care minor injury treatment procedures.

Call us today at (832) 941-1894 for more information from Texas Urgent Care & Imaging Center.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

Visit Your Primary Care Physician For Diabetes Treatment

Contrary to what some may believe, diabetes requires professional treatment since it is a chronic condition marked by high blood sugar. With treatment, patients can manage their diabetes and reduce its impact on their lives. A primary care physician, or PCP, will guide patients through diabetes treatment, connecting them with specialists and using treatment strategies…

What Happens During DOT Drug Testing?

DOT drug testing is performed as part of the biannual DOT physical checkup for all commercial drivers. The Department of Transport is responsible for ensuring that all commercial drivers are sober. For the well-being of employees and the public, the DOT monitors drug and alcohol use with regular testing. Keep reading to find out what…

Understanding Breathing Treatments: Options For Managing Respiratory Conditions

Professional breathing treatments, also known as respiratory therapy, are essential for managing various respiratory conditions. These treatments can help relieve symptoms, improve breathing, and prevent complications in individuals with chronic conditions like asthma and COPD, as well as acute respiratory infections. Understanding the different options available for breathing treatments ensures that patients receive the right…

How Drug Screening Works And Why It's Necessary

Drug screening is integral to many industries and institutions, such as workplaces, in-patient treatment programs, and sports organizations. These screenings look for signs of prescription, legal, or illegal drugs in a urine or hair sample. If you have an upcoming drug screening, you may have questions about the process. Here is what you should know.Drug…

Texas Urgent Care & Imaging Center

Share
Published by
Texas Urgent Care & Imaging Center

Recent Posts

Visit Your Primary Care Physician for Diabetes Treatment

If you have or suspect that you have diabetes, it is recommended to visit your…

1 week ago

What Happens During DOT Drug Testing?

Keep reading to find out what happens during a DOT drug testing.

2 weeks ago

Understanding Breathing Treatments: Options for Managing Respiratory Conditions

Understanding the different options available for breathing treatments ensures that patients receive the right medical…

2 weeks ago

How Drug Screening Works and Why It’s Necessary

If you have an upcoming drug screening, you may have questions about the process. Here…

1 month ago

When to Visit Urgent Care: Signs You Need Immediate Attention

Learning the signs for each situation can help you determine where to go and likely…

1 month ago

Why Laboratory Services Are Crucial for Accurate Medical Diagnoses

In healthcare, laboratory services include collecting, analyzing, and testing patient samples to help diagnose, treat,…

1 month ago