Common Acute Care Injuries Treated at Urgent Care Clinics

You might find yourself hurt or sick, but you are not sure if you need medical attention right away. Should you try to treat your symptoms at home? Should you schedule an appointment to see your primary care physician? Should you go to an emergency room? This all depends entirely on the severity of your condition and the discomfort or pain.

 

Your first thought might be to visit your doctor because they know your medical history. Unfortunately, only about 30% of primary care physicians offer after-hours coverage, and sometimes it can take days to get an appointment. If you are in severe pain or are concerned about your condition worsening, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately.

 

Fortunately, 85% of urgent care centers are open seven days a week, and 95% are still open after 7 p.m. This is the best place for you to start.

 

Common Injuries Treated at Urgent Care

 

  1. Fractures- The primary sign of a fracture is pain. You might also experience swelling, bruising, or bleeding at the location of the fracture. A doctor might be able to identify a fracture by looking at the area, but X-rays are often required to confirm an accurate diagnosis.
  2. Whiplash- Whiplash is a neck injury that occurs from a forceful and rapid movement of the neck. This occurs often during an auto accident, but can also be from a sports injury or physical abuse. Common signs of whiplash are neck pain, stiffness, and headaches. Doctors usually treat whiplash with pain medication and specific exercise.
  3. Sprain- A sprain is an injury to a ligament, which is the tissue connecting the bone to the joint. Sprains are usually from falling, twisting, or force. They are common in ankles, knees, wrists, and fingers. You will experience some pain, swelling, and bruising at the site of the injury with restricted movement at the joint. You might hear a pop or even feel a tear at the time of the injury.

 

Common Illnesses Treated at Urgent Care

 

  1. Upper respiratory infection- The most frequent diagnosis at urgent care centers is an upper respiratory infection. This infection will affect the nasal cavity, sinuses, throat, and larynx. There are a variety of upper respiratory infections, so the severity of the illness varies. The primary symptoms include nasal discharge, cough, sneezing, congestion, and fatigue.
  2. Urinary tract infection- UTIs usually occur from bacteria in the urinary tract. Males and females of all ages can both contract a UTI, but it is more common in women. At least one-third of all women in the U.S. will have a UTI by age 24. This infection can be easily treated with antibiotics. In severe cases, the infection spreads to the bladder and kidneys, creating complications.
  3. Pink eye- Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, can be very contagious. It is crucial that you visit an urgent care center immediately if you have any of these symptoms: blurred vision, fever, discharge from the eye, itchy and watery eyes, or redness in the eyes.

 

Common Symptoms Treated at Urgent Care

 

You may not know what is wrong, but if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is a good idea to have yourself checked out at an urgent care facility:

 

  1. Swollen glands.
  2. Rash.
  3. Minor abdominal pain.
  4. Sore throat.
  5. Headache.

 

These conditions and symptoms are best treated at an urgent care facility. The emergency room might sound like a quicker option, but rarely is. Waiting times are most often much longer at the ER.

Related Article: How Urgent Care Can Help You Heal Faster from Acute Care Injuries