Minor Acute Injuries Treatment Q&A

Injuries occur when your body is damaged. The causes of injuries may be accidents or acts of violence, and they may occur at home, at work, or while playing. In many cases, they are caused by blunt objects hitting the body or by objects penetrating the body.

Minor injuries may be painful, but they don’t endanger your life, limbs, mobility, or long-term survival. However, they can often still benefit from prompt treatment. Examples of minor injuries include sprains and muscle strain, shallow cuts and abrasions, skin lesions and bruises, and minor burns affecting a small area of skin, so seek medical attention to be on the safe side.

An examination by your healthcare provider is the first step in diagnosing a sports injury. During the interview, they will ask you questions about the incident and the symptoms you’ve been experiencing. As well as looking at the injured area, they may test how it moves.

Your healthcare provider may also recommend imaging tests based on the type and severity of your injury. Images of the structures inside your body can be created using X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. Your healthcare provider will be able to diagnose and treat your injury by using the images.

Depending on the type and severity of the injury, sports injuries require different treatments. With rest and at-home strategies, most sports injuries will heal within a few days or weeks.

In the case of more serious injuries, treatment will be necessary. A cast, splint, sling, walking boot, or other medical devices may be used to immobilize the area. Pain and swelling can be reduced with injections. There may be a need to prescribe anti-inflammatory medications. In order to heal and strengthen injured body parts, the patient may undergo physical therapy (also called rehabilitation or rehab).

Fractures and ligament, tendon, or cartilage tears may require surgery in severe cases.

R.I.C.E. is a four-step first aid treatment that is effective for treating minor injuries. R.I.C.E. stands for “rest, ice, compression, elevation,” and each word describes a step in the treatment procedure.

Rest should be given to the injured limb. After the injury, you may need to use crutches for 48 to 72 hours to avoid putting any weight on the injured area. A splint or brace may also be helpful at first. Though you shouldn’t avoid all movement, the injured area can rest while others are active.

Ice should be applied to the area. It is possible to reduce swelling after an injury by using cold packs or compression sleeves filled with cold water. Apply ice to the area if swelling persists after 48 hours. To prevent tissue damage, don’t use ice for too long.

A bandage or elastic wrap should be applied to the affected area. It is recommended to wear compression wraps made from neoprene or elastic. When you elevate an injured limb above your heart, swelling can be prevented or limited.

Many minor injuries such as strains or sprains are caused by minor traumas. Awkward wrenching or twisting of a joint, or overuse, stretching, or force are common causes. To avoid sustaining minor injuries it is important to adequately prepare your body for stress, such as stretching prior to an activity and not overexerting yourself. When participating in sports where appropriate safety equipment. And avoid repetitive motions or periods of overly prolonged periods of inactivity.

Minor acute injuries can be treated at Immediate Care of Oklahoma, so reach out to us today to book an appointment.