Minor Injuries

Minor injuries like sprains and cuts typically aren’t serious. But it’s important to have them treated. At Mederi Urgent Care in the Melrose Hill neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, the team of primary care physicians provides urgent care to people of all ages, including treatment of minor injuries and illnesses. Call Mederi Urgent Care today to schedule a minor injury consultation, or book your appointment online.

Are minor injuries and acute injuries the same?

Yes. Minor injuries and acute injuries refer to the same thing. These injuries are often caused by trauma, like a fall or a car accident. Most heal on their own, but visiting the Mederi Urgent Care team can speed your recovery and reduce the risk of complications.

Which are the most common minor injuries?

The Mederi Urgent Care team treats many minor injuries, including:

• Fractures (broken bones)
• Sprains and strains
• Car accident injuries (for example, whiplash)
• Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs)
• Wear-and-tear injuries (for example, osteoarthritis)
• Cuts and lacerations
• Diabetic ulcers and other slow- and nonhealing wounds
• Ingrown toenails
• Puncture wounds

Sometimes, minor injuries are caused by exposure to harmful substances. For example, Mederi Urgent Care treats heat burns and chemical burns.

How are minor injuries diagnosed?

Your Mederi Urgent Care provider reviews your medical records and asks about your injury, including what you were doing when it happened, where it’s at, and if it’s made worse by certain activities, like work and exercise.

Next, your provider completes a physical exam. They check the affected area for redness, bruising, swelling, or an open wound and gently press your skin to identify sensitive spots.

Depending on your injury, your provider could check your muscle strength, reflexes, and range of motion. They might also order diagnostic imaging like X-rays if they suspect an underlying injury like a broken bone or a dislocated joint.

After making a diagnosis, your provider develops a personalized treatment plan.

How are minor injuries treated?

The Mederi Urgent Care team treats minor injuries using a conservative and minimally invasive approach. They could suggest:

• Stitches or sutures
• Wearing a cast or a splint
• Professional wound care
• Using assistive devices like crutches, a walker, or a cane
• Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
• Activity changes
• Physical therapy
• Ingrown toenail removal

Most minor injuries can be treated conservatively, but the team refers you to a nearby specialist if you need more specialized care, like surgery.

How long does it take to recover from a minor injury?

Minor injuries typically improve within two to three weeks. But it could take longer, depending on how severe the injury is. Carefully follow your provider’s instructions. Becoming active too quickly can stall your recovery and make things worse.

Call Mederi Urgent Care today to schedule minor injury treatment, or book your appointment online.