Not only are sports exciting, but they are also good for your health. However, sports may occasionally cause injury.
Where should you go if you are injured during a sporting event? An urgent care facility is equipped with diagnostic technology (such as X-Ray machines) and medical personnel to provide prompt, practical, and cost-effective care to patients who require immediate attention and cannot wait to see their primary care physician.
When to Visit an Urgent Care Center for Acquiring Sports Injuries?
It’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible for any serious injury. However, mild injuries can often be managed at home with rest and over-the-counter medications.
Generally, a visit to the urgent care center is in order if there is severe pain, bruising, or swelling that persists after a few days. Additionally, if numbness or difficulty in moving the affected area, this is also a sign that medical attention should be sought.
When you come to the urgent care center, it’s essential to have a complete understanding of your sports-related injuries and the way you sustained them. Your healthcare provider will need to make an accurate diagnosis before they can provide effective treatment. Be sure to let your doctor know what sport you play and how long you have been playing it.
In some cases, further testing may be needed to diagnose your injury accurately. This could include x-rays or an MRI scan. Once your wound is diagnosed, they can provide appropriate treatment. Treatment options could include physical therapy, rehabilitation exercises, bracing or casting, or surgery if needed.
What Are the Types of Sports Injuries?
Sports injuries can be divided into three general categories: mechanical (physical), neurological, and stress-related. Mechanical injuries are caused by contact with other players or the ground; neurological injuries are caused by physical trauma to the brain or spinal cord; and stress-related injuries are caused by endurance or intensity of exercise beyond one’s ability.
There are many different types of sports injuries, varying in severity. The most common sports injuries are strains, sprains, contusions, bruises, and fractures.
Strains occur when the muscle or tendon pulls away from the bone. On the other hand, sprains involve tears in the muscle or tendon and can be very serious. Contusions are swelling in the tissues around the injury, bruises are collections of red blood cells and fluid beneath the skin, and fractures are broken bones.
Some types of sports injuries are more common in particular sports than others. For example, tennis players are especially prone to developing tennis elbow, a condition caused by too much use of the arm muscles. Other sports particularly dangerous for the limbs include football, basketball, and skiing.
What Are the Injuries Treated in an Urgent Care Facility?
There are many different types of sports injuries, and each one requires a unique set of treatments. Typically, however, the treatments that are provided in an urgent care facility include:
- Physical therapy to improve movement and functionality
- Acupuncture to relieve pain
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Prescription painkillers
- Oxygen therapy
- Sutures (stitches) to close wounds
- Steroid injections to reduce inflammation
- Surgery, if indicated
In some cases, further testing may be needed to diagnose your injury accurately.
Conclusion
Sports injuries can be painful and affect your ability to perform and enjoy your sport. Sometimes, it is essential to obtain urgent care for sports injuries to ensure a quick and proper recovery. For more severe or acute injuries, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
If you’ll need an urgent care center in Chelsea, AL, for sports injury treatment, Southern Immediate Care is here for you! We always strive to provide the highest quality care while utilizing the most advanced treatment methods available. Get in touch with us immediately!
