Physical trauma can happen unexpectedly due to accidental falls, workplace injuries, sports, and other physical activities. These may range from bumps, bruises, strains, and sprains to dislocations and fractures. The ideal treatment will depend on the extent of the injury, but it usually involves focusing on pain relief and regaining functionality.

At Carolina Urgent Care, we understand the importance of receiving prompt medical attention for these injuries. Our urgent care and walk-in clinic services provide swift and reliable comprehensive attention in case of physical trauma. 

Depending on the kind of injury suffered, physical trauma can range from the following options:

Bumps and Bruises

Have you ever bumped into a piece of furniture or taken a tumble and found yourself with a painful bump or a colorful bruise? These common types of physical trauma can occur daily or during physical activities. While often minor, we understand how uncomfortable and inconvenient they can be.

Bumps are typically caused by a blunt force, such as a collision with a hard surface. This sudden impact can cause a raised area on your skin. On the other hand, bruises or contusions result from an injury that causes small blood vessels under the skin to bleed, leading to discoloration on the skin's surface.

Common causes of bumps and bruises vary widely but often include slips and fall, accidentally bumping into hard objects or incidents related to sports or physical activities. These events can lead to direct trauma to the skin and underlying tissues, resulting in the characteristic bump or bruise.

Symptoms accompanying bumps and bruises can include pain, swelling, and discoloration in the affected area. While bumps usually resolve on their own, bruises may take longer to heal and can vary in color from red and purple to blue and yellow as they heal.

Our experienced healthcare providers will thoroughly assess your condition, considering your symptoms and the cause of the injury. With a combination of physical examination and, if needed, imaging tests, they will determine the extent of your injury.

Pain relief is a priority in our treatment approach. Depending on your specific situation, we might recommend over-the-counter pain relievers, ice applications, or rest. In more severe cases, additional treatments may be required.

Strains and Sprains

Have you ever heard of strains, sprains, and fractures? These are other types of physical trauma that can happen to your muscles, ligaments, or bones.

Strains: A strain is a stretch or tear in a muscle or tendon. It usually occurs when these tissues are overstretched or overused. Symptoms include pain, muscle spasms, and swelling.

Sprains: A sprain refers to a stretch or tear in a ligament, which connects two bones. This typically happens when a joint is forced out of its normal position. Symptoms include pain, bruising, swelling, and limited ability to move the joint.

Fractures: Unlike strains and sprains, a fracture implies a cracked or broken bone. This injury might also damage the surrounding joints and ligaments. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, bruising, and deformity.

Common causes include falls, sudden twists, or blows to the body. These injuries can also occur during sports or other physical activities.

It's important to seek prompt treatment for strains, sprains, and fractures. Carolina Urgent Care is here to help manage these conditions. Our healthcare providers will evaluate your injury, provide pain relief, and may perform diagnostic tests like x-rays to determine the extent of the injury. Based on the diagnosis, we will develop a treatment plan to promote healing and help you regain function and mobility.

Dislocations

Dislocations can be a painful and distressing experience. A dislocation occurs when the bones in a joint are forced out of their normal position. This can happen due to accidents, falls, or sports-related injuries.

Common symptoms of a dislocation include severe pain, swelling, deformity in the joint, and difficulty moving the affected area. The joint may also feel unstable or loose.

If a dislocation is left untreated, it can lead to complications such as damage to surrounding tissues, nerves, and blood vessels. That's why it's crucial to seek immediate medical attention.

At Carolina Urgent Care, we understand the urgency of dislocations. Our experienced healthcare providers will assess your condition, perform any necessary diagnostic tests like x-rays, and expertly manipulate the joint to put it back in its proper place. 

We prioritize your comfort and will provide pain relief during the procedure. Once the joint is successfully relocated, we will develop a personalized treatment plan to support your recovery.

Preventing physical trauma involves adopting safety precautions to minimize your risk of injury. While at home, it is important to keep hallways and walkways properly illuminated and clutter-free to avoid accidental falls. Also, using nonslip mats in the bathroom and kitchen can help stop you from slipping on wet surfaces.

It is important to use an ergonomic chair and wear protective equipment if it is required for your workspace. Make sure to follow safety guidelines at work to prevent accidents.

Wear protective gear like helmets, knee pads, and wrist guards when participating in sports to avoid injury. Also, warm up and stretch properly before starting physical activity to prevent strains and sprains.

In general, try to perform physical activities with regularity to improve balance, coordination, and muscle strength. Maintaining a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water will also help keep you healthy and avoid physical injuries.

Carolina Urgent Care offers urgent treatment for any kind of physical trauma and injuries. Our comprehensive approach to medical care involves diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up services for complete continuity of care.

Our walk-in clinic allows us to attend to any medical emergency you may have without needing an appointment. We have the knowledge and experience to handle your health with maximum care. 

If you have suffered any kind of physical trauma, our walk-in clinic at Carolina Urgent Care is ready to welcome you. Let us help you recover your health.

Don’t hesitate to contact us. You can visit our clinics in Chapel Hill, Durham, or schedule an appointment online.