Sports injuries are a lot more common than you might imagine. If you or your child play a sport, it’s important that you know what to do in the event of an injury occurring. Depending on the injury, it could be a good idea to have it treated at an urgent care center. Ready to know more? Keep reading to learn all about getting sports injury treatment at an urgent care center.
What is an Urgent Care Center?
Think of an urgent care center as something between your GP and an emergency room. They can treat broken bones, allergic reactions, and other injuries, especially sports-related injuries.
Usually, wait times are lower at urgent care centers than emergency rooms, making them an excellent choice for treatment.
Common Sports Injuries
Most common sports injuries are treatable at an urgent care center. The most frequently seen injuries from sport include:
1.Head Injuries
A head injury can mean a concussion or worse, especially in contact sports like football. For headaches or nausea that won’t let up after a head injury, go to the local urgent care center to get checked out.
If there is a loss of consciousness, confusion, vomiting, or strange behavior, head to an emergency room for more thorough treatment.
2.Neck Injuries
Neck injuries mean there could be damage to the spine. If there is muscle aching or stiffness after a neck injury on the field or court, head to the urgent care center.
However, if the athlete is experiencing numbness or tingling anywhere in the body after a neck injury, it’s best to go to the emergency room.
3.Muscle, Tendon, and Bone Injuries
Intense sports activity can often lead to bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments injuries. These injuries can happen anywhere in the body. An urgent care center can perform x-rays to check for breaks and manage pain from bruising or swelling. Sprains and strains can also be treated at an urgent care center.
If there is an open fracture, where the skin is opened up from the broken bone, or if there is severe pain with movement, the emergency room will be your best bet.
4.Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath during sports is usually due to simple exertion and is nothing to be concerned about. However, if the athlete’s breath does not improve or they cannot speak, go to an urgent care.
If the athlete loses breath completely or the condition worsens, go to a hospital emergency room instead.
If you’re ready to learn more about what treatment services your local urgent care provides, give them a call today to find out! You can also book an appointment online if you’re ready to get started right away.
Sports injuries are sudden and painful without prompt medical treatment by a provider. If you need to treat sports injuries ASAP, make sure you consider AFC Urgent Care West Long Branch today for immediate treatment and relief!
