When a child gets hurt, it can be both stressful and overwhelming for parents. Injuries like sprains, strains, and fractures often happen quickly and unexpectedly, whether during a game, on the playground, or in day-to-day activities.
Pediatric urgent care centers are designed to handle these situations efficiently, ensuring children get the specialized care they need while providing parents with reassurance and guidance.
Let us discuss how pediatric urgent care centers treat these types of injuries and what you can expect. We will also discuss why visiting pediatric urgent care for minor injuries is often the best option.
What Is a Sprain
A sprain happens when ligaments, which connect bones to each other, are stretched or torn. Symptoms include swelling, pain, and sometimes difficulty moving the injured joint. Common areas for sprains include the ankles, knees, and wrists.
What Is a Strain
A strain refers to an injury to muscles or tendons that connect muscles to bones. These injuries often result from overstretching or pulling a muscle too far. Symptoms of strains include pain, muscle spasms, and swelling.
What Is a Fracture
A fracture involves a broken bone – this can range from a small crack to a complete break. There are several types of fractures, including simple (clean break), compound (bone pierces the skin), and stress fractures (tiny cracks due to repetitive force).
Symptoms of a fracture include severe pain, bruising, inability to move the injured area, and sometimes a visible bone deformity. Fractures often require more advanced care, like casting or splinting.
How Pediatric Urgent Care Centers Handle These Injuries
Here is what you can expect when you seek pediatric urgent care for minor injuries like sprains, strains, or fractures.
Initial Assessment
When you arrive at a pediatric urgent care center, the first step is a thorough assessment. The healthcare provider will examine your child’s injury and ask questions about how it happened. This helps determine whether the injury is a sprain, strain, or fracture.
Diagnostic Imaging
For injuries that may involve a fracture or more serious damage, the provider may recommend an X-ray. Pediatric urgent care centers are often equipped with state-of-the-art imaging technology to confirm the injury type right on-site.
Treatment for Sprains and Strains
For sprains and strains, healthcare providers often recommend following the RICE protocol, which is a simple and effective method to promote healing and reduce discomfort.
Here is a detailed explanation of each step.
Rest
It is important to avoid using the injured area as much as possible. Resting the affected body part helps prevent further damage and allows the tissues to start the healing process.
This might mean avoiding physical activities or using supportive devices like crutches to stay off a sprained ankle.
Ice
Applying a cold pack or ice wrapped in a cloth to the injured area helps reduce swelling and numb the pain. It is best to apply ice for 15-20 minutes at a time every few hours during the first 24-48 hours after the injury.
Be sure not to place ice directly on the skin, as it can cause frostbite.
Compression
Wrapping the injured area with an elastic bandage or compression wrap provides support and helps control swelling. The wrap should be snug but not so tight that it cuts off circulation.
If your child complains of numbness, tingling, or increased pain, loosen the bandage immediately.
Elevation
Keeping the injured area raised above the level of your heart helps reduce swelling by allowing fluids to drain away from the injured tissues. For example, if your child sprains their ankle, you can prop it up on pillows while they sit or lay down.
In addition to the RICE protocol, your healthcare provider may suggest over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) to manage discomfort.
Ibuprofen can also help reduce inflammation, while acetaminophen focuses on relieving pain.
Treatment for Fractures
Fractures usually require more advanced interventions. Simple fractures may be treated with a splint or cast to stabilize the bone.
If the fracture is more severe, you may be referred to a specialist for further care. Pediatric urgent care centers often work closely with orthopedic specialists to ensure a smooth transition of care if needed.
Follow-Up Care
After initial treatment, the provider will give you clear instructions on how to care for your child’s injury at home. This may include monitoring for swelling, scheduling follow-up appointments, and gradually returning to physical activity.
Why Choose Pediatric Urgent Care for Minor Injuries
Pediatric urgent care centers specialize in treating injuries and illnesses that are not life-threatening but still require immediate attention. This includes sprains, strains, and fractures. Here is why they are an excellent option for minor injuries.
Child-Specific Expertise
Pediatric urgent care staff are trained to work specifically with children. They understand how to communicate with kids in ways that make them feel comfortable.
This expertise allows them to diagnose and treat injuries more effectively than a general urgent care clinic.
Efficient Diagnosis and Care
Pediatric urgent care centers are equipped with diagnostic tools like X-rays, which are essential for identifying sprains, strains, and fractures. Quick results allow your child to start treatment right away.
Cost-Effective and Convenient
Unlike an emergency room, which can quickly become costly and time-consuming, pediatric urgent care provides a more affordable and faster option for minor injuries.
Many centers also allow you to reserve your spot online, reducing wait times.
Pediatric Urgent Care for Minor Injuries in King, North Carolina
Quick, effective care is critical when your child gets hurt. Pediatric urgent care centers are designed to make the process as stress-free as possible for parents and children alike.
At Cardinal Urgent Care, we are committed to providing high-quality, child-focused care for minor injuries like sprains, strains, and fractures. Our highly trained and skilled healthcare provider will thoroughly assess your child’s injury and offer prompt treatment.
To learn more about pediatric urgent care for minor injuries, call us today at (336) 983-9111. You can also make an appointment to let us know you are coming. Our pediatric urgent care center opens 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. from Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. We look forward to serving you!
