Accidents happen every day. As a result, injuries occur.

While some injuries call for medical care, others can be treated at home. But how do you know which injury can be treated at home and which one needs medical care?

Our team at AFC Urgent Care Fountain City has the answer!

Does My Injury Need Medical Attention?

While there are times that an injury can be treated at home with rest and ice, there are times when medical attention is needed—or even vitally important.

If your pain is the same or worse after a few days, or swelling of your injury is not alleviated after two days, then it is time to seek medical attention. You should seek immediate medical attention for an injury that involves the head, bleeding that won’t stop, or fractures in which the bone is visible.

How to Prevent Injuries

• Practice basic fire safety guidelines, particularly in the kitchen.
• Make sure windows remain latched and closed when not in use.
• Ensure carpet and rugs are properly adhered to the floor.
• Clear clutter from the floor often.
• Make sure cords aren’t taking up space on the floor.
• Light up stairwells and other areas of your home.

How Do I Handle an Injury at Home?

It can sometimes be hard to know whether you need to seek treatment for an injury, especially if a cut doesn’t seem deep or if a fall just leaves a bruise.

But for minor injuries, at-home treatment using OTC remedies is often sufficient for care.

Home Remedies for an Injury

• Rest the injured area.
• Ice the injury.
• Wrap the injured area to reduce swelling.
• Make sure to keep the injury elevated.
• Take OTC pain medications to reduce pain.
• Alternate cold and heat treatments to relieve pain

Does your injury call for medical care? AFC Urgent Care Fountain City is open seven days a week to provide high-quality care for you and your family!