Most acute injuries occur in the hands, wrists, feet, ankles, head, and neck. Close to 50% of these injuries are in the form of sprains and strains in different parts of the body, with falls being a common reason for acute injuries.
Acute injuries are those that are severe and occur suddenly as a result of a traumatic event such as a traumatic event such as a fall, a sports-related injury or an accident. Injuries can include sprained ankles or wrists, a strain in the back or neck, fractures in different affected parts of the body, ligament or muscle tears and joint injuries.
Another common cause of acute injuries are from falls, with many patients hospitalized each year due to a fall-related injury such as a head injury or hip fractures.
Falls or slips are common among older folks while sports-related injuries are much more common among younger people.
The difference between acute and chronic injuries is based on how long it took for the injury to occur. An acute injury is caused from a sudden or severe trauma such as a fall, an accident or a sports injury. A chronic injury develops over a period of time due to overuse or repetitive motions. In the case of a chronic injury, even a mild pain left untreated can develop over a period of time into a chronic condition.
The causes of both acute and chronic injuries could also be home-, work-, or sports-related. For example, years of running without proper attention being paid to posture or the right footwear could result in severe knee pain that could last for years – even turning into chronic pain.
While an acute injury is characterized by severe and sudden pain, bruising, inflammation, etc., chronic pain can present itself with persistent pain and constant inflammation even when at rest.
An acute injury is usually characterized by a sudden sharp or shooting pain. It is often accompanied with inflammation and/or bruising of the skin, which can be indicative of poor blood circulation in that part of the body.
Due to the suddenness of an traumatic event which causes an acute injury, pain is the predominant indication that an injury has occurred.
Acute injuries, depending on the severity of the pain and other symptoms, will require immediate medical attention.
In case of any injury to the head, however mild, it is always advisable to contact your medical care provider immediately.
A simple sprain or mild burn or cut are easily treated at home. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can address any pain while rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) can help address mild swelling. If, however, you have a deep cut, significant burns, bumps or protrusions or any of the other symptoms listed above, you should visit an urgent care center, like Integra Urgent. Stitches for lacerations, a sling or cast for a fracture, or proper cleaning and bandages for a wound will be required from a qualified medical care provider. If you are seeing visible deformities, or suspect severe dislocation or fractures, visit a healthcare professional immediately.
All Integra Urgent Care clinics are equipped to handle acute of injuries like sprains, strains, fractures and dislocations. For injuries and trauma to the head, you should immediately visit an emergency room/trauma center.
Depending on the severity and nature of the injury, your physician may advise surgery. This could be due to soft tissue damage (such as torn or ruptured muscles or ligaments), fractures, damage to internal organs and/or traumatic brain injury.
Basic and common-sense precautions can range from wearing a seat belt while driving, a helmet while riding a bicycle or wearing the right footwear while exercising.
Integra Urgent Care has well-trained and qualified medical care providers who can treat your acute injury 7 days a week. Visit us at https://integrauc.com/locations/ to locate the clinic closest to you.
Acute injuries are severe injuries that occur suddenly as a result of a traumatic event such as an accident, a fall or overexertion. These injuries can be in the form of sprained ankles or wrists, a strain in the back or neck, bone fractures, ligament or muscle tears and/or joint injuries.
The treatment for an acute injury depends on the nature, location, and severity of the injury. Treatment could simply entail application of hot or cold packs and over-the-counter (OTC) medication to manage inflammation and pain, while sever acute injuries could require surgery.
The most common types of acute injuries include strains, sprains, fractures, and dislocations.
Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE), treatment for burns, stitches for cuts, and braces/slings/casts for broken or dislocated bones are considered first aid for acute injuries.
An acute injury is a severe and sudden injury. While some of the injuries could be in the form of fractures, cuts, burns or dislocations, head injuries could be indicative of a much more serious condition. Immediately visit an Emergency Room or trauma center if a head injury occurs.
The duration of the acute injury is directly dependent on the nature and location of the injury. A small cut or sprain could heal in a matter of days, while a ligament tear could take weeks.
Integra Urgent Care is a walk in medical clinic providing quality healthcare to the DFW Metroplex in a timely and convenient manner.