Why You Shouldn’t Postpone Care for a Minor Injury

Did you trip, fall, or twist something, and now you’re trying just to walk it off? Read on to learn more about the signs that your “minor” injury is worth checking out at the doctor’s office.

It’s easy to dismiss a twist, a fall, or a small cut as something that will heal on its own. After all, who wants to spend time driving to a clinic for a cut or a twist?

However, there may be hidden risks to delaying medical care for an injury, no matter how minor it seems. A delay in a medical consultation can quickly turn into a complex, painful, or even dangerous health issue.

To help you better understand the dangers of minor injuries, we asked our expert at North Tex MedCare Clinic & Urgent Care, Dr. Frank Lee, to explain why prompt care is essential.

1. The risk of hidden damage

What feels like a simple sprain or strain could be something more serious. The pain and discomfort may not resolve on their own if the damage extends beyond the soft tissue, which is difficult to determine without a proper evaluation.

For example, something that may feel like an ankle sprain could be a hairline fracture. If you attempt to bear weight without further stabilizing the injury with splinting or bracing, you risk further damage, a larger fracture, and increased pain.

2. The danger of infection

One of the most immediate threats from minor wounds is infection. Even a small cut, abrasion, or minor burn introduces bacteria into the body.

If the wound is not cleaned, disinfected, and properly closed, bacteria can multiply, leading to infections that may spread beyond the injury site. If the infection does spread, antibiotics are often required to treat it.

3. Preventing overcompensation and secondary problems

Overcompensation often occurs when you begin using another limb to protect the injured area. This compensation can create new, secondary problems, such as muscle imbalances and chronic pain in unrelated parts of the body, for example, lower back pain resulting from an untreated limp.

Improper self-treatment can also lead to poor healing. A specialist can ensure you receive targeted therapies and the correct exercise and rehabilitation programs needed for a smooth, complete recovery, helping prevent lingering stiffness or recurring joint issues.

Get prompt treatment with us

Our clinic accepts walk-in visits and is fully equipped to diagnose and treat a wide range of injuries quickly and effectively. Dr. Lee regularly treats fractures, sprains, strains, joint injuries, dislocations, minor burns, and minor cuts and lacerations.

If your injury is severe, such as deep wounds, protruding bone, or severe burns, always seek emergency care. For everything else, contact us to schedule an appointment at one of our offices in Allen, Addison, Fort Worth, or San Antonio, Texas, to receive immediate pain relief and a precise treatment plan tailored to your healing.