If you’re facing some health issue that warrants prompt care but isn’t life-threatening, the emergency department doesn’t have to be your first choice. Patients are seen based on the severity of their conditions, so those who are stable can expect long wait times. Thankfully, urgent care centers bridge the gap between emergency departments and doctor’s offices. If you experience any of the following when your primary care provider is off the clock, head to an urgent care center right away. 

3 Issues That Call for Urgent Care

1. Minor Lacerations 

Urgent care centers are equipped to clean and stitch up small wounds that don't necessarily pose the risk of bleeding out. If you cut your hand while chopping vegetables, for example, but you're able to stop the bleeding by applying constant pressure, head to the local clinic. If, on the other hand, you end up sustaining significant lacerations in a car accident, an emergency department will be better equipped to dress the wounds. 

2. Soft Tissue Injuries 

Stretched, torn, or otherwise damaged muscles, tendons, and ligaments are not life-threatening. Because they can be incredibly painful, though, you may not want to wait for an appointment with your primary care provider. Thankfully, urgent care centers can effectively diagnose and treat both acute injuries like sprains, strains, and chronic injuries like tendinitis and bursitis. 

3. Broken Bones

Fractures can be treated in most urgent care centers. Whether you break a finger, toe, wrist, or rib, you can turn to a full-service facility for x-rays and, if needed, setting. Urgent care doctors can also send you home with medication that will relieve the worst of the pain and discomfort until you can see your primary care provider. Because powerful drugs like narcotics require constant monitoring—and most patents don’t return to the urgent care center for follow-up visits—you might receive prescription-strength acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories like aspirin and ibuprofen instead. 

For prompt and professional care, head to Orange Beach Walk-In Medical Care. Open six days a week with extended hours; this urgent care clinic is proud to care for families throughout Baldwin County, AL. Led by Dr. James K. Hurson, who has been in the medical field 48 years, they’re equipped to perform a broad range of procedures on-site, including surgeries and diagnostic tests. To explore all their services, visit their website. To check wait times, call (251) 964-7425.