Minor Injuries

You can easily care for some minor injuries at home, but when a cut, burn, or sprain needs medical attention, you can depend on expert care from Yaminah Matthews, APRN, FNP-C, at Trinity Salem Family Health Clinic in Waxahachie, Texas. If you need prompt treatment for a minor injury, Trinity Salem Family Health Clinic accepts walk-in patients, or you can schedule a same-day appointment. If you have any questions, call the office or connect online today.

What are minor injuries?

Minor injuries happen to people of all ages every day, from accidentally cutting themselves while slicing food to falling and suffering a cut on their knee. Even when minor, these injuries can be quite painful and should receive prompt care to ensure they heal properly and don’t get infected. But they don’t need emergency room treatment.

What types of minor injuries are treated in the office?

Yaminah often treats the following minor injuries:

Sprains and strains

Sprains occur when you overstretch a ligament, while strains refer to pulled muscles and tendons. Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries. Minor ankle sprains often cause severe pain, inflammation, and swelling.

Minor burns

The minor burns treated in the office typically cause redness and pain (like a severe sunburn) or blistering, swelling, and pain. A severe, deep burn or one that affects a large area should be treated in the emergency room.

Cuts, abrasions, and puncture wounds

A cut (laceration) is a break in your skin. The opening could be deep or shallow, and the edges of the cut may be smooth or jagged. Abrasions occur when you rub or scrape the upper layer of your skin, causing what’s commonly called a rug or brush burn.

Cuts and abrasions require medical attention if you can’t stop the bleeding, the cut is wide or deep, dirt is embedded in the wound, or the abrasion covers a large area.

Puncture wounds are caused by pointed objects like nails. Like a cut, the wound could be on the surface or go deep below the surface. Puncture wounds need medical care because dirt, debris, and bacteria can get stuck inside the wound, putting you at risk of developing an infection.

How are minor injuries treated?

Yaminah begins by thoroughly cleaning the wound and removing any foreign objects. Then, she applies a dressing or bandage. She’s always careful to use a local anesthetic if needed to ease your pain and prevent discomfort as she cares for the wound. 

If you have a sprain or strain, she may apply an elastic bandage and immobilize the area. You may also need to change your activities to avoid putting weight on the ankle until it heals. 

Call Trinity Salem Family Health Clinic or book an appointment online to receive expert care for minor injuries.