To better understand what is a minor injury, it helps to form an understanding of what is not included, such as a major injury. Major injuries are injuries that could potentially lead to prolonged disability (limited mobility/range of motion), diminished quality of life (inability to perform day-to-day tasks), or even death. Major injuries may include:

– Compound fractures
– Any type of head or eye injury
– Deep lacerations or stab wounds
– Gunshot wounds
– Severe or extensive burns

Injures accompanied by:

– chest pain
– paralysis
– confusion
– severe bleeding
– unconsciousness

On the other hand, minor injuries are injuries that are not life-threatening, do not compromise mobility, do not affect long-term survival, or do not impede on quality of life. Examples of minor injuries include:

– Shallow cuts or abrasions
– Sprains and muscle strains
– Bruises and skin lesions
– Minor burns covering a small area

Minor injuries are often considered acute, and, although they do not produce pain in the long-term, they can be very painful, especially immediately after sustaining one.

Common minor injuries include:

– Sprains
– Strains
– General aches and pains
– Cuts or lacerations
– Bruises
– Road rash
– Persistent pain
– Minor whiplash
– Temporomandibular joint disorder or TMJ disorder
– Mild concussions
– Short-term mental health conditions
– Subluxation (partial dislocation)

In addition to these injuries, minor injuries also include any clinically associated sequelae (conditions that are the consequence of a previous injury).

It may be recommended to see a doctor for a minor injury if experiencing any of the following symptoms:

– Constant pain
– Pain that spreads down legs
– Pain with weakness, numbness, or tingling
– Pain plus unexplained weight loss
– Pain with swelling or redness on the back
– Pain with a fever
– Dizziness and balance problems
– Nausea and vomiting
– Confusion
– Concentration and memory problems
– Feeling sluggish or foggy
– Sensitivity to light or noise
– Sleep problems
– Mood changes

In general, if an injury interferes with how you live your day-to-day life, it should be addressed by a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

Yes, family doctors have experience in treating minor injuries and can diagnose its severity and develop a treatment plan based on its symptoms. They may order diagnostic tests to assist in the diagnosis of an injury, such as an x-ray or neurological exam. In many cases, they may suggest lifestyle changes, such as avoidance of activities that caused the injury, avoidance of activities that aggravate symptoms or regularly exercising. If you have sustained a minor injury, come to Avant Medical Group for care and treatment you can trust. Our kind and compassionate professionals are experienced in treating minor injuries and can help you feel better, sooner. To book an appointment for minor injury treatment, call our office today or visit our clinic conveniently located at 233 Broadway Suite 2750 New York, NY 10279. Our office is open eight hours a day, five days a week: Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We look forward to serving you!