Injury Care
at Family Urgent Care
in Monroe / Indian Trail, NC
Affordable Medical Care. Common Services.
Sports Injuries
And more...
Affordable Injury Care in Monroe / Indian Trail, NC – Walk-In Treatment for Sprains, Fractures, Breaks, and More
When injuries happen, getting fast, professional medical care is essential. At Family Urgent Care in Monroe / Indian Trail, NC, we specialize in treating a wide range of injuries, including sprains, strains, fractures, sports injuries, back pain, lacerations, and wounds. Our skilled medical team is available seven days a week, offering expert care for both minor and more serious injuries without the long wait times of an emergency room.
We provide on-site digital X-rays with real-time radiologist readings to ensure accurate diagnoses and immediate treatment. Whether you need stitches, sutures, casting, or wound care, our clinic is equipped to handle your urgent medical needs. Walk in today for fast, affordable injury care—no appointment necessary.
Back Pain
Back pain is a widespread complaint that can range from a mild, nagging ache to severe, debilitating discomfort. It can result from musculoskeletal issues, nerve-related conditions, or be a symptom of more serious underlying diseases. Identifying the cause depends on factors like onset, duration, location, and associated symptoms.
Red Flag Symptoms (Seek Immediate Medical Attention):
- New-onset back pain with:- Loss of bladder or bowel control (incontinence)
- Numbness or weakness in the legs, especially in the groin/inner thighs (saddle anesthesia)
- Severe, unrelenting night pain
- Fever, chills, unexplained weight loss
- History of cancer, trauma, or IV drug use
- Sudden, severe abdominal or back pain with signs of shock (e.g., fainting, rapid heartbeat)
(These may indicate conditions like cauda equina syndrome, spinal infection, tumor, or vascular emergencies.)
Key Points:
- Mechanical causes like muscle strain are the most common and often improve with rest and conservative measures.
- Red flag symptoms require urgent evaluation to rule out serious conditions.
- Chronic or worsening pain may need imaging (e.g., X-ray, MRI) and specialist referral.
- Prevention: Regular exercise, good posture, proper lifting techniques, maintaining a healthy weight.
Mechanical and Musculoskeletal Causes (Most Common)
Muscle Strain or Ligament Sprain
- Cause: Overstretching, lifting heavy objects, sudden movements, poor posture
- Symptoms: Localized pain, stiffness, muscle spasms, worsened by movement
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)
- Cause: Age-related wear and tear on spinal discs
- Symptoms: Chronic lower back pain, intermittent flare-ups, stiffness
Herniated or Bulging Disc
- Cause: Disc material protrudes and compresses nearby nerves
- Symptoms: Back pain with radiating leg pain (sciatica), numbness, tingling, weakness in the legs
Facet Joint Arthritis (Osteoarthritis of the Spine)
- Cause: Degeneration of the facet joints due to aging or wear
- Symptoms: Localized back pain, stiffness, worse with movement, improved with rest
Spondylolisthesis
- Cause: Slipping of one vertebra over another
- Symptoms: Lower back pain, leg pain, weakness
Spinal Stenosis
- Cause: Narrowing of the spinal canal, compressing nerves
- Symptoms: Back pain with leg numbness, weakness, or cramping, worse when standing or walking, relieved by sitting
Traumatic Causes
- Fractures: Due to trauma, osteoporosis, or pathological conditions (e.g., metastatic cancer)
- Symptoms: Severe pain, deformity, inability to move, potential nerve symptoms if spinal cord involvement
Inflammatory and Autoimmune Conditions
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)
- Cause: Chronic inflammatory arthritis affecting the spine
- Symptoms: Chronic lower back pain and stiffness, especially in the morning, improves with exercise
Other Inflammatory Arthritis
- Psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis
Infectious Causes (Serious Conditions)
- Spinal Epidural Abscess: Infection in the space around the spinal cord and is a medical emergency
- Discitis: Infection of the intervertebral disc
- Osteomyelitis: Infection of the vertebral bones
- Symptoms: Severe back pain with fever, chills, night sweats, neurological deficits
Neoplastic Causes (Cancer-Related)
- Spinal Tumors (Primary or Metastatic): Prostate, breast, lung, kidney, and thyroid cancers commonly spread to the spine
- Symptoms: Persistent, progressive back pain, worse at night, unrelieved by rest, with weight loss, fatigue, neurological signs
Visceral (Referred) Causes
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) (Life-Threatening if Ruptured)
- Symptoms: Sudden, severe back or abdominal pain, dizziness, low blood pressure
Renal Causes
- Kidney Stones: Severe, colicky flank pain radiating to the groin
- Pyelonephritis: Flank pain with fever, chills, painful urination
Gynecological Causes (in Women)
Endometriosis, ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy
Gastrointestinal Causes
- Pancreatitis: Upper abdominal pain radiating to the back, nausea
- Peptic ulcer disease, gallbladder disease
Neuropathic Causes
- Sciatica: Compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, causing sharp, shooting pain down the leg
- Postherpetic Neuralgia: Nerve pain following shingles infection
Psychological and Functional Causes
- Chronic Pain Syndrome: Often related to psychological stress, anxiety, or depression
- Somatization Disorders: Physical symptoms without a clear organic cause
Strains & Sprains
Sprains and strains are common musculoskeletal injuries that affect the ligaments (sprains) and muscles or tendons (strains). They often occur due to sudden movements, overuse, or trauma, especially during physical activities.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Strains & Sprains:
- Severe pain, inability to bear weight, or walk. You may have a fracture and need an x-ray.
- Visible deformity or joint instability
- Numbness, tingling, or loss of circulation
- Pain that doesn’t improve with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
Key Points:
- Sprains = Ligaments, Strains = Muscles/Tendons
- Most are caused by sudden movements, overuse, falls, or poor conditioning
- Prevention: Warm up before activity, maintain flexibility and strength, use proper technique, and wear appropriate gear
- Treatment: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (RICE), with medical evaluation if severe
What's the Difference?
- Sprain: Injury to a ligament (the tissue connecting bones at a joint).
- Strain: Injury to a muscle or tendon (the tissue connecting muscle to bone).
Common Causes of Sprains
Sprains happen when a ligament is stretched or torn due to excessive force on a joint.
Sports Injuries (Most Common)
- Sudden twisting motions (e.g., in basketball, soccer, football)
- Landing awkwardly after a jump (common in volleyball or gymnastics)
Falls and Accidents
- Slipping on wet or uneven surfaces
- Falling from a height
Overextension of Joints
- Hyperextending a joint beyond its normal range (e.g., wrist sprains from bracing a fall)
Uneven Terrain
Walking or running on rocky or uneven ground increases the risk of ankle sprains
Poor Footwear or Lack of Support
Wearing high heels or unsupportive shoes during physical activity
Common Causes of Strains
Strains occur when a muscle or tendon is overstretched or torn, often due to overuse or improper technique.
Acute Muscle Overload
- Lifting heavy objects without proper form
- Sudden acceleration or deceleration (common in sprinting or jumping)
Overuse or Repetitive Motion
- Repeated movements without adequate rest (common in jobs requiring physical labor, or activities like rowing, tennis, or swimming)
Poor Warm-Up or Conditioning
Exercising without warming up properly increases the risk of hamstring or back strains
Fatigue or Muscle Weakness
Tired muscles are less able to absorb stress, increasing the risk of injury
Sudden Changes in Activity Level
Jumping into intense exercise without gradually building up fitness
Risk Factors That Increase the Likelihood of Sprains and Strains
- Inadequate warm-up before activity
- Poor flexibility or muscle imbalances
- Previous injuries to the same area
- Fatigue, which reduces coordination and strength
- Improper equipment (e.g., worn-out shoes, unstable surfaces)
Common Sites of Sprains and Strains
- Ankle Sprain: Most common, often due to rolling or twisting the ankle
- Wrist Sprain: From falling on an outstretched hand
- Knee Sprain: Involving ligaments like the ACL or MCL (common in sports)
- Hamstring Strain: From sprinting or sudden acceleration
- Back Strain: From heavy lifting, poor posture, or sudden twisting
Broken Bones & Fractures
A fracture is a break or crack in a bone that occurs when the bone is subjected to more force than it can withstand. Fractures can range from small hairline cracks to complete breaks that displace the bone. They are classified based on the cause, location, and type of break (e.g., open vs. closed, simple vs. comminuted).
When to Seek Medical Attention for Broken Bones & Fractures:
- Severe pain, inability to move the affected limb
- Obvious deformity or bone protruding through the skin (open fracture)
- Numbness, tingling, or loss of circulation (pale, cold, or blue extremity)
- Suspected spinal fracture (after major trauma or with neurological symptoms)
Key Points:
- Trauma (falls, accidents) is the most common cause of fractures.
- Stress and pathologic fractures can occur with minimal force in at-risk individuals.
- Prompt medical evaluation is crucial to prevent complications like deformity, nerve damage, or poor healing.
- Prevention: Bone health (calcium, vitamin D), fall prevention, protective gear during sports, and managing underlying conditions.
Traumatic Causes (Most Common)
Fractures due to direct injury or high-impact force.
Falls
- Leading cause of fractures, especially in older adults with osteoporosis
- Common sites: wrist (Colles’s fracture), hip, ankle, clavicle
Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVAs)
- High-impact collisions can cause severe fractures (e.g., femur, pelvis, ribs, spine)
- Often associated with multiple injuries
Sports Injuries
- Contact sports (football, hockey) clavicle, ankle, and facial fractures
- High-impact activities (gymnastics, skateboarding) wrist, arm, and leg fractures
Direct Blows or Trauma
- Assaults, falls from heights, or heavy objects falling on the body
- Rib fractures, facial fractures, and long bone fractures are common
Stress (Fatigue) Fractures
Caused by repeated microtrauma to the bone over time without adequate recovery.
Common in:
- Athletes: Runners, dancers, military recruits (due to repetitive stress)
- Common sites: Tibia, metatarsals (foot), femur, pelvis
- Often presents as gradual onset of localized pain that worsens with activity
Pathologic Fractures
Occur in weakened bones due to an underlying medical condition, with minimal or no trauma.
Osteoporosis (Most Common Pathologic Cause)
- Weak, brittle bones in older adults, especially postmenopausal women
- Common sites: Hip, spine (vertebral compression fractures), wrist
Bone Tumors or Metastatic Cancer
- Weaken the bone structure, increasing the risk of fractures with minimal trauma
Bone Infections (Osteomyelitis)
- Infection weakens bone, making it prone to fractures
Metabolic Bone Diseases
Paget’s disease of bone, rickets, osteomalacia
Genetic Disorders
- Osteogenesis imperfecta: Congenital condition causing brittle bones
Insufficiency Fractures
- A type of stress fracture where normal stress causes a break in weakened bone, often due to conditions like osteoporosis, radiation therapy, or long-term steroid use.
Avulsion Fractures
- Occur when a ligament or tendon pulls off a small piece of bone, usually due to sudden, forceful movement.
- Common in athletes, especially around the ankle, hip, or finger joints.
Compression (Crush) Fractures
- Common in the spine, where the vertebrae are compressed or crushed, often due to:
- Osteoporosis (minor trauma can cause fractures)
- Trauma (fall from height, car accident)
Greenstick Fractures (Pediatric)
- Partial fractures common in children due to their softer, more flexible bones
- Bone bends and cracks without breaking completely
Risk Factors That Increase Fracture Risk:
- Age: Older adults have fragile bones due to osteoporosis
- Weak bone conditions: Osteoporosis, cancer, chronic steroid use
- High-risk activities: Contact sports, extreme sports, military training
- Poor nutrition: Vitamin D or calcium deficiency
- Smoking and alcohol use: Affect bone density and healing
- Previous fractures: Increase the risk of future fractures
Laceration Care: First Aid and Medical Management
A laceration is a wound caused by a tear or cut in the skin, often resulting from sharp objects, blunt trauma, or accidents. Proper care is essential to prevent infection, promote healing, and minimize scarring. Wound care is below.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Laceration Care
Seek medical care immediately if:
- Uncontrolled bleeding despite direct pressure
- Deep wounds (may need stitches), especially if:
- Edges are gaping or can’t be easily closed
- More than 1/2 inch long or deep enough to expose fat, muscle, or bone
- Signs of nerve, tendon, or vessel damage:
- Numbness, weakness, inability to move a limb, or poor circulation (pale, cold, or blue skin)
- Wounds over joints, face, hands, or genitals
- Puncture wounds or crush injuries
- Contaminated wounds (dirt, debris, bites, rusted objects)
- Animal or human bites (higher risk of infection)
- Infection signs: Redness, warmth, pus, spreading streaks, fever
- Tetanus risk: Wound caused by dirty or rusty objects, and your last tetanus shot was more than 5 years ago
Key Points:
- Clean and protect the wound early to prevent infection.
- Seek medical care for deep, contaminated, or serious wounds.
- Tetanus vaccination is critical for certain wounds.
- Monitor for infection even after initial treatment.
- Proper laceration care helps reduce complications, speeds up healing, and minimizes scarring.
Initial First Aid for Lacerations (At the Scene)
Ensure Safety First
- Move to a safe environment to avoid further injury.
- Wear gloves if available to prevent contamination.
Control Bleeding
- Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth or sterile gauze.
- Elevate the injured area above heart level, if possible.
- If bleeding doesn’t stop after 10-15 minutes of pressure, seek medical help immediately.
Clean the Wound
- Gently rinse the wound with clean, running water to remove dirt and debris.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals like hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, as they can damage tissue.
- Clean the surrounding skin with soap and water, being careful not to get soap into the wound.
Protect the Wound
- Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment (like bacitracin or Neosporin) to reduce infection risk.
- Cover with a sterile bandage or dressing.
Medical Management of Lacerations
Wound Assessment
- Check for depth, contamination, tissue damage, and neurovascular status (nerves and blood flow).
Wound Cleaning and Debridement
- Thorough irrigation with sterile saline to reduce infection risk.
- Debridement (removal of dead tissue) if necessary.
Closure Options (Depends on wound type and location)
- Stitches (sutures): For deep, long, or gaping cuts
- Skin adhesives (glue): For small, clean cuts with smooth edges
- Steri-Strips (butterfly closures): For minor lacerations
- Staples: Common for scalp or large linear lacerations
Tetanus Prophylaxis
- Tetanus vaccine booster if the wound is dirty and it’s been >5 years since the last shot
- If never vaccinated, or uncertain, tetanus immunoglobulin (TIG) may be needed
Antibiotics
- Not needed for most clean, minor lacerations
- Consider for high-risk wounds, such as:
- Bites (animal/human)
- Deep puncture wounds
- Wounds with crushed tissue, contamination, or signs of infection
- Immunocompromised patients
Aftercare and Wound Monitoring
Keep the Wound Clean and Dry
- Gently clean daily with mild soap and water.
- Change dressings if wet, dirty, or as directed.
Watch for Signs of Infection:
- Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, pain, fever
- Red streaks spreading from the wound (could indicate serious infection)
Stitches/Staples Removal Timeline (times will vary depending on the provider, location and other factors)
- -Face: 3-5 days
- Scalp: 7-10 days
- Arms/legs: 7-10 days
- Joints/back: 10-14 days
- (Exact timing may vary based on the wound and healing.)
Special Considerations
Bites (Animal or Human)
- High risk of infection and often left open to heal naturally
- Almost always treated with antibiotics
- Rabies prophylaxis if applicable (animal bites)
Puncture Wounds
- Higher risk for deep infections (e.g., tetanus, abscess)
- May require exploration, especially if caused by a dirty object
Facial Lacerations
Consider cosmetic concerns and may require specialist (plastic surgeon) for repair
When to Go Back to the Doctor
- Infection signs develop like redness, swelling, drainage
- Stitches come apart or wound reopens
- Persistent numbness, weakness, or poor circulation
- Fever, chills, or feeling unwell after injury
Wound Care: Essential Steps for Proper Healing
Wound care involves cleaning, protecting, and monitoring an injury to promote healing, prevent infection, and minimize scarring. Wounds can range from minor cuts and abrasions to more severe injuries like deep lacerations, punctures, or surgical incisions.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Wound Care
Seek medical care immediately if:
- Severe bleeding that doesn’t stop with pressure
- Deep wounds that may require stitches
- Puncture wounds or wounds caused by dirty, rusty, or contaminated objects
- Animal or human bites (high infection risk)
- Signs of infection (fever, pus, redness spreading)
- Loss of sensation, movement, or circulation near the wound
- Embedded objects in the wound (do NOT remove them yourself)
- Tetanus risk if it’s been more than 5 years since your last tetanus shot and the wound is contaminated
Types of Wounds
- Abrasions: Scrapes caused by friction (e.g., road rash)
- Lacerations: Deep cuts or tears in the skin
- Puncture Wounds: Small, deep holes (e.g., from nails or sharp objects)
- Avulsions: Skin or tissue torn away from the body
- Incisions: Clean, straight cuts (often from surgery)
- Burns: Skin damage from heat, chemicals, or electricity
- Pressure Ulcers: Caused by prolonged pressure on the skin
Ongoing Wound Care (After First Aid)
Keep the Wound Clean and Dry
- Clean the wound daily with mild soap and water.
- Change the dressing at least once a day or whenever it becomes wet or dirty.
Monitor for Signs of Infection
- Increased redness or swelling
- Warmth around the wound
- Pus or drainage
- Foul odor
- Fever or chills
- Red streaks spreading from the wound (urgent medical attention needed)
Promote Healing
- Maintain good hydration and nutrition.
- Avoid smoking, as it can delay healing.
- Protect the wound from further trauma.
Special Wound Care Considerations
Surgical Wounds
- Follow post-op instructions carefully.
- Keep the incision dry for the first 24-48 hours unless directed otherwise.
- Watch for infection signs and avoid heavy lifting or straining.
Burn Wounds
- Cool with lukewarm water (NOT ice) for 10-20 minutes.
- Cover with a non-stick, sterile dressing.
- Seek medical care for large burns, deep burns, or burns on the face, hands, feet, or genitals.
Chronic Wounds (e.g., Diabetic Ulcers, Pressure Sores)
- Require specialized care, including frequent dressing changes, pressure relief, and management of underlying conditions (e.g., diabetes).
- May need referral to a wound care specialist.
Tetanus Prevention
- Clean wounds: Booster if last shot was >10 years ago
- Dirty wounds (contaminated, deep, or puncture wounds): Booster if last shot was >5 years ago
- Unknown vaccination history: May need both the vaccine and tetanus immune globulin (TIG)
Wound Closure Options (For Medical Professionals)
- Sutures (stitches): For deep, large, or gaping wounds
- Staples: Common for scalp or surgical wounds
- Skin adhesive (glue): For small, clean cuts
- Steri-strips (butterfly closures): For minor wounds with minimal tension
Durable Medical Equipment (DME) in Urgent Care Settings
Wound care involves cleaning, protecting, and monitoring an injury to promote healing, prevent infection, and minimize scarring. Wounds can range from minor cuts and abrasions to more severe injuries like deep lacerations, punctures, or surgical incisions.
Key Points:
- Urgent care DME focuses on stabilization, support, and symptom relief.
- Proper fitting, patient education, and follow-up are critical.
- Insurance and billing policies may affect DME provision.
Common Types of DME Used in Urgent Care
Orthopedic and Immobilization Devices
- Splints and Braces:
- Wrist, ankle, knee, and elbow splints for sprains, strains, fractures
- Thumb spica splints for thumb injuries
- Walking Boots (CAM Boots):
- Stabilization for foot, ankle, and lower leg injuries
- Shoulder Immobilizers and Slings:
- Support for dislocations, fractures, rotator cuff injuries
- Finger Splints:
- For fractures, dislocations, or tendon injuries
Mobility Aids
- Crutches (axillary and forearm):
- For non-weight-bearing injuries
- Canes:
- For mild balance or mobility issues
- Walkers:
- For elderly patients or those with severe mobility limitations
- Wheelchairs (temporary use):
For immediate transport of injured or non-ambulatory patients.
A prescription for DME can also be given to obtain at a medical supply company.
Fracture Management
- Orthopedic Casting Materials:
- For temporary splinting before definitive orthopedic follow-up
- Air Casts or Pneumatic Braces:
- Adjustable for swelling and immediate stabilization
Considerations in Urgent Care DME Use
Medical Necessity
- Equipment is provided based on the immediate clinical need.
- Temporary DME is often issued until a patient can follow up with a specialist (e.g., orthopedic surgeon).
Patient Education
- Patients should be instructed on proper use of DME to prevent complications.
- Education includes fitting, adjustments, weight-bearing restrictions, and return precautions.
Billing and Insurance
- DME may be billed separately from the urgent care visit.
- Insurance coverage varies; some DME may require prior authorization for long-term use.
- Patients may have the option to purchase or rent equipment.
Follow-Up Care
- Patients should receive referrals for follow-up when needed (e.g., orthopedic, physical therapy).
- Reevaluation may be necessary to adjust or discontinue DME.
Contact Us
Welcome to Family Urgent Care – serving Indian Trail, Monroe, Stallings, Matthews, Mint Hill, Wesley Chapel, Waxhaw, Weddington and Ballantyne.
3007 Wesley Chapel Stouts Road, Monroe, North Carolina 28110, United States
Call for assistance!
- Monday 8AM – 8PM
- Tuesday 8AM – 8PM
- Wednesday 8AM – 8PM
- Thursday 8AM – 8PM
- Friday 8AM – 8PM
- Saturday 8AM – 4PM
- Sunday 8AM – 4PM