LACERATIONS | STITCHES
Most of the time, small lacerations and cuts can be treated at home with basic first-aid supplies. But there are instances when at-home treatment isn’t sufficient to stop the bleeding or prevent unsightly scars. How do you know when a cut needs medical treatment? Here are a few things to consider when deciding whether you should visit the emergency room:
Cuts vs. Lacerations
Even though the words “cut” and “laceration” are often used as synonyms, there are distinct differences in the type of wound. Cuts usually occur when sharp objects come in contact with the skin, such as shards of glass or a knife. On the other hand, laceration is the term used when the wound is jagged because the skin was torn. Lacerations can be caused by sharp objects as well, but the edges aren’t as clean as a cut. Small lacerations and cuts usually don’t require emergency services. But if you don’t access medical treatment when needed, then the wound might become infected, or it might not heal on its own. If you have a small laceration or cut, then you should use cold water and soap to clean the wound. Pressure can be applied to stop the bleeding. Then, apply an antibiotic ointment and cover the wound with a bandage to prevent infection.
Why Stitches for Lacerations?
Visiting iCare ER & Urgent Care for a cut or laceration will help you determine whether stitches are needed to keep the wound closed. Depending on the injury, stitches can be placed using materials that will dissolve with time. Or, if removable stitches are used, come back to the urgent care to have the stitches removed at the appropriate time. Stitches are beneficial for keeping the skin pulled together. This medical treatment reduces the risk of infection, accelerates healing, and minimizes scarring. Other medical services might be required as well, such as treatment to stop the bleeding or the repair of underlying tissue damage. It is important to know when you received your last Tetanus vaccination to determine if a Tetanus shot is needed.
Where to Go for Stitches Removal
Removing stitches doesn’t have to be an interruption to your day. One of the easiest and fastest ways to remove the stitches is by visiting our urgent care. Keep in mind that certain treatments might require consultation with a specialist before the stitches are removed, such as stitches from plastic surgery.
This treatment is a quick, simple process of pulling the stitches. Additionally, the doctor or nurse has an opportunity to inspect the wound and look for signs of infection or other complications that might require medical care. Having a trained medical professional remove your stitches is important to reduce scarring and avoid problems.
Seeking Medical Care
While some wounds can be treated at home with a little extra care, more serious wounds should be treated by medical professionals Gaping wounds deeper than 1 inch and wounds that do not stop bleeding after you’ve applied pressure and elevated them for 10 – 15 minutes are usually serious enough to necessitate a trip to the ER. Bite wounds, both from humans or animals, should be treated as especially serious, including painful insect bites. Additionally, wounds caused by rusty nails, glass or wood splinters, or wounds that are showing early signs of infection should be seen by our medical practitioners.
If your wound begins to develop an infection, it is important to recognize the symptoms so they can be treated as early as possible. If redness begins to spread out from the wound, or if it begins to swell and increase in tenderness, or if you see green or yellow pus, you should seek medical attention immediately. Other signs include swollen lymph nodes, body aches, chills, or fever.
What To Expect
When you come to iCare with a wound injury, our highly trained staff will perform a physical exam to assess the seriousness of your wound. Depending on how large, deep, or infected it is, our team will treat you in the appropriate setting. After a medical history review and exam, our qualified doctor and nurses will clean and treat your wound, usually with stitches or antibiotic ointments. They will then dress or bandage your wound.
After your wound is treated at iCare, the practitioner will leave you with specific instructions for caring for your wound after your visit. However, as a general guide, it is best to keep all wounds clean in order to prevent infection. Wash your wound with clean water and a mild soap per your doctor’s instructions. If provided with an antibiotic cream, apply a thin layer before dressing it. Dress or bandage your wound loosely so that blood flow is not restricted, and be sure to change the dressing daily so that an infection does not begin to grow. Refrain from scratching any itchy scabs so that they can heal properly.
If you have ever suffered from a kidney stone, you know just how uncomfortable and frustrating these urinary tract stones truly are. In fact, many people consider passing a kidney stone to be among the most painful experiences one can go through. Because the symptoms of a kidney stone often mimic the symptoms of unrelated conditions, however, you may not always realize when you are passing a stone. The dedicated team of board-certified ER physicians and expert staff at iCare ER & Urgent Care in Frisco and Fort Worth, TX are proud to provide rapid evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment for kidney stones to help patients feel comfortable again as soon as possible. Learn more about kidney stones here, including what signs and symptoms may mean an urgent visit to your nearest iCare location is warranted.
What causes kidney stones?
Kidney stones, which are hardened or calcified deposits of certain minerals, salts, and other materials, develop in the kidneys themselves before traveling through the ureter and into the bladder, where they are ultimately passed from the body in the urine. Generally speaking, kidney stones affect men more often than women, though virtually anyone can develop a stone. There are a number of potential causes of kidney stones, as well as risk factors that make certain patients more likely to develop kidney stones. Some of the most common causes and risk factors of kidney stones include:
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Dehydration
- Dietary factors, such as increased salt, oxalate, or calcium intake
- Certain medications
- Underlying health conditions
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Hormonal conditions
- Personal history or family history of kidney stones
How do I know if I have a kidney stone?
It is not always possible to self-diagnose a kidney stone, though certain signs and symptoms may point to the likelihood that you have a stone. Keep in mind, kidney stones may cause virtually no symptoms early on. In fact, many patients are unaware that they have kidney stones until the stones begin to pass. Some of the most common signs and symptoms associated with passing a kidney stone include:
- Pain in the back or flank, typically on one side only
- Lower abdominal pain
- Blood in the urine
- Constant need to urinate
- Difficulty voiding
- Painful urination
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fever, chills, or sweating
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, you may be attempting to pass a kidney stone. The only way to determine with certainty whether or not you have a stone, where in the urinary tract the stone currently is, and whether it has a high probability of passing on its own is to obtain a diagnosis from a medical professional using imaging studies and other diagnostic tools.
Do I need to go to the ER for a kidney stone?
In some cases, small kidney stones (less than 4 mm) can pass on their own without the need for medical or surgical intervention. However, larger kidney stones often require treatment to make it possible for them to pass through the urinary tract. Additionally, stones with an extremely low probability of passing on their own may require surgical extraction. Because untreated stones can lead to a host of other complications, including infection, severe pain, and prolonged illness, it is important to seek evaluation in order to determine whether your stone may pass on its own or whether you need more immediate intervention.
In cases of severe, prolonged, or worsening symptoms related to a kidney stone, patients should visit their nearest ER in Frisco or Fort Worth. This includes:
- Severe pain
- Protracted nausea or vomiting
- High fever
- Prolonged symptoms
- Inability to urinate
- Blood in the urine
The knowledgeable team at iCare ER & Urgent Care is highly experienced in the complexities of kidney stone diagnosis and treatment, as well as related urinary tract conditions, using the most advanced tools and techniques available today. During your visit to either of our hybrid ER and urgent care facilities in Fort Worth and Frisco, TX, your physician will thoroughly evaluate and discuss your symptoms and order any necessary studies, including lab work, urinalysis, and/or ultrasound, to accurately diagnose you. Depending on the location, size, and other characteristics of your kidney stone, your provider will recommend the most appropriate course of treatment to help you realize rapid, reliable, and long-lasting relief from your kidney stone.
Furthermore, your provider can help you better understand what may have caused your kidney stones and offer guidance on how to prevent developing additional stones in the future. This may include recommendations regarding your diet, lifestyle, fluid intake, current medications, and more.
Get rapid relief from kidney stones at your nearest emergency room in Frisco or Fort Worth, TX
The pain and frustration of kidney stones can be debilitating and wreak havoc on a person’s everyday life. Not only that, but some kidney stones can cause dangerous complications when left untreated. Don’t sacrifice your comfort, health, and safety when it comes to kidney stones. If you suspect you may be passing a kidney stone or have previously been diagnosed with kidney stones that are now causing you painful or worrisome symptoms, visit your nearest iCare ER & Urgent Care location in Frisco or Fort Worth, TX today. Our exceptional and compassionate team of board-certified emergency physicians looks forward to giving you the relief and confidence you deserve.
Any head injury can be serious and lead to severe problems. Learn the signs and symptoms of a concussion, and find out when an ER visit is needed.
Because concussions occur fairly frequently, you may not realize just how serious this type of head injury actually is. When left untreated or unrecognized, a concussion may lead to more severe complications, including re-injury. Use this helpful information to learn more about how to identify the signs of a concussion and when a trip to your nearest ER in Frisco or Fort Worth, TX may be necessary.
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a mild form of traumatic brain injury that typically results from a forceful impact directly to the head, such as a punch, hit, or sports-related contact. However, even an injury elsewhere on the body can result in a concussion. For instance, whiplash may cause the neck and head to jerk forward with enough force to cause a concussion.
How do I know if I have a concussion?
In some cases, you may be able to self-diagnose your concussion. However, some symptoms of a concussion may be mild and/or mimic the symptoms of another condition. Because certain behaviors can make concussion patients more susceptible to re-injury, it is important to understand how to identify a concussion and what steps to take to avoid further complications. Common signs and symptoms of a concussion include:
- Headache
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Memory loss
- Vertigo or dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Ringing in the ears
- Blurred vision
- Light sensitivity
A common misconception about concussions is that they always “knock you out.” In reality, concussions do not always result in a loss of consciousness. Furthermore, symptoms of a concussion may be delayed or appear gradually.
What do I do if I have a concussion?
After suffering a concussion, your brain needs to heal and recover. If you are having symptoms associated with a concussion or have been told by a medical professional that you do have a concussion, it is imperative that you avoid any level of re-injury, which can lead to severe complications. To minimize your discomfort and reduce the risk of further problems, use these important tips for concussion recovery:
- Rest your brain
- Rest your body
- Avoid brain stimulation, including reading, watching TV, or playing video games
- Avoid harsh light and loud noises
- Get plenty of sleep
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine
- Drink plenty of water
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet
- Avoid physical activity
- Take Tylenol as needed (avoid ibuprofen and aspirin, which can increase your risk of bleeding)
When do I need to go to the ER for a concussion?
While many concussions can be self-diagnosed and self-treated, there are some cases when a trip to the ER may be necessary. If you notice worsening, severe, or prolonged symptoms of a concussion, or if you are in doubt about your condition, visit your nearest Fort Worth or Frisco iCare ER & Urgent Care immediately. One of our expert board-certified ER physicians will carefully evaluate your symptoms, perform any necessary tests – such as imaging, blood work, or cognitive assessments needed then will recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.
Severe signs of a concussion that may indicate a more serious problem – such as bleeding in the brain – and should be evaluated almost immediately in the ER include:
- Protracted nausea or vomiting
- Worsening headache
- Inability to stay awake
- Difficulty speaking
- Excessive confusion or memory loss
- Unusual behavior
- Numbness in the extremities
- Enlarged pupils
- Pupils that do not respond to light stimulation
- Seizure
Even if your concussion seems mild and self-treatable, it is still essential to monitor yourself for worsening symptoms. Patients who suspect a concussion are also strongly encouraged to have a trusted friend or loved one close by for at least the first 24 – 48 hours to help identify any warning signs. When in doubt, the safest course of action is to have your concussion evaluated in the ER.
Seeking Medical Attention
There’s no doubt that any brain injury, including a concussion, can be one of the most frightening experiences. However, with early diagnosis and treatment, patients can minimize the risk of complications associated with a concussion and get the symptom relief they deserve. If think you may be suffering from a concussion, protect your health and safety by visiting your nearest iCare ER & Urgent Care facilities in Frisco or Fort Worth, TX today.
What To Expect
When you visit iCare, our team led by experienced ERphysicians will immediately assess your situation, employ life saving intervention as needed, assess your medical history and provide a physical examination. Your care team may perform further laboratory tests. Once you are diagnosed, a treatment plan will be provided based on severity of your condition and symptoms. In the event that a patient requires hospitalization or other procedures that we do not offer at iCare, we are able to transfer them to a hospital for admission.
Dislocations, fractures, and sprains
Signs of dislocations, fractures, and sprains are very similar and difficult to tell apart. They may include intense pain, swelling, discoloration and bruising, deformity, tingling or numbness, and difficulty moving after a fall, blow, or other high-impact injuries to a joint or bone. Dislocation, fracture, and serious sprain injuries should always be treated by a medical professional immediately. At iCare ER and Urgent Care, we are able to treat many minor injuries in our urgent care which is open 7AM-8PM, 7 days a week. More severe injuries are seen in our ER, which is open 24/7, 365 days a year.
What To Expect
When you come into one of our iCare Emergency Room & Urgent Care locations, our experienced team of medical practitioners will quickly evaluate your condition to determine which department you should be treated in. This will depend mainly on the location and severity of your injury, along with the intensity of your pain. For sports injuries, pain management is almost always focused on and treated first. A medical history interview and physical examination will help our physicians determine how best to treat your pain. X-rays can be taken to further examine your injury for injuries such as dislocations, fractures, or sprains. CT scans may be utilized in the case of a concussion. Depending on the type and severity of your injury, our physicians may treat it with medication, splint or cast it, use a sling, use an ortho boot, or issue crutches or a cane.
While iCare is equipped with state-of-the-art tools to care for your sports injuries, some situations require further care that may include a hospital transfer or admission. In such cases, iCare will transfer you or your child to the hospital or specialist that fits the situation. Through this arrangement, you will be able to bypass the hospital ER to an inpatient hospital bed. Our team at iCare can also make referrals to specialists, such as orthopedic surgeons, whom you may need according to the severity of the injury.
OVERVIEW
Keep your eyes sharp and healthy by getting immediate care after an eye injury at the iCare ER & Urgent Care facilities in Fort Worth and Frisco, TX. Patients who try to fix eye injuries themselves can potentially do more harm than good. The best solution is to get to iCare with short wait times and 24-hour emergency care services to assess injuries of the eye, like blunt-force trauma, chemical burns, complicated allergic reactions, retinal detachments, objects stuck within the eye, and more.
SYMPTOMS OF EYE INJURIES
To avoid losing your vision, it is essential to go to the ER if you are experiencing any of the following general indications of eye trauma:
- Blood in the eye(s)
- Blurred, doubled, or lost vision
- Cut or split eyelid(s)
- Debris (large or small) forced into the eye
- Floaters (specks or clouds that appear in your vision)
- Pain or discomfort
- Retinal detachment
- Splashed poison or chemical in the eye(s)
- Swollen, bruised area on or around the eyes
- Trouble closing or opening one or both eyes
RISK FACTORS
Without realizing it, many people put themselves at risk for eye injuries every day through their job, maintaining their household, playing sports, and everyday normal tasks. While eye injuries are preventable, many can happen in the blink of an eye, literally. Situations that put you higher at risk for an eye injury can include:
- Automobile accidents
- Children who play with pointed or projectile toys
- Cooking mishaps
- Participating in sports or extracurricular activities where there are sharp objects, equipment that can be lodged in the eye, or traumatic injury to the face (such as archery, baseball, football, and more)
- Working around/with chemicals
WHAT TO EXPECT
The best thing you can do when an eye injury happens is to be seen by an emergency-trained physician. While you may want to remedy the situation yourself, getting immediate medical attention may save your vision. Do your best to not touch, rub, or apply pressure to the eye with your hands, fingers, or tools. Do not attempt to fix or remove objects from the eye(s) — this does include contact lenses in your eye at the time of the incident. If you are the person with the injury, do not attempt to drive your vehicle and risk further injury to yourself and others. When you arrive at iCare ER & Urgent Care, we will assess your situation for the best course of action. You may be treated by one of our ER physicians or transferred to a local hospital or eye specialist for more intensive care.
What Is Drug Overdose and Intoxication?
Also known as drug overdose, represents a high level of drug intoxication—at such a level that it impairs normal functions.
Drug intoxication/overdose symptoms
- Varying spikes from normal body temperature (e.g., hyperthermia/hypothermia).
- Passing out or an loss of consciousness.
- Skin color changes (e.g., pallor or bluish tint to skin if a respiratory depressant was used; ruddy or flushed after cardiovascular overuse).
- Abnormal breathing.
- Fast, slowed, or irregular pulse.
Drug intoxication treatment
The steps for getting patients treatment include:
- Call 9-1-1
- Check heart rate
- Perform CPR
- Provide first aid
- Gain information from drugs used
What to Expect
When you visit the iCare, our team of exceptional and experienced physicians will immediately assess your situation, employ life saving intervention as needed and provide a physical examination. Your care team may perform laboratory testing from our on-site lab. Once you are diagnosed, a treatment plan will be provided based on severity of your condition and symptoms. In the event that a patient requires hospitalization or other procedures that we do not offer at iCare, we are able to transfer them to a hospital for admission.
Overview
Regardless of why it occurs, chest pain can be frightening, so it can put your mind at ease to get checked by a doctor. Chest pain can be scary and concerning, and it’s natural to want to know what’s causing it. But no matter what, it’s important to take chest pain seriously and seek medical attention right away. At iCare ER & Urgent Care locations in Frisco or Fort Worth, TX, we have board-certified practitioners who are equipped to handle all types of chest pain and provide you with the appropriate medical assistance.
Types and Symptoms of Chest Pain
Chest pain can be caused by a variety of factors. Some common causes include:
- Reflux disease or heartburn, ulcers, spasms, and gastritis
- Gallstones and biliary colic
- Pericarditis (inflammation of the membrane that covers the heart)
- Pleuritis (inflammation of the membrane that covers the lungs)
- Musculoskeletal chest wall pain
- Nerve pain
While these conditions are not usually life-threatening, it’s still important to seek medical attention if you experience chest pain.
Causes of Chest Pain
In some cases, chest pain can be a symptom of a more serious condition, such as:
- Heart attack
- Aortic dissection (tear in the wall of the aorta)
- Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
- Pulmonary embolism (blockage in the artery of the lungs by a blood clot)
- Pneumonia
- Esophageal tear
When to Seek Medical Care for Chest Pain
If you experience chest pain, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. You should seek help if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Crushing or squeezing pain
- Sweating or clamminess
- Nausea or vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Pain in the upper extremities
If you have a history of heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, or a predisposition for heart disease, you may also be at a higher risk of experiencing chest pain related to your heart. If you are a smoker or a substance abuser, you may also have an increased possibility that your chest pain is related to your heart. Chest pain should be evaluated by an emergency room physician as quickly as possible.
What to Expect at iCare
When you arrive at iCare ER & Urgent Care in Frisco or Fort Worth, TX, with chest pain, our staff will work to quickly determine whether your pain is a symptom of a heart attack or another condition. Your visit will start with a discussion about your medical history, a physical exam, and we may recommend additional testing such as an electrocardiogram (EKG), chest X-ray, or blood tests to check for heart damage or other conditions that may be causing your chest pain. We may also recommend medication to help manage your pain or treat the underlying condition.
In the event that a patient requires hospitalization or other procedures that we do not offer at iCare, we are able to transfer them to a hospital for admission. Our goal is to provide you with the best possible care and to ensure that your chest pain is evaluated and treated in a timely and effective manner.
At iCare, we understand that chest pain can be scary and stressful. That’s why we have board-certified ER Physicians and Registered Nurses, onsite 24/7 to help diagnose, treat, and monitor your pain. Our goal is to ensure that you receive the appropriate care and treatment for your chest pain so that it can be resolved quickly and safely.
Take good care of your heart with regular check-ups and getting help at the first signs of a problem. At iCare ER & Urgent Care Center in Frisco and Fort Worth , we are always prepared for your medical emergency with board-certified physicians and innovative diagnostic technologies to treat you. If you experience the following symptoms: chest pain, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure or low blood pressure, our dedicated team can help immediately when time is of the essence. Our medical practitioners are advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) certified and trained to carry out life saving interventions when necessary .
Heart Conditions
Heart conditions can come with a range of symptoms and causes. Some of the most common conditions that we treat at iCare are:
Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive heart failure is a chronic condition that occurs when fluid leaks into the lungs and other parts of the body because one or both ventricles of the heart begin to fail, often caused by other conditions that have weakened the heart muscle. Symptoms of congestive heart failure include coughing and wheezing, unusual swelling in the legs and ankles, sudden fluid retention, weight gain, fatigue and weakness, increased heart rate, with a sensation of shortness of breath that awakens the patient, and digestive problems.
Irregular Heartbeat
An irregular heartbeat is a condition in which your heart palpitates, pounds, or races from an abnormal condition of the heart. It can also be stress or anxiety-induced arrhythmias, in which the heart skips a beat at times and is brought on by a specific situation
Cardiac Arrest + Heart Attack
Cardiac arrest or a heart attack is a serious emergency in which blood is blocked from flowing through the heart. Symptoms range from mild to severe and may include chest discomfort, chest pain, stomach pain, pain or a tingling sensation in the neck or the left arm, shortness of breath, anxiety, lightheadedness, sweating, nausea and vomiting, weakness, or heartburn.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a heart condition, which can be chronic, occurring when blood is pumped through the artery walls with more force than usual. Often without a known cause, the symptoms of high blood pressure can include headaches, dizziness, nosebleeds, fatigue, chest pain, shortness of breath, or stroke.
Seeking Medical Care
Since heart conditions can be some of the most serious health risks in which avoiding care can be detrimental to your health if you are not treated quickly.
If you are in need of immediate attention for a heart attack, call 911. If the patient is stable yet experiencing the symptoms listed above, we recommend visiting iCare in Frisco or Fort Worth.
What to Expect
When you visit iCare, our medical team, led by an experienced ER physician will immediately assess your situation and employ life-saving intervention as needed. The ER physician will review your medical history and provide a physical examination. Our team may perform tests such as an EKG, blood tests and/or a chest XRAY. Once you are diagnosed, you will be treated in a variety of ways depending on the type and severity of your condition. For chest pain, irregular heartbeats, and high blood pressure, our team may prescribe varying medications and behavioral changes to manage your symptoms. Patient will likely require hospitalization or other procedures that we do not offer at iCare, we are able to transfer them to a hospital for admission.
What is an Asthma Attack?
An asthma attack is a worsening of asthma symptoms caused by the constricting of muscles around your airways.
Symptoms of an asthma attack
- Severe wheezing when breathing both in and out
- Coughing that won’t stop
- Very rapid breathing
- Chest tightness or pressure
- Tightened neck and chest muscles, called retractions
- Difficulty talking
- Feelings of anxiety or panicking
- Pale, sweaty face
- Blue lips or fingernails
- Worsening symptoms despite medicine use
Seeking Medical Care
If the patient is in need of immediate attention for an asthma attack or are not breathing call 911. If the patient is stable yet experiencing the symptoms listed above, we recommend visiting iCare in Frisco or Fort Worth. See our list of locations HERE
What to Expect
When you visit one of our iCare Emergency Room & Urgent Care locations, our team of exceptional and experienced physicians will immediately assess your situation, and provide a physical examination. Your medical team, led by an experienced ER physician, may perform laboratory testing from our on-site lab. Once you are diagnosed, a treatment plan will be provided based on severity of your condition and symptoms. In the event that a patient requires hospitalization or other procedures that we do not offer at iCare, we are able to transfer them to a hospital for admission.