Should You Go to an Urgent Care for Toe Dislocations
First, if you’re dealing with a dislocated toe, don’t make a snap decision to visit an urgent care clinic—after all, these are specialty clinics. In some cases, they can be of use in treating non-life threatening ailments (and is definitely a great option for those with high-deductible health plans). But other times—namely when it comes to foot and ankle injuries—you’ll want to consider visiting your family doctor or orthopedic surgeon for help. Here’s why: The majority of providers at urgent care clinics are general practitioners who might not be familiar with treating feet and ankles.
Yes and No. Urgent care centers are busy places that typically have long waits and inexperienced staff. While an urgent care center is a good place to go if your condition cannot wait until your next regular doctor’s appointment, it’s best to check with your doctor before going to see whether it is something they can handle or they will refer you to a specialist. Keep in mind that urgent care centers are also better equipped than a regular primary-care facility for treating minor injuries, such as twisted ankles, cuts and burns. However, some injuries may require immediate attention from an emergency room like appendicitis, stroke symptoms or broken bones.
While doctors would most likely see a patient with a dislocated toe in an emergency room, patients may not need to visit urgent care if they suffer from other illnesses. Many urgent care clinics focus on certain procedures and only offer limited services. Therefore, if you have a condition that requires testing or advanced treatment, it is best to schedule an appointment with your primary physician. Certain conditions that are common after an injury include: lacerations, fractures and infections that must be diagnosed early to prevent further damage. Most of these conditions require immediate medical attention and cannot wait until your next appointment. If you live near an urgent care center, it is worth noting that most of them provide extended hours for convenience.
