10 Common Conditions Seen at Urgent Care Clinics

Posted on October 26, 2023October 26, 2023 by Gabrielle Farnandez

Urgent care clinics have become essential healthcare hubs, providing immediate medical attention for many ailments and injuries that are not life-threatening conditions. When seeking prompt relief, you can count on urgent care providers—such as a medical professional like a primary care physician or nurse practitioner—to answer the call with efficiency and expertise.

Urgent care clinics typically keep their doors open in the evenings and on weekends to provide medical treatment for an illness or injury that is not a medical emergency. They also accept drop-in visits, making them a valuable alternative to traditional doctors’ appointments that may take longer to schedule. Learn more about the medical conditions most frequently addressed at a local urgent care clinic, such as Carson Tahoe Urgent Care.

Top Ailments Treated at an Urgent Care Clinic

If you visit an urgent care center, you will see clinicians who are experts in diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries that are not life-threatening. Ten conditions that are frequently treated at urgent care clinics are:

1. Allergies—If you are struggling with a runny nose and watery eyes, an urgent care provider can determine what triggered your allergic reaction and which medications will help resolve your response.
2. Back pain—Whether you strained your back lifting a box or woke up with uncomfortable stiffness caused by a funky sleep position, an urgent care provider can offer recommendations to manage the pain. If further investigation is needed, they can also refer you to a specialist. 
3. Diarrhea and vomiting—When you are experiencing loose stools, painful stomachaches, or are throwing up frequently, an urgent care specialist can determine the cause. They can also prescribe the appropriate medications that may help address infections. In addition, a provider can offer guidance to prevent further complications, such as dehydration.
4. Ear infections—Fever and ear pain signal that you may have an infection that requires antibiotics. An urgent care provider is ideal for quickly diagnosing and treating an ear infection, which typically responds well to antibiotics.
5. Minor wounds—Whether you have nicked your finger while chopping vegetables or burned your forearm while tossing tortellini into boiling water, an urgent care provider can treat your dinner-prep mishaps.
6. Pink eye—If your eye is red, itchy, watery, or crusts shut during sleep, you may have conjunctivitis, otherwise known as pink eye. An urgent care provider can determine whether your pink eye is caused by a virus, bacteria, or allergens and prescribe medication, such as antibiotic drops for pink eye.
7. Rash—Persistent itchiness and redness on your skin can often be treated at an urgent care center. An urgent care provider can find out what is causing your rash and make recommendations about treatments that will be effective, such as creams, lotions, or the avoidance of an allergen.
8. Sprains and strains—If you twist an ankle or injure your knee, urgent care providers can set you up with a brace, splint, or wrap as needed. They can also refer you to an orthopedic specialist if you have a more acute injury, such as a broken bone.
9. Sore throat—Pain in the throat can make eating, swallowing, and even talking unbearable. An urgent care provider can determine if your sore throat is caused by a virus that will resolve on its own or an infection, such as strep throat, that needs antibiotics.
10. Urinary tract infections (UTIs)—If you are having difficulty passing urine or feel pain when you urinate, you could have a UTI. An urgent care provider can prescribe antibiotics to treat the condition.

When to Walk-In

If you are experiencing a common, non-urgent medical condition, such as a cold or cough, or if you need a wellness checkup or flu shot, you can count on Carson Tahoe Walk-In Clinics. Locations at Eagle Medical Center and Minden Medical Center are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, and appointments aren’t required.

Have an ailment that can’t wait? Choose Carson Tahoe Health for same day care.