Medically reviewed by: Dr. Leonard, DO — Midwest Express Clinic
Author: Midwest Express Clinic Medical Team
Last reviewed: September 29, 2026
Urgent care can treat many common injuries, including cuts that require urgent care stitches, mild sprains, minor burns and minor fractures. If you are unsure whether an injury needs urgent care or emergency medical attention, understanding what urgent care can evaluate and treat can help you choose the right level of care.
What Injuries Can Urgent Care Treat?
Urgent care is designed to address medical issues that need prompt attention but are not usually life-threatening. Depending on the injury and the clinic’s available services, an urgent care provider may be equipped to evaluate and treat:
| Injury or concern | Urgent care services offered | |
| Cuts and wounds | Evaluation, wound cleaning and stitches when appropriate | |
| Sprains | Evaluation, supportive treatment and X-ray imaging when available | |
| Minor fractures | Evaluation, X-ray imaging when available, splinting and provider referral when needed | |
| Minor burns | Evaluation, cleaning, dressing and treatment recommendations | |
| Bruises and other minor injuries | Examination and treatment recommendations | |
Available services vary by clinic location, so it’s recommended to check with the urgent care clinic before visiting.
Does Urgent Care Do Stitches?
Yes, many urgent care clinics can provide stitches for certain cuts and wounds. An urgent care provider will first examine the injury and determine whether stitches are appropriate based on factors such as the wound’s depth, appearance and location and the specific cause of injury.
Stitches, also called sutures, are medical threads used to bring the edges of a wound together while it heals. Some wounds may be treated with other methods, such as wound-closure strips or medical adhesive. If the wound appears to be infected, your provider may prescribe an antibiotic medication as well.
When Does a Cut Need Stitches?
Not every cut needs stitches. If you are unsure how severe the cut is, it’s advised to get evaluated by an urgent care provider, especially if the edges of the wound do not stay together or the cut appears deep.
You should seek medical evaluation if a cut:
- Is deep, large or has edges that separate
- Continues bleeding despite direct pressure
- Was caused by an animal or human bite
- Causes numbness or difficulty moving the affected area
- Contains glass, dirt or another object that cannot be easily removed
- Is located on the face, head, eyelids, joints or another sensitive area
- May require a tetanus vaccination based on your vaccination history and the specific type of injury
For more information about caring for cuts and scrapes, check out this helpful guide to cuts and scrapes.
Can Urgent Care Treat Sprains and Broken Bones?
Urgent care clinics can typically evaluate sprains and suspected fractures. A sprain is an injury that affects a ligament, the tough band of tissue that connects one bone to another. Sprains commonly occur when a joint is twisted or stretched beyond its normal range, and when left untreated, can result in long-term joint instability and an increased risk of repeat injuries.
A fracture is a break or crack in a bone. An urgent care provider can examine the affected area and, when available, use an X-ray to help determine whether a fracture is present.
If a fracture is identified, treatment depends on the type of fracture and location of the injury. Some uncomplicated fractures may be stabilized with a splint or other support method. If there appears to be a significant deformity, an open wound over the fracture, blood vessel concerns or another serious health complication, your urgent care provider will recommend further evaluation by an orthopedic specialist or treatment in an emergency department.
Can Urgent Care Do X-Rays?
Some urgent care clinics offer X-ray imaging services, which can help providers more accurately evaluate certain injuries and determine whether a bone may be broken. However, imaging availability varies by location. If you are considering urgent care for a suspected fracture or another injury that may require X-ray imaging, check with the clinic before your visit to ensure those services are available.
Can Urgent Care Treat Burns?
Urgent care may be an appropriate care option for minor burns. A burn is an injury that causes damage to the skin tissue as a result of exposure to excessive heat, chemicals, electricity, radiation or friction. An urgent care provider can assess the affected area, determine the severity of the burn, clean and dress the injury when appropriate, and recommend follow-up care if necessary. More severe burns may require emergency medical treatment or advanced care at a specialized burn center.
When to Go to the ER or Call 911
Most STDs don’t require emergency medical care. However, you should seek immediate medical attention or call 911 if you experience symptoms such as:
- Severe pelvic or abdominal pain
- Confusion or difficulty staying awake
- Difficulty breathing
- Heavy bleeding
- High fever
- Severe allergic reaction after taking medication, including swelling of the face or throat
If you have any of these concerning symptoms that are worsening rapidly, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.
When to Go to the ER or Call 911
Some injuries require emergency medical attention or more advanced treatment than what is available at an urgent care clinic. Call 911 or go to the nearest ER if you notice warning signs such as:
- Severe bleeding that does not stop with firm, direct pressure
- Significant chest pain or trouble breathing
- A serious head, neck or spinal injury
- A severe injury involving an open fracture or significant deformity
- Loss of consciousness
- Severe burns, including burns involving the face, hands, feet, genitals, major joints or large areas of the body
When in doubt about whether an injury could be potentially life-threatening, it’s safer to seek emergency evaluation.
Get Comprehensive Same-Day Injury Care at Midwest Express Clinic
Experienced urgent care providers at Midwest Express Clinic can evaluate a wide range of non-emergency injuries that require prompt medical attention, including cuts, mild sprains, suspected fractures and minor burns. Depending on the injury and location, an urgent care provider will examine the affected area, provide appropriate wound care and recommend additional care when necessary.
If you have questions about whether a cut may need stitches or how to properly care for a non-emergency injury at home, Midwest Express Clinic can help you understand your treatment options.
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