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A person sitting on a gym floor holds their foot with both hands, suggesting a possible foot problem. A person sitting on a gym floor holds their foot with both hands, suggesting a possible foot problem.

Minor Injuries, Sprains or Burns

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If you have an injury which is not life threatening or serious you can go to a minor injury unit or call 111.

Minor injuries such as sprains, small burns and minor cuts are a normal part of everyday life. Sometimes minor injuries can also happen more easily if your joints are weaker or your balance is not as steady as it once was.

If you’re an older adult, you may be more at risk of minor injuries because skin can become more fragile, balance can change, and healing may take longer. If you have a long-term health condition, this can also affect movement or sensation, so you might be slower to react to heat and stop a burn.

More about minor injuries, sprains or burns

What you might need if you have a minor injury

Most minor injuries heal on their own with care and time. You can find more guidance in our Q&A below, but if an injury seems more severe, you are unsure about it, or symptoms are not improving, it is always okay to seek same-day help at a minor injury unit, or call 111.

Minor injuries are unintentional and can be prevented with simple safety measures. They can be caused by, slips or falls during play or daily activities, sports or physical exercise, especially twisting or sudden impact, heat from kettles, ovens, irons or hot drinks, sharp objects that cause small cuts or grazes, overuse or sudden strain on muscles and joints, reduced strength or balance, particularly in older adults, environmental hazards such as clutter, uneven surfaces or poor lighting and lack of protective equipment during sports or physical activity.

Children and young people usually simply need basic first aid (see our Q&A below for some tips), though they may also need reassurance and gentle guidance to stay calm. Seek help if the pain gets worse, movement becomes difficult, or signs of infection appear.

For adults too, simply applying basic first aid early enough can make an injury heal faster and more effectively. Adults, too, should seek help if pain gets worse, movement becomes difficult, or signs of infection appear. If you have a medical condition that affects healing (such as diabetes) a clinician may want to monitor the injury to make sure it is healing safely.

Most minor injuries can be treated safely at home, with the support from your local pharmacy. Knowing what to do early can help reduce pain, prevent more problems and support faster healing.

Questions and answers

What counts as a minor injury?
Sprains and strains - These affect muscles, ligaments or tendons. They can cause pain, swelling and stiffness, and may make movement difficult. They often happen during sport, exercise or sudden movement. Cuts, grazes, and minor wounds, including infected ones - These are small breaks in the skin caused by falls, sharp objects or everyday accidents. With gentle cleaning and a dressing, most heal well. Bites and stings - Including dog, cat and insect bites. Simple bone fractures and dislocations - You can usually access our X-ray services. Eye problems -Including scratches, foreign bodies (having something ‘stuck in your eye’), and infections. Minor burns and scalds - These can happen if your skin comes into contact with hot liquids, steam, hot surfaces or friction. Cooling the burn quickly can help reduce damage to the skin. Bruising -Bruises are caused by an impact like a knock, a fall or a bump. They’re common, especially during physical activity like sports. Minor head injuries or bumps - These are small knocks to the head without worrying symptoms. It is still important to keep an eye for any further symptoms afterwards, especially in children and young people. If you are on anti-coagulation therapy or seeing increased confusion or loss of consciousness, seek urgent medical help. Joint or muscle discomfort - Short-term aches or pains can happen after exercise, overuse or minor overstretching. Emergency contraception - While not technically a minor injury, we can provide same-day emergency contraception at a minor injury unit.
How do I treat a sprain?
Pain and swelling from a sprain often improve with simple care. You can try the RICE approach. Rest – try not to use the injured area. Ice – hold something frozen to the injured area for around 20 minutes. Compression – press down on the injured area with a bandage. Elevation – keep the injured area raised, so it’s less likely to be knocked Once the pain starts to settle, gentle movement can help recovery.
How do I treat a minor burn?
Cooling the burn quickly is important. You can place the burn under cool running water for 20 minutes, remove jewellery or tight clothing near the burn, cover the area with a clean dressing and avoid using ice, creams or lotions on a fresh burn.
When should I seek help for a burn?
It is best to seek medical advice if a burn is large or blistered, affects the face, hands, feet or genitals and affects a child or older adult If you are unsure, it is always okay to ask for advice.
How do I clean a minor wound?
You can help avoid infection by keeping a wound clean and covered. You can rinse the wound gently under clean running water, remove any visible dirt, pat the area dry, cover the wound with a clean or sterile dressing.
What are signs of infection?
Watch for signs, such as redness spreading around the wound, swelling or warmth, increasing pain, pus or discharge and fever. If you notice these symptoms, it is best to seek advice at a minor injury unit on the same day, if possible.
Is bruising normal after an injury?
Yes. Bruising is common and usually settles within a few days. Seek help if bruising spreads quickly or appears without a clear cause.
What if my child bumps their head?
Most head bumps are mild. It is still important to keep an eye on your child afterwards. Seek urgent help if you notice unusual drowsiness, repeated vomiting, confusion and unusual behaviour If you are worried, it is always okay to seek advice.
How long do minor injuries take to heal?
Healing time can vary depending on the injury. Often you’ll find that minor burns usually heal within a few days to two weeks. Small cuts or grazes often heal within a few days
Can movement help recovery?
Yes. Gentle movement can help once the early pain has settled. Too much rest for long periods can sometimes slow recovery. Gradual activity helps muscles and joints regain strength and flexibility. If your initial pain does not improve, or if it increases after injury, go to your local minor injury unit.
How can minor injuries be prevented?
There are simple safety steps that can reduce the risk of injury. You can try to use protective equipment during sports. Keep play and home spaces safe and uncluttered. Wear supportive footwear. Supervise children and young people during risky activities. Maintain strength, balance and flexibility through regular activity.

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