Minor injuries are classified as injuries that while painful, don’t present a threat to your mobility, long-term survival or your life. There is a broad range of minor injuries that can be treated at home or may need to be checked over by a doctor to ensure there isn’t a bigger issue at hand. Some examples of minor injuries include: • Shallow cuts or abrasions to the skin. If these fall over a joint though, medical attention is recommended. Deeper or longer cuts may require stitches from a doctor. • Muscle strain and sprains can mostly be treated at home with rest to keep weight off the injured area and prevent it getting worse. More serious sprains and strains may require medical attention to ensure that they aren’t actually a sign of something more serious like a fracture or a muscle tear. • Bruises and skin lesions are easily treatable with ice on the affected area. • Minor burns affecting only a small area of the skin are treatable by running the spot under tepid water, then covering with an ointment and bandage to promote healing. In many cases, minor injuries can be treated at home without the assistance or attention of a doctor. However, if symptoms aren’t going away after a few days or symptoms are getting worse, it is best to get checked out to avoid infection or to confirm your diagnosis through the use of x-rays.