Whether we like it or not, injuries tend to be more common during the summer months. So, if you’ve twisted an ankle or have a funny feeling in your knee, when should you let the injury go and when should you visit our AFC center for an X-ray?

Our AFC Urgent Care Powdersville team provides some helpful answers below.

What Are X-rays?

X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation used to create images of bones, joints and soft tissue structures inside the body. The X-ray image looks like a set of shadows on a piece of plastic film that shows bones as white, air as black and soft tissues as varying shades of gray.

We’ve listed some conditions that could call for an X-ray below.

Common Reasons For Getting an X-ray

• Bone cancer
• Blocked blood vessels
• Conditions affecting the lungs
• Fractures
• Osteoporosis
• Arthritis
• Tooth decay

How Do I Know If I Need an X-ray?

Obviously, pain is a sign that you may need an X-ray, but there are other things you should take into account. When you’re dealing with something like an ankle sprain or muscle strain, they affect the muscles and ligaments. So, although they’re painful, sprains and strains commonly heal with rest, ice and elevation.

Bone breaks, fractures and dislocations all usually require X-rays. We’ve listed some common signs and symptoms of those types of injuries below.

Signs of Broken Bones

• Bruising and discoloration. Though it can occur with any type of injury, bruising as a result of fracture may be particularly extensive and dark in color.
• Swelling. Swelling often occurs due to blunt trauma, when fluid leakage causes soft tissue such as muscles and skin to swell. Swelling may be a sign that a bone has broken.
• Crepitus. Crepitus is a condition in which bits of a broken bone can be felt underneath the skin after an injury has been sustained. This sensation is not normally felt in the body and may indicate a breakage.

If you have any questions about a potential X-ray or other non-emergency medical concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to our AFC Urgent Care Powdersville team today!