As much as we may try to prevent them, injuries happen, and often when we least expect them! In fact, injuries are one of the most common reasons patients seek medical care—especially during the summer months.

Although injuries are a common reason to visit the doctor, how are you supposed to know what kind of injury you’re dealing with and if an X-ray is necessary? Our AFC Urgent Care Clemson team shares some helpful answers below, so keep reading.

Do I Need an X-ray?

An X-ray may not always be required for your specific injury, but all injuries should be examined by a doctor or medical professional. A thorough physical exam will help identify the type of injury, develop an effective treatment plan and prevent further complications.

If your injury shows any of the signs we’ve listed below, it’s highly likely that you are dealing with a bone break or fracture, which will need proper medical care ASAP. If a fracture goes untreated, future complications could occur, such as bone deformity, permanent nerve damage, muscle and ligament damage, and extended pain and swelling.

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.
• Deformity. If a bone is bent in an odd direction, protrudes from the skin or is otherwise deformed in some way, a fracture is almost the guaranteed cause.

Are X-rays Safe?

Yes, they are. X-rays are one of the oldest and most common forms of medical imaging, and doctors say the benefit of making the correct diagnosis outweighs any small potential risk that radiation exposure can cause.

Still, if you are a little hesitant about getting an X-ray, we’ve listed a few ways you can be careful below.

Ways to Exercise Caution

• Only allow X-rays, fluoroscopy or CT scans when there is a clear health benefit for you.
• Use the lowest amount of radiation possible to get the needed images.
• Only X-ray the area needed.

Need an X-ray? Don’t hesitate to stop by our AFC Urgent Care Clemson center today.