Minor and discomforting sports injuries may lead to worsened pain if untreated for a long time. Though rest, ice, injections, and some over-the-counter drugs might help relieve the pain or reduce swelling, only proper body imaging can help a doctor effectively diagnose your injury for the best treatment and prescription. Here is a detailed guide on things to know about X-rays for sports injuries.
Things to Know About Sport Injuries
Sports injuries are bodily damage that occurs as a result of physical or athletic activities. The people who are most at risk of sports injuries are athletes or children who are always on the move, involved in activities like running, biking, jumping, or tackling others. Those who don't warm up or rest in-between activities are also at higher risk.
The major causes of sports injuries include falling, lack of proper and well-fitted safety gear, or overly handling activities that are overwhelming. When an accident occurs during sports, the places that are mostly affected are your head, shoulder, knees, elbow, ankle, and the tendon that joins your heel to your calf (Achilles tendon).
The common sports injuries can be divided into two; Acute and Chronic injuries.
Acute Injuries
These are injuries that happen abruptly. Examples of these are ankle sprain, bone dislocation, brain concussion, cartilage tear, a broken bone, fracture, and so on.
Chronic Injuries
These damages happen over a long period and are usually ignored. But they usually end up developing into serious health cases after a while. Some examples are shin splints, Achilles tendinitis, stress fracture, tennis elbow, and so on.
Treatment of Sport Injuries
The most effective way to diagnose and provide prescription medications for a sports injury is through an imagery scan. That way, the doctor will be able to see what is going on within your body and prescribe the best treatment possible. Four physical examinations can be recommended depending on your symptoms and complaints.
X-rays
An X-ray is the smallest of the physical scans available. It is mostly used to examine dense tissues, bones, and joints
CT Scan
Though CT scans also use x-ray technology, they are more comprehensive and provide more quality images. A CT scan can capture blood vessels, soft tissues, and bones at the same time.
MRI Scan
MRI scans use radio waves to capture and produce a clearer image of your body. With an MRI scan, a doctor can get detailed pictures of ligaments, muscles, tendons, other soft tissues, and organs.
Ultrasound
This imagery option uses a high-frequency sound wave to diagnose and find injuries with muscle fibers, and lower limb structures.
Conclusion
Visit a care center for x-rays that can quickly diagnose minor injuries, treat injuries, and provide follow-up treatment as soon as you gw injured. For an x-ray or other diagnosis options for lingering minor/moderate injury, then visit an urgent care center ASAP!
