Injuries can affect all of us, even as much as we try to prevent them. Whether you are playing sports or doing yard work, accidents can happen. After you incur an injury you may be left wondering… do I need an x-ray? In certain cases, digital x-rays are necessary to accurately diagnose and treat injuries.
When you’re hurt, the last thing you want to do is wait in a busy lobby at an emergency room. At AFC Urgent Care Lyndhurst, our team of medical providers specialize in acute injury treatment– whether you’re experiencing a sprain, strain, dislocation, or fracture. We can help you understand the signs and symptoms of each injury. Thanks to our urgent care clinic’s on-site labs and digital x-ray services, you can get a fast diagnosis and proper treatment. Continue reading to learn about what types of acute injuries may require x-rays.
Sprains and Strains
Perhaps you were playing in a basketball game and hurt your ankle. Or maybe you were moving heavy boxes around the house and pulled a muscle. Sprains and strains can affect your ligaments and tendons. These injuries can occur as a result of active movement or overstretching, and frequently occur when playing sports. Most of the time, sprains and strains can be treated at home, with plenty of rest, elevation and ice. An x-ray may not be required if a mild to moderate sprain or strain is sensed.
However, sometimes patients may believe their hurt ankle is just a sprain, when in reality it could be a fracture. If the pain is severe and persistent, an x-ray may be necessary to better understand what type of injury you’re dealing with and what treatment plan is best for you.
Fractures
A fracture occurs when a bone breaks or cracks from the result of severe pressure or force. Some of the indication signs that you likely have a fracture include bruising, swelling, and a twisted or bent appearance. Without an x-ray, it can be difficult to tell if you have a fracture. Some patients may be able to walk on a fractured leg depending on where their injury is, which is why fractured bones may be mistaken for a potential sprain or a strain.
There are many different types of fractures based upon how the break occurs, including bowing fractures and complete fractures. Visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Lyndhurst to let a healthcare provider evaluate and identify what type of fracture you incurred through x-ray imaging.
Dislocations
A dislocation is when a bone slips out of a joint. Some of us may recall witnessing dislocations on the big screen, when a quarterback gets sacked. But dislocations can happen to all of us, whether we’re playing a contact sport or not. Dislocations usually occur after a fall or blow, and can affect fingers, shoulders, elbows, jaw, ankles, and knees. Signs that you’ve experienced a dislocation include a deformed, swollen, bruised, or discolored appearance.
By visiting an urgent care clinic, digital x-rays will allow medical providers to confirm the dislocation and to determine the best treatment. If a dislocation or a fracture goes untreated, you could risk further complications such as bone deformity and muscle damage.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Lyndhurst for X-Rays Today
When you’re hurt, AFC Urgent Care Lyndhurst is there. We’re open every day of the week, making digital x-rays accessible when you need it. Your injury cannot always heal on its own, sometimes we need professional care. Visit our urgent care center with no appointment necessary. Call now for more information about ac
