When to Get an X-Ray: Common Reasons for an Urgent Care Visit

1. When to Get an X-Ray: Common Reasons for an Urgent Care Visit DOC-AID URGENT CARE

2. The X-ray Process Most X-rays don’t need special preparation. Your doctor might ask you to remove jewelry, glasses, or any metal objects or clothing that could interfere with the image. You can have X-rays while standing or lying down, depending on which body part is being examined.  An X-ray machine transmits a beam of radiation through your body. Your hard and dense bones block the beam, showing up as white on the film. Softer tissues like muscle and fat appear as different shades of gray.

3. Who might need an X-ray? People of all ages, from babies to adults, can have an X-ray. If you could be pregnant, let your doctor know beforehand. X-rays have radiation that can hurt a baby in the womb. Your doctor might suggest an X-ray if they can’t figure out the problem just by looking at you or touching you. An X-ray gives a better view of what’s happening inside your body so your doctor can treat you. Your provider may order an X-ray if you are experiencing the following: • Difficulty walking or moving: If you've injured your ankle, leg, or foot and find it hard to walk even a short distance, an X-ray can show if you've broken a bone. While sprains don't appear on X-rays, they can help show a fracture in the ankle or foot. • Persistent swelling: If swelling persists for days, an X-ray can reveal whether a bone fracture or fluid around a joint is causing it. It might also show changes in soft tissue that could cause internal inflammation. • Joint pain or stiffness: X-rays can diagnose arthritis and help doctors monitor joint conditions. They can also detect fluid buildup from a joint injury. • Difficulty breathing: Chest X-rays help diagnose chronic lung problems like lung cancer or acute conditions like pneumonia. They also show changes to the heart that can affect your breathing. • Digestive problems: For digestive issues, an X-ray, often with a barium swallow, can help doctors understand what's happening. X-rays can also locate non-food items swallowed, like marbles or keys.

4. Types of X-rays at Urgent Care • Abdominal X-ray: This X-ray captures images of your kidneys, stomach, liver, and bladder. It helps diagnose conditions such as kidney and bladder stones. • Bone X-ray: A bone X-ray helps your provider identify broken bones (fractures), dislocated joints, and arthritis. Additionally, it can show indications of bone cancer or infection. A spine X-ray examines the bones and tissues in the spine. • Chest X-ray: This examination checks for irregularities in the heart, lungs, and chest bones, such as pneumonia.

5. Types of X-rays at Urgent Care • Abdominal X-ray: This X-ray captures images of your kidneys, stomach, liver, and bladder. It helps diagnose conditions such as kidney and bladder stones. • Bone X-ray: A bone X-ray helps your provider identify broken bones (fractures), dislocated joints, and arthritis. Additionally, it can show indications of bone cancer or infection. A spine X-ray examines the bones and tissues in the spine. • Chest X-ray: This examination checks for irregularities in the heart, lungs, and chest bones, such as pneumonia.