Can AFC perform X-rays? Sports injuries sometimes need X-rays. Learn the tell-tale signs & when to walk into our urgent care in Dalton, GA.
Do you have an injured wrist after playing tennis at Brookwood Park, or has your teenager come home with a limp after a volleyball game at Dalton High School? Accidents happen – but how do you know when that swollen wrist or sore knee is something more serious that needs an X-ray?
At AFC Urgent Care, we make it simple to find out. Our clinic has a certified X-ray technician on-site every day, and we provide same-day digital X-rays with no appointment or referral needed. Let’s dive into how X-rays work, when to get one, and why AFC is the best place to go when sports injuries happen.
What Is an X-ray?
An X-ray is a painless imaging test that lets health care providers see inside your body. Using a small, safe amount of radiation, X-rays create detailed pictures of your bones, joints and sometimes soft tissues. These images can quickly identify fractures, dislocations or other internal issues that can’t be seen from the outside.
A Quick History of X-rays
X-rays were first discovered in 1895 by German physicist Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen, who accidentally captured the first-ever X-ray image – his wife’s hand. Since then, X-ray technology has come a long way and remains one of the most essential diagnostic tools in modern medicine.
How Do X-rays Work?
When you get an X-ray, high-energy electromagnetic waves pass through your body and are captured by a digital detector.
- Dense materials, like bones, absorb more radiation and show up white on the image.
- Softer tissues, like muscles and organs, appear in shades of gray.
This contrast helps medical professionals quickly spot anything abnormal – such as a bone fracture, fluid buildup or signs of infection.
Are X-rays Safe?
Yes, X-rays are very safe when performed properly. While the idea of radiation can sound intimidating, the amount used in an X-ray is extremely small (about the same as what you naturally experience in your environment).
Here’s some perspective:
- A chest X-ray equals roughly 10 days of background radiation.
- A dental X-ray equals about 1 day of background radiation.
Still, before getting an X-ray, it’s always a good idea to let your provider know if you’ve had any recent X-rays or if there’s a chance you may be pregnant.
The ALARA Principle
At AFC Dalton, we follow a safety standard called ALARA, which stands for As Low As Reasonably Achievable. This means our medical team always uses the lowest radiation dose possible to achieve a high-quality image. It’s a key safety protocol followed in all medical imaging and ensures that you and your family stay safe while still getting the answers you need.
Common Sports Injuries That May Require an X-ray
Sports are a big part of life here in Dalton, and while a little soreness is normal after a game, some injuries need a closer look. If you’ve been hurt recently, here are a few signs that it’s time to get an X-ray:
- Severe pain: If your pain doesn’t improve with rest, ice or over-the-counter medication, it may be more than a sprain.
- Visible deformity: If a bone or joint looks out of place or bent at an odd angle, an X-ray is essential.
- Inability to bear weight: Struggling to walk or put pressure on a leg, ankle or foot is a common sign of a fracture.
- Persistent swelling or bruising: If swelling and bruising haven’t improved after several days, it’s time to rule out a broken bone.
Getting an X-ray early can help prevent further damage and ensure proper healing.
The Difference Between Digital and Traditional X-rays
At AFC Dalton, we use advanced digital X-ray technology – a faster, cleaner and safer alternative to traditional film-based imaging.
Digital X-rays offer several benefits:
- Up to 80% less radiation exposure than traditional film X-rays.
- Sharper, clearer images that can be enlarged for better accuracy.
- Instant results: no waiting for film to develop.
- Environmentally friendly: no need for chemicals or film.
Digital X-rays also allow our providers to share images easily with your primary care provider or specialist if follow-up care is needed.
Fast X-ray Vision in Dalton
When a sports injury happens, you shouldn’t have to wait days for an answer or spend hours in an emergency room. At AFC Dalton, we offer walk-in X-ray services seven days a week, with extended hours to fit your schedule. Our compassionate providers will evaluate your injury, perform an on-site X-ray if needed, and help you create a treatment plan, all in one visit.
So if you’ve twisted, strained, or taken a hard hit and aren’t sure how serious it is, don’t tough it out. Visit our urgent care today for affordable, convenient and accurate X-ray imaging.
