Does your sports injury need an X-ray? How can you tell? This blog breaks down the tell-tale signs & when you should visit AFC urgent care.
Life is busy, and sometimes it’s even busier if you’re involved in sports. From adult rec leagues in Chattanooga to competitive high school sports in Knox County, physical activities keep your body and mind healthy. But what do you do when your ankle has been swollen for a few days, or that pain in your shoulder hasn’t gone away? It may be time for an X-ray.
Luckily, AFC Urgent Care has multiple clinics with X-ray technicians on-site throughout southeast Tennessee (and Dalton, Georgia). Our state-of-the-art facilities use advanced digital technology to provide patients with convenient, safe and affordable X-ray services. X-rays aren’t the only thing that are fully transparent. Read this blog to learn more about X-rays and when your injury might benefit from one.
Visit an AFC clinic in East Tennessee today!
What is an X-ray?
For starters, an X-ray is a painless medical imaging exam that allows health care providers to see your internal body. Often, they are used to examine your bones, joints and soft tissues for signs of fractures, dislocation or infection. X-ray machines utilize small doses of radiation to create the images either on a film or digitally.
X-ray Categories
X-rays are broken up into three main categories:
- Radiography: The most common form of X-ray; it produces still images.
- Computed Tomography (CT) Scans: Taken from multiple X-ray slices at different angles, this type of X-ray creates a detailed 3D image.
- Fluoroscopy: Used to examine the heart, digestive system and joints, this technique can create moving real-time images.
Are X-rays Safe?
Although the idea of radiation exposure can sound intimidating, X-rays are actually very safe. In fact, everyone encounters small amounts of natural or “background” radiation every day. The radiation from an X-ray is minimal – comparable to just a few days’ worth of what we’re naturally exposed to. For example, a chest X-ray equals roughly 10 days of background radiation, while a dental X-ray is about the same as one day’s worth.
Even though X-rays are considered low-risk, it’s still important to let our providers know if you’ve had recent X-rays or if you’re pregnant before scheduling any additional imaging.
The ALARA Principle
A key safety standard followed by all medical professionals (including our team at AFC) is called ALARA, which stands for “As Low As Reasonably Achievable.” In other words, we always use the smallest amount of radiation needed to capture clear, accurate images.
Common Sports Injuries That May Require an X-ray
One of the main reasons patients need X-rays is because of sports injuries. Whether it’s softball, track and field, baseball or any other activity, accidents can happen when you least expect them. If you’ve recently been hurt and notice any of the following symptoms, it’s a good idea to stop by our walk-in urgent care for an X-ray.
- Severe pain: Persistent pain that doesn’t improve with rest or ice can be a sign of a more serious injury.
- Visible deformity: If a bone looks out of place or bent at an unusual angle, an X-ray is necessary to assess the damage.
- Inability to bear weight: Trouble putting pressure on an injured foot, ankle or leg is a strong indicator that an X-ray is needed.
- Ongoing swelling or bruising: Some swelling is normal after an injury, but if it doesn’t start to fade after a few days, an X-ray can help identify the underlying cause.
Does AFC Urgent Care Offer X-rays?
Yes, all of our clinics in east Tennessee use advanced technology to provide patients with X-ray care. Before digital detectors, X-rays were developed using expensive film. However, today, computers can create the images – allowing for a safer, faster and more cost-effective way to perform X-rays.
Are there benefits to digital X-rays?
- Compared to traditional X-rays, 80% less radiation is needed to produce digital X-rays.
- Images are clearer, sharper, brighter and can easily be magnified without losing it’s quality.
- Photos are ready instantly. You don’t have to wait for peace of mind, results are immediate.
- Digital X-rays are a greener option! The old film needed to produce X-rays contained harmful chemicals, but luckily digital X-rays have eliminated the need for film.
Whether you’re in Dalton, GA or Sevierville, TN – AFC is dedicated to providing all of our patients across east Tennessee with quality X-ray services. Stop by a clinic today, we’re open daily and even offer extended holiday hours.
Life shouldn’t stop when you get an injury. Our expert medical providers can not only perform X-rays when needed, but they will help create a personal treatment plan. So you can leave AFC feeling confident in your diagnosis and ready to tackle the road to recovery.
