How can you tell if you need an X-ray? Use our newest guide on X-rays to help with your decision! We offer same-day X-rays & we’re open daily! 

No matter the season, injuries can happen at any time of the year. Whether you dove a little too hard during sand volleyball over at The Cove, landed on your knee wrong playing basketball at the YMCA or simply twisted your ankle playing inside with your kids, an active life comes with the occasional injury. But that doesn’t mean you have to let it slow you down.  

At AFC Urgent Care, we always have an X-ray technician on-staff, so we can provide same-day digital X-rays. Here’s our guide to understanding X-rays and knowing when you need to visit our clinic. 

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What is an X-ray? 

X-rays are painless medical tests that make images of your bones, organs and other internal parts of your body in order to provide helpful information to physicians, dentists and other health care professionals. X-rays utilize small amounts of radiation to produce accurate imaging.  

History Behind X-rays 

In 1895, German physicist Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen, was experimenting with electrical currents through gases. He soon discovered that rays could pass through most substances, leaving shadows of solid objects. So, he did what any person would do, directed the rays toward his wife’s hand! The resulting image showed the bones within her hand – the first image of its kind. 

Röntgen continued to observe these mysterious rays and named them “X rays,” a term we still use today. By the early 1900s, X-ray machines became a crucial part of medical diagnostics, particularly in detecting foreign objects in the body and identifying fractures. 

How Do X-rays Work? 

X-rays are high-energy electromagnetic waves. When an X-ray is conducted, radiation beams pass through the body to create an image on a film or digital detector. As the beams go through your body, solid or dense objects (like bones) absorb radiation easily and appear bright white in the image. Whereas soft tissues (like organs) do not easily absorb radiation; therefore, appearing varying shades of grey on the X-ray. Radiologists can then interpret the image and look for anything abnormal or concerning. 

Are X-rays Safe? 

Generally, X-rays are safe, as long as you minimize your radiation exposure. Most X-rays will expose you to very little radiation – only a little bit more than you experience naturally. In fact, your day-to-day life exposes you to background radiation. A chest X-ray, for example, exposes you to about 10 days’ worth of background radiation, and a dental X-ray exposes you to about one day of background radiation.  

All medical facilities abide by ALARA which stands for “As Low as Reasonably Achievable.” Meaning, medical professionals will always ensure that the lowest dosage of radiation is given while also achieving quality results.  

Although there are minimal risks when it comes to X-rays, they should be avoided unless completely necessary. Before getting an X-ray, always inform your provider of any recent X-rays and if there’s a possibility of pregnancy. 

When Should I Get an X-ray? 

Now that we’ve discussed how X-rays work and outlined the risks, let’s break down when an X-ray is needed. As we’ve mentioned earlier, X-rays are vital tools in the health care field but should still only be conducted when necessary. Common reasons to get an X-ray include: 

• Difficulty walking: A sprain will not show on an X-ray, but a fracture will. X-rays can help confirm or rule out broken bones.  
• Digestive issues: Using barium (that chalky white liquid that is traditionally swallowed) X-rays are able to identify issues in the digestive tract or locate objects that were ingested like coins or small toys.  
• Persistent swelling: X-rays can detect issues such as fractures, joint fluid or changes in your soft tissue.  
• Joint pain or stiffness: Problems like arthritis or other joint injuries can be diagnosed using an X-ray. 
• Lung problems: When diagnosing diseases like pneumonia or lung cancer, X-rays play a vital role. 

Other Signs an X-ray is Needed: 

• Visible deformity (a bone clearly out of place or at an unusual angle). 
• Inability to bear weight (specifically on an injured foot, ankle or leg). 

X-rays at AFC Fountain City 

Since 1895, X-ray technology has drastically advanced. Here at AFC, we now have digital X-rays. Rather than using film, computers can capture the images from digital X-ray machines.  

The benefits of digital X-rays compared to traditional x-rays? 

• Less radiation exposure
• Clearer and sharper imaging
• Instant turnaround
• Easier record keeping
• Environmentally friendly

At AFC Fountain City, we believe health care should be affordable for everyone. Our state-of-the-art facility is open every day of the week, and we have extended and special holiday hours. We keep the X-ray process simple, safe and cost-effective.  

If you’re suffering from persistent bruising, swelling or severe joint pain, don’t wait it out. Stop by AFC today.