Think you might have sustained an injury playing sports? Walk into AFC for same-day care. We offer digital X-rays every day of the week! 

Physical activities are some of our favorite things to do in Lenoir. Whether it’s feeling that North Carolina breeze while hiking at Tuttle Forest, scoring a game winning shot in the MLK Rec Center or biking on the Greenway – being active is good for your mental and physical health. 

But what happens when you sustain an injury? Do you wait it out, head to urgent care or straight for the emergency room? Does urgent care even offer X-rays? Deciding when it’s time for professional medical care doesn’t need to be confusing. To learn more about common injuries that typically require an X-ray, keep reading.  

Visit AFC Lenoir today! 

What is an X-ray? 

Simply put, an X-ray is a painless medical exam that creates images of your internal body, such as – bones and organs. 

Physicians, dentists and other health care providers will examine the X-ray images to help determine where the underlying issue is and guide future treatment plans. In order for these images to be created, X-ray machines utilize small amounts of radiation. 

How Does an X-ray Work? 

First discovered in 1895 by German physicist Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen, X-rays have become a cornerstone in modern medicine. When Röntgen was experimenting with electrical currents through gases, he discovered rays that could travel through most substances, leaving shadows of solid objects. These mysterious rays were named “X-rays,” the term we still use today! By the early 1900s, X-ray machines were indispensable when diagnosing medical conditions.  

The Science Behind X-rays 

Röntgen’s work proved that X-rays are actually high-energy electromagnetic waves. During an X-ray test, the radiation rays pass through the body, creating an image on a film or computer.  

• Dense materials, like your bones, absorb radiation and appear bright white on the X-ray picture. 
• Softer tissue, like your muscles and organs, do not easily absorb radiation and appear different shades of grey on the picture. 

Is it Safe to Get an X-ray? 

While the thought of being exposed to radiation may sound scary, getting an X-ray is generally a very safe process. Interestingly, everyone is exposed to “background radiation,” everyday. X-rays use very small doses of radiation that are comparable to a couple days worth of natural radiation exposure. For instance, a chest X-ray is like being exposed to about 10 days worth of background radiation, Whereas, a dental X-ray is similar to experiencing one day’s worth of background radiation.  

Although X-rays are typically regarded as safe, it’s always a wise decision to inform our providers about any recent X-rays or if you’re pregnant before we discuss future tests. 

What is the ALARA principle? 

An important safety protocol that all medical professionals follow (including our team at AFC Lenoir) is known as ALARA – As low as reasonably achievable. This means that we will always use the lowest amount of radiation necessary to achieve quality imaging.  

Common Sports Injuries that May Require an X-ray 

One of the most common reasons we perform X-rays on patients is due to sports-related injuries. Whether it was flag football, golf or gymnastics, accidents happen. If you’ve recently sustained an injury and are experiencing the following signs, you should consider visiting our walk-in urgent care. 

• Severe pain: This is also a warning that something is off. If your pain does not improve with rest and ice, stop by AFC for an X-ray. 
• Visible deformity: Is there a bone out of place or at an usual angle? An X-ray will be essential in this situation. 
• Inability to bear weight: If you cannot put weight on an injured foot, ankle or leg, an X-ray should be in your very near future. 
• Persistent swelling and bruising: Although this is common in most injuries, if it does not go away in a few days, you might want to get an X-ray to help determine the issue. 

Does AFC Offer X-rays? 

Yes! AFC Lenoir offers same-day digital X-rays. Our advanced technology allows X-ray images to be captured on computers rather than expensive film. Digital X-rays are faster, cost-effective and safer for patients. 

What’s the difference between digital and traditional X-rays? 

• Digital X-rays produce 80% less radiation than traditional ones. 
• Using digital sensors, images are clearer, sharper and they can easily be magnified without degrading the quality.  
• You don’t have to worry about developing film, with digital X-rays, photos are ready instantly. 
• Digital X-rays are better for the environment! The film required to produce traditional X-rays used harmful chemicals like lead, but now we have a greener alternative. 

Our state-of-the-art facility is here to provide you with the care you deserve – that means safer, affordable and friendly. We’re open every day of the week and have extended hours because injuries can happen at any time. No appointment is needed, just walk into AFC and our experienced staff members will help you get back to feeling your best.