7 Signs Your Injury Calls for Diagnostic X-Ray Imaging

Injuries are an inevitable part of life, and they can occur due to sports activities, falls, or general mishaps. Minor injuries can often be treated on your own at home with bandages, over-the-counter pain relievers and antibiotic creams, warm compresses, ice packs, and rest. 

Other injuries, such as severe sprains, stress fractures, or broken bones, need care from a medical professional for proper healing.

But how can you tell if your injury needs expert medical attention rather than at-home care? Perhaps an injury that seemed minor at the time is actually more severe, or it isn’t responding to any of your self-care remedies. 

Part of professional healthcare for injuries often includes diagnostic X-ray imaging, which can help determine the type and severity of your injury.

At San Feliz Urgent Care in Glendale, California, our team uses on-site X-rays to treat your minor injuries effectively. In this month’s blog, we highlight some signs that indicate your injury requires a trip to our office for imaging tests and expert medical care. 

1. You have severe pain and swelling

Pain and swelling are your body’s natural responses to injury. Injuries cause pain and swelling; however, if the pain and swelling worsen, or if the swelling is excessive, you may have a severe sprain or a broken bone. 

2. You hear popping sounds

Oftentimes, severe ankle sprains are accompanied by popping sounds or sensations at the time of the sprain or afterward. If your ankle is swollen, tender, painful, and pops when you walk or put pressure on it, you may need an X-ray to evaluate the damage.

3. You have significant bruising

Bone breaks, stress fractures, and sprains can cause significant bruising around the injury area. While bruising can accompany many types of injuries that don’t require professional care, significant bruising that comes with excessive swelling and tenderness may indicate internal damage, requiring expert care. 

4. You have limited mobility 

If your injured body part is severely sprained or broken, you may have limited use of that body part or won’t be able to use it at all. If your injury significantly limits your mobility, it’s important to get X-rays for proper injury diagnosis and treatment. 

5. You have a break in the skin

Sometimes, a broken bone can pierce through the skin. This is known as a compound fracture, and compound fractures always require prompt medical attention. If you notice a break in the skin after a significant injury, seek treatment immediately to have the damage assessed. 

6. You have a visible deformity

In cases of joint dislocations, severe sprains, or bone breaks, you may notice a bump or deformity at the injury site that wasn’t there previously. It’s always best to seek medical attention when a visible deformity is present. 

7. Your symptoms don’t improve

If you don’t notice any of the above-listed signs, but your pain and other symptoms don’t improve with time and at-home care, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with our team for an injury evaluation. 

To schedule a diagnostic appointment with our San Feliz Urgent Care team, call our office or use our online booking feature today.