Walk-In X-Ray at Urgent Care in Bolingbrook, IL

When an injury needs an X-ray

An X-ray is usually needed when the exam suggests a bone could be broken or a joint could be out of place. Sprains and fractures can look alike, since both cause pain, swelling and bruising.

MedlinePlus lists the signs of a broken bone as a limb that looks out of place, swelling or bruising, and trouble moving it or bearing weight. Findings like these make an X-ray worth doing:

• Pain right over a bone after a fall, a twist or a hit
• Swelling or bruising around the injury
• Trouble putting weight on a foot or leg, or using a hand or arm
• A child who won’t use an arm or leg after an accident

The Ottawa ankle rules

For ankle and foot injuries, many clinicians use a checklist called the Ottawa ankle rules. As described by the American Academy of Family Physicians, an X-ray is advised when there is pain around the ankle bones or in the middle of the foot, plus either tenderness at certain spots on the bone or being unable to take four steps both right after the injury and at the exam. Studies show the rules catch nearly all ankle and midfoot fractures in adults and in children as young as 5.

If the X-ray shows no break, our page on sprains and strains covers home care and what recovery usually looks like.

What happens during your X-ray visit

You check in, see a provider, have the X-ray if you need it, and leave with a plan. Before the picture, you may be asked to remove jewelry, glasses and anything metal near the area, because metal can get in the way of the image. You may change into a gown, and you may be given a lead apron to cover other parts of your body.

For each picture, you hold very still for a few seconds, and for some views you’ll hold your breath. RadiologyInfo says two or three pictures taken from different angles are typical for a bone X-ray. Taking the picture doesn’t hurt, though RadiologyInfo notes that holding an injured arm or leg still in one position can be uncomfortable.

After the X-ray, your provider talks with you about what comes next. That may be a splint or crutches, advice for home care, or follow-up with your regular doctor or a specialist.

What to bring and wear

Bring a photo ID, your insurance card if you have one, and a list of the medicines you take. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and leave jewelry at home if you can. If there is any chance you are pregnant, tell your provider before the X-ray.

How much radiation is in an X-ray?

Very little. One adult chest X-ray gives about the same dose as 10 days of the natural background radiation everyone gets from the environment.

People in the U.S. get about 3 mSv of natural background radiation a year, according to RadiologyInfo. The mSv, or millisievert, is the unit used to compare doses. An adult chest X-ray is about 0.1 mSv. An X-ray of a hand or foot is less than 0.001 mSv, about the same as less than 3 hours of background radiation.

RadiologyInfo notes a slight chance of cancer from too much radiation, but says the benefit of an accurate diagnosis far outweighs that risk at X-ray doses. It adds that no radiation stays in your body after the exam. An X-ray should still be done only for a good medical reason, using the lowest dose that gives a clear picture.

If you are or might be pregnant

Tell your provider before the X-ray. Many tests are avoided during pregnancy, and when an X-ray is needed, extra steps are taken to limit the baby’s exposure.