You asked, we answered: How do I know if I need an X-ray?

Question:
I’m not sure if I have a sprain, fracture or broken bone. How do I know if I need an X-ray?
Answered by advanced practice registered nurse Amanda Impelluso, APRN:
After an injury, it can be difficult to tell what you’re dealing with. You may have pain and swelling, but is it broken? People often wonder if they should “wait and see” or seek immediate medical attention.
To help reserve the emergency room for serious medical emergencies like a shattered bone or a bone showing or poking through the skin, we recommend heading to your nearest walk-in Immediate Care Center for assessment. You’ll receive quality care that will save you time and money. If necessary, they will direct you to the ER if they think your injury is severe.
Immediate Care Clinics see patients six months and older. They are set up to assess your injury, take X-rays, provide initial treatment and discuss the next steps. A suspected fracture is best seen in person rather than with an On-Demand Visit. After treatment, the clinic will refer you to an orthopaedic clinic if necessary and recommend a follow-up appointment with your primary doctor.
The main signs of a fracture or broken bone include:
- Extreme pain. Is your pain tolerable or at a high level?
- Difficulty moving the affected limb. Can you move it without considerable pain?
- Significant swelling or bruising within the first few hours of injury. Is the area quite swollen or bruised and getting worse with time?
- Visible deformity. Does the area look out of place or different?
Children may react differently depending on age, with some still moving the injured area despite a break. Adults generally experience high levels of pain and limited mobility. If you can pinpoint the exact location where you’re in pain, it may be more indicative of a fracture than general pain.
What if you opt to wait and ice the injury at home? If you’re still experiencing the same signs listed above, or worse, after 24 to 48 hours, go to an Immediate Care Clinic or call your primary care doctor for an X-ray.
Our handy chart can help you decide. See Find Care Now for information on all of our care options.