Five signs you may need an X-ray after an injury
Medically reviewed by Dr. Betsy Koickel, MD on May 8th, 2025.
If you are injured and in pain, especially if the injury involves an arm or a leg, you might be wondering if you have a fracture or broken bone. An X-ray can help your healthcare provider determine if a fracture may be present.
When is an X-ray necessary after an injury?
An X-ray might be necessary after an injury if you are in severe pain or have swelling, bruising, inability to bear weight, a visible deformity or a suspected fracture or dislocation. If symptoms worsen or don’t improve after a few days, an X-ray may also be recommended to rule out hidden fractures.
Five signs you may need an X-ray
Here are five signs you might need an X-ray:
1. Severe pain that doesn’t improve
If you were injured a few days ago and the pain hasn’t improved after 24-48 hours with rest or with over-the-counter pain medications, you may want to see a healthcare provider. They can evaluate the injury and recommend an X-ray if appropriate.
2. Swelling and bruising around the injury
Swelling and bruising are usually indications of an immune response and injury, but they can also be signs of a fracture. If the swelling persists, it may indicate a hidden fracture and an X-ray might be recommended.
3. Limited range of motion or inability to bear weight
If you can’t move your wrist or put weight on your ankle after an injury, you might have a fracture. A complete break will be extremely painful and you will be unable to move the area at all. A minor fracture may allow some movement, but an X-ray may still be required to evaluate the injury.
4. Visible deformity or misalignment
If you can visibly see that a bone is broken and is protruding out of the skin or misaligned, you likely need an X-ray to determine the severity of the fracture and further treatment. Not treating a fracture may result in improper healing and could lead to a permanent deformity, limited mobility, or other serious health issues.
5. A popping sound or sensation at the time of injury
A popping sound at the time of injury may indicate a break, ligament tear or tendon rupture. An X-ray might be necessary to determine if there is a fracture or if further imaging is needed to determine the type or extent of the injury.
What can an X-ray detect?
An X-ray can detect injuries involving bones, fractures, dislocations and joint issues. It may also be used to diagnose some lung or chest conditions. X-rays are not used to diagnose sprains, strains or other soft tissue injuries, which may require an MRI or other types of testing for diagnosis.
Do urgent care centers have X-ray capabilities?
Yes, many urgent care centers are equipped with X-ray machines and staffed to perform X-rays. You can check to see if X-ray imaging is offered at an urgent care near you by looking at the center's website or contacting the center. An evaluation by a healthcare provider will be required before the X-ray to determine if it is an appropriate test for your injury.
To get started, find the center nearest you and walk in or save your spot online. Most centers are open seven days a week with extended hours to help you feel better faster.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about urgent care X-rays:
Does urgent care do X-rays?
Yes, some urgent care centers offer X-rays for injuries or imaging of other medical concerns.
Can urgent care do X-rays for fractures?
Yes, some urgent care centers have the capability to perform an X-ray to check for fractures.
What can you see on an X-ray?
X-rays can be used to show bones, fractures, dislocations, joint issues and some lung or chest conditions.
Can you see a sprain on an X-ray?
No, a sprain is a soft tissue injury and an X-ray can only capture bone. Therefore, X-rays do not show sprains.
How long does an X-ray take at urgent care?
The X-ray usually takes 10 to 15 minutes, but an evaluation is usually required first to assess the injury be an X-ray is procured.
What should I do if my X-ray shows a fracture?
Follow the provider’s instructions for treating the fracture. This may include immobilization, pain management and a referral to an off-site specialist.
Do I need a referral to get an X-ray at urgent care?
No, urgent care providers are trained to assess your injury on-site and determine appropriate next steps, including whether to get an X-ray. To get started, you can walk in or save your spot online.
Is an X-ray painful?
No, the X-ray is painless, but positioning the body for the right image may cause mild pain if you have an injury.
Are X-rays safe?
Yes, when used infrequently and performed properly, X-rays are safe, as the radiation exposure is minimal.
How much does an X-ray cost at urgent care?
The cost of the X-ray will depend on your insurance coverage. If you are uninsured, discounted pricing may be available if you pay at the time of service.
