X-rays are one of the best medical tools in existence, but they’re only helpful in the right circumstances. If you’ve recently twisted your ankle or sustained some other type of injury, it might not be best to get an X-ray unless you’ve experienced some specific types of symptoms.

Our AFC Urgent Care Centennial team further elaborates on the effectiveness of X-rays and when you should consider getting one below, so keep reading!

What Does an X-ray Do?

X-rays use invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones and organs on film or digital media. Standard X-rays are performed for many reasons, including diagnosing tumors or bone injuries.

If you’ve sustained an injury to your muscles or tendons, X-rays won’t be a huge help in diagnosing the injury. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms that we’ve listed below, consider getting an X-ray at our AFC center.

Reasons to Schedule an X-ray

• Inability to walk more than four steps
• Joint immobility
• Pain directly around the bone area
• Swelling that doesn’t reduce with treatment

How Should I Prepare for My X-ray?

You don’t need to do anything special to prepare for an X-ray. The only thing your doctor or radiographer will need you to do is remove all jewelry and any clothing that is over the part of the body that will need to be X-rayed. Your doctor will provide a gown or smock if needed.

If you are about to have your first X-ray and are a little nervous, we’ve listed the typical X-ray process below to help you feel a bit more comfortable going into it.

Typical X-ray Process

• The radiographer will require proper positioning for the exam. You may be asked to stand up, lie down or sit down.
• The radiographer will place you between the X-ray machine and the imaging device that captures the X-rays being transmitted through that part of your body.
• The radiographer may shield parts of your body with an apron or smock. This is to reduce the risk of unnecessary radiation exposure.
• The radiographer operates the controls while each image is taken. To do this, they will stand behind a screen and call instructions to you if necessary.
• You may be asked to hold your breath for a couple of seconds as each picture is taken so that the breathing movement doesn’t blur the images.

Need an X-ray? You don’t need an appointment to get one at our AFC Urgent Care Centennial center, so don’t wait to visit us today.