If you or a loved one had an accident, sometimes a broken bone or fracture isn’t obvious—it takes certified doctors and X-rays to inspect the bone or joint to determine if further medical attention is necessary. If you or a child is suffering from pain after a fall or other incident, seek a medical professional right away to get an X-ray and determine if it is broken.
If you are looking for fast and affordable X-rays in the Washington, DC area, visit Fast Track Urgent Care. Our walk-in urgent care clinics in Kensington Silver Spring have the X-ray technology you need to ensure you are getting the appropriate medical treatment.
When you need an X-ray in Kensington or Silver Spring, Maryland, contact us online!
When Is It Necessary to Get an X-Ray?
X-Rays for Broken Bones
If you’ve suffered a bone break, getting an X-ray is among the first steps to determining the correct treatment. An X-ray of the affected area will tell your doctor and clinician what type of break you’ve sustained. Different breaks require different treatment.
- Hairline fracture – The bone sustains a thin break
- Single fracture – The bone is broken in one place
- Segmental – The bone is broken in two or more places in the same bone
- Comminuted fracture – The bone is broken or crushed into multiple pieces
- Closed fracture – The bone breaks but doesn’t break through the skin
- Open (or compound) fracture – The broken bone or bones break through the skin, causing an increased risk of infection
- Displaced fracture – A break in which the pieces on either side of the break are out of line (sometimes requires surgery to properly align the bones before casting)
- Non-displaced fracture – A break in which the pieces on either side of the break line up
- Buckle or torus fracture – One side of the bone bends without breaking the other side
- Greenstick fracture – One side of the bone bends and the other side is broken
Chest X-Rays
A chest X-ray can help diagnose problems involving the heart, lungs, and ribs. Your Fast Track Urgent Care doctor or clinician may order an X-ray if you are experiencing:
- Chest pain
- A cough that won’t go away
- Persistent shortness of breath
These symptoms may be signs of a number of ailments, including emphysema, a collapsed lung, pneumonia, and more, which a chest X-ray will help identify or rule out.
Abdominal X-Rays
If you are experiencing pain in your abdomen or believe you may have swallowed a foreign object, your doctor may order an abdominal X-ray. An X-ray can also help detect an obstruction or perforation in the abdominal area.
Abdominal X-rays are often used to diagnose:
- Gallstones and kidney stones
- Kidney failure
- Bowel obstructions
- Renal artery stenosis
- Cirrhosis
- Acute appendicitis
- And many more abdominal health issues
Are X-Rays Safe?
You are exposed to a very small amount of radiation when you get an X-ray. The chances that this amount of radiation will cause harm to you is minimal. However, it is important to be aware of this risk and to discuss any concerns you have with your doctor or X-ray technician.
If you are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant, inform your doctor before you get an X-ray. Radiation can have a stronger effect on the fetus. Your doctor may choose to do an alternate imaging test.
Schedule an X-Ray in Maryland & the DC Metro Area
If you suspect you need an X-ray, come to Fast Track Urgent Care in Kensington or Silver Spring, MD—convenient to DC. Our medical professionals can use X-ray technology to pinpoint your pain and help you alleviate it. We have convenient evening and weekend hours, and you never need an appointment!
To schedule an X-ray in Kensington or Silver Spring, call Fast Track at 800-417-1164 or contact us online today!
