What Health Problems Can Be Diagnosed With an X-ray?

When you sustain an injury or become ill, one of the most effective and convenient diagnostic tools that can be used to learn more about your condition and determine the most appropriate next steps is x-ray imaging. At Rockwall Rapid Care, Dr. William Fieldsmith and our team of urgent care providers in Rockwall, TX offer advanced x-ray imaging that is safe for almost all patients. With x-ray imaging right in our facility, you can gain valuable information about your illness or injury that helps the treatment process begin right away, getting you one step closer to the relief you deserve. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at what issues can be detected or diagnosed with x-ray imaging studies.

When do you need an x-ray?

When you arrive at Rockwall Rapid Care with a suspected illness or injury, you will be seen by the doctor as quickly as possible. We are committed to maintaining extremely low, if any, wait times. After an examination, a review of your health and medical history, and a discussion of your symptoms and other factors, Dr. Fieldsmith will determine whether an x-ray may be appropriate. Not all injuries and illnesses will require an x-ray, but some — like suspected broken bones or pneumonia — may need an x-ray to confirm a diagnosis or learn more about the extent of your condition. Based on the findings of your x-ray, Dr. Fieldsmith will be able to recommend the most appropriate course of treatment and administer care as necessary.

What can be picked up on an x-ray?

Some of the most common health problems that can be confirmed with x-ray imaging studies at Rockwall Rapid Care include:

• Bone fracture (broken bone)
• Pneumonia
• Bronchitis
• Tuberculosis
• Kidney stone
• Foreign body (swallowed an object, for example)
• Some tumors
• Cysts

There are some types of injuries, like soft tissue injuries or torn tendons, that do not show up on x-ray studies. Still, an x-ray may be ordered in these suspected cases to ensure there are no coinciding injuries, like a broken bone or dislocated joint.

Are x-rays safe?

X-rays use a very low dose of ionizing radiation and are considered safe for most adults and children. Women who are pregnant should let Dr. Fieldsmith or our staff know. While x-rays can be safely performed on pregnant women in most cases, extra safety measures — like protective shields or aprons — may be taken.

How long will my x-ray take?

X-rays can typically be performed in a matter of minutes and are noninvasive and considered painless. Following your x-ray, we will read the result of your study and discuss the next steps for your treatment plan based on the findings. Again, we are committed to offering fast, effective, reliable care that gets you back to your normal state of health as quickly as possible.

Suspect illness or injury? Visit Rockwall Rapid Care today

Whether you think you may need an x-ray or not, it is always a good idea to have your illness or injury evaluated by a medical professional. If you have sustained an injury or are feeling under the weather, visit Rockwall Rapid Care to receive a formal evaluation and treatment by Dr. William Fieldsmith today.