When does an injury require an x-ray?
Ask the doctor
I recently fell and hurt my wrist. At first, the pain was so bad I wondered if it was broken, but within hours it felt better (though remained swollen). What signs would have pointed toward needing an x-ray?While many falls don’t result in injury, certain signs indicate we should see a doctor for an x-ray. These include severe pain; swelling or bruising that’s severe or doesn’t subside; difficulty moving or bearing weight on the injured area; a noticeable deformity, such as a bent limb; or a snapping or popping sound when you’re injured.
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About the Author
Toni Golen, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Women's Health Watch; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing; Contributor
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