How Soon Should You Get an X-Ray After a Fall?

After experiencing a fall, it can be difficult to determine whether you need an X-ray to check for fractures or injuries. At Elite Urgent Care, we recommend considering an X-ray if you notice significant pain, swelling, or bruising at the site of injury, especially if the pain does not improve or worsens over several hours. If you are unable to bear weight on the affected limb, have trouble moving a joint, notice a visible deformity, or see an obvious change in the shape or alignment of a bone, these are strong indicators that you may need an X-ray.

Additional warning signs include hearing a snapping or popping sound at the moment of injury, or if the affected area becomes numb or tingles. These symptoms suggest that immediate medical evaluation is necessary.

Certain groups—such as children, older adults, or individuals with conditions like osteoporosis—are more susceptible to fractures and should be especially cautious after a fall. If you are uncertain about the severity of your injury, it’s always safest to consult a healthcare professional.

Key Reasons to Seek Immediate Medical Attention:

• Severe Pain or Visible Deformity: If you have intense pain, a bone or joint looks out of place, or you’re unable to move the affected area, these could be signs of a fracture or dislocation. 
• Significant Swelling or Inability to Bear Weight: Difficulty walking, standing, or using the injured limb may also indicate a serious injury that needs immediate imaging.
• Numbness, Tingling, or Open Wounds: If your fall results in numbness, tingling, or an open wound near the injury, it’s important to be evaluated quickly. 

Higher Risk Factors:

Certain people are more prone to bone injuries after a fall, including:

• Older adults and young children
• Individuals with osteoporosis or other bone-weakening conditions
• Anyone with a history of previous fractures

If you fall into any of these categories, Elite Urgent Care recommends erring on the side of caution and seeking evaluation sooner rather than later.

Circumstances of the Fall:

The way you fell matters. High-impact falls (such as from a height or on hard surfaces) are more likely to cause fractures. In these cases, don’t wait—visit Elite Urgent Care for assessment and possible X-ray. For minor slips with mild symptoms, monitoring at home may be appropriate, but if pain or swelling worsens, it’s best to get checked.

Persistent or Worsening Symptoms:

If your pain, swelling, or bruising does not improve with rest and basic care within 24–48 hours, or if you notice new or worsening symptoms, schedule a visit with Elite Urgent Care. 

Your Care Comes First at Elite Urgent Care

While minor aches and bruises can often be managed at home, any severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms after a fall deserve prompt attention. Elite Urgent Care is equipped with on-site X-ray facilities and a skilled medical team to ensure you receive the right diagnosis and treatment without delay.

If you suspect you have sustained a bone fracture after a fall, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Immediate evaluation is especially crucial if you experience severe pain, visible deformity, significant swelling, inability to move the affected limb, or if the area is numb or tingling. If the injury involves the head, neck, back, hip, or if the bone is protruding through the skin, please seek emergency care immediately.

Even if your symptoms are less severe—such as mild pain or swelling without obvious deformity—it’s still a good idea to visit Elite Urgent Care within 24 hours. Our on-site X-ray services allow us to accurately diagnose fractures and develop the right treatment plan for you. Prompt assessment helps ensure proper healing, reduces the risk of complications, and gets you back on your feet as soon as possible.

Prompt X-ray imaging is essential for the effective treatment of injuries after a fall. Falls can lead to a range of injuries, especially in elderly patients or individuals with underlying health concerns, where the risk of bone fractures or internal injuries is significantly higher. Unfortunately, some injuries may not be immediately visible during a routine physical exam.

By utilizing state-of-the-art imaging technology, we’re able to deliver fast and precise diagnoses—ensuring you receive the right treatment, such as casting, splinting, or surgical referral, without unnecessary delays. This proactive approach helps prevent complications like improper bone healing or persistent pain, and reduces the risk of further injury from undiagnosed problems.

In addition, timely X-ray imaging brings peace of mind to both patients and their families. Our team can clearly communicate the nature and severity of the injury, empowering you to make informed decisions about mobility, activity, and rehabilitation.

At Elite Urgent Care, Dr. Nasser Nasseri, MD, and our experienced medical team emphasize the importance of seeking immediate medical evaluation—and, when needed, timely X-rays—after a fall. 

Our on-site digital X-ray capabilities at Elite Urgent Care enable our providers to quickly and accurately assess the extent of your injuries. Early detection of bone fractures or internal injuries is crucial; untreated fractures can result in improper healing, persistent pain, decreased mobility, or even long-term disability. In some cases, what seems like a simple sprain may actually require specialized care—our prompt imaging helps ensure you receive the right treatment, whether it’s splinting, immobilization, referral for surgery, or physical therapy.

Certain populations, including older adults and those with osteoporosis, are particularly vulnerable to serious injuries from even minor falls. At Elite Urgent Care, we understand the increased risks for these patients and the importance of early diagnosis, especially for injuries to the hip, wrist, or spine. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 6100 Dobbin Rd, Suite A Columbia, MD 21045. We serve patients from Columbia MD, Ellicott City MD, Laurel MD, Elkridge MD, Clarksville MD, Fulton MD, Jessup MD, and surrounding areas.