When Should You Get an X-Ray for an Injury?
Care-decision guidance for imaging after common injuries.
X-ray is used when a provider suspects a fracture or needs to rule one out after an injury — not for every bump or bruise.
Consider evaluation with possible X-ray when: You cannot bear weight on a leg, have severe pain over a bone, heard a snap at injury, or symptoms are not improving after several days.
Ankle injuries: Ottawa ankle rules and clinical exam guide imaging decisions — your provider applies evidence-based criteria during your visit.
Wrist and hand: Falls onto an outstretched hand commonly injure wrist bones — X-ray may be recommended when tenderness is present.
Skip unnecessary imaging: Mild soft-tissue injuries without red flags may heal with conservative care and follow-up if needed.
NeuMed: Walk-in injury evaluation with on-site X-ray at select Houston clinics.
Related guides
Related conditions & symptoms
Related services
- Flu & Strep Testing If you suspect you have Strep Throat, our medical practice at NeuMed Modern Urgent Care is here to help. Our trained providers near you provides strep throat testing and results in less than 30 minutes.
- Pediatric Urgent Care When your child is sick or injured, every minute feels like an hour. At NeuMed Modern Urgent Care + IV Therapy, we understand that you need fast, compassionate care without the chaos of the emergency room. Our pediatric urgent care services combine the efficiency of modern medicine with the warmth your little one deser
- Cold & Flu Having the cold or flu can leave you not feeling well. We at NeuMed strive to get you better fast.
Find a NeuMed clinic
Walk-ins welcome at five Houston locations, open seven days a week.


