Digital X-Ray Services Questions and Answers

Digital x-rays are able to catch hairline fractures earlier than older technology, allowing us to prevent further problems or worse injuries. With our in-house digital x-ray, patients can receive their x-ray results within the same office visit, eliminating the need to go to an imaging center. Our x-ray system makes use of direct radiography (DR) technology. It only takes 3 seconds to process! This reduces the amount of time needed for a patient to have a set of x-rays taken.

While traditional X-rays are considered safe, digital X-rays produce 80% less radiation than traditional. This means it is very unlikely an individual would develop issues from sporadic traditional radiation exposure; however, it is even less likely with the process used in digital X-rays.

Traditional (or “normal”) x-rays take images on film and once they are exposed the image cannot be modified. Digital x-rays have two distinct advantages:

1. They use much lower radiation; this means you are exposed to less radiation
2. They can be accessed using software on computers

Digital x-rays can be viewed almost instantaneously, whereas film-based x-rays need 5-10 minutes for photo development. Digital x-rays also expose individuals to less radiation. However, this depends on the x-ray system that is being used, most digital x-ray systems reduce radiation exposure by up to 90%

If you notice any sort of deformity of the ankle or foot; this could include a major difference between the bony configuration of one ankle or foot paralleled to the other, x-rays should be taken straightaway!

An individual may receive an x-ray if your provider anticipates that you may have a Fracture or another type of Bone deformity.

However, there are a other indicators that possibly mean that you may need an x-ray:

1. Inability to walk four steps (twisted ankle)
2. Joint immobility.
3. Pain directly around the bone area.
4. Swelling that doesn’t reduce with treatment.

You ought to make a doctor’s appointment after a foot injury if:

1. you feel pain or significant discomfort in your foot for the majority of the day and it’s been a few weeks since your injury.
2. you have swelling that isn’t getting better two to five days after your injury.
3. you feel tingling, numbness, or burning pain—especially in the bottom of your foot.