I Fell While Running And My Wrist Hurts Should I Get An X Ray?

Yes, if your wrist hurts after a fall while running, you should visit Total Ortho Express for an X-ray. A sudden fall can injure the small bones or ligaments in your wrist, causing severe pain and swelling. In such cases, an X-ray helps detect wrist fractures and torn ligaments early to prevent improper healing and long-term complications.

After the X-ray, our team carefully reviews your X-ray images to confirm the type and severity of your injury. Then, we assess whether you have a wrist sprain, a bone fracture, an injured wrist, or a torn ligament and create a targeted treatment plan. This may include a splint, brace, cast, and follow-up care to ensure proper healing and prevent chronic pain. Visit us today to get an accurate diagnosis without any delays.

When Should You Visit Urgent Care for a Wrist X-Ray After a Fall?

You should immediately visit our urgent care for a wrist X-ray after a fall. In addition to that, you should get an X-ray if you experience pain, swelling, or tenderness that does not improve within one to two days. These symptoms may indicate a hidden fracture or ligament injury that can worsen without immediate medical attention.

For example, a 20-year-old male injured his left wrist during soccer, causing forced wrist flexion. The injury was treated as a sprain with a removable splint. Over the next five years, he experienced worsening wrist pain and limited motion. The doctors conducted repeat imaging five years later, which revealed:

• Non-union: The scaphoid fracture never healed.
• Avascular necrosis (AVN): Part of the bone died due to a lack of blood supply.
• Osteoarthritis: Chronic fracture and AVN caused early degenerative changes in the wrist joint.

To avoid these long-term issues, Total Ortho Express offers fast, on-site X-rays and same-day treatment all in one visit. You don’t need to wait, travel somewhere else, or risk complications from untreated fractures. Walk in today to start your treatment immediately.

Can an X-Ray Detect All Types of Wrist Injuries?

No, an X-ray cannot detect all types of wrist injuries. X-rays are effective for identifying bone fractures, broken bones, and dislocations. They can also detect early signs of degenerative changes in the wrist, such as arthritis, and can reveal misaligned bones or joint abnormalities. However, X-rays cannot show soft tissue injuries or minor fractures, such as:

• Torn ligaments (e.g., scapholunate ligament injuries)
• Tendon injuries or ruptures
• Cartilage damage
• Soft tissue swelling or bruising that affects joint stability

In these cases, our doctors may recommend advanced imaging, such as an MRI or CT scan, to get a detailed view of the wrist. According to the NCBI, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to assess wrist pain by detecting abnormalities in the bone, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. It also detects tendonitis, tenosynovitis, ganglia, and small interosseous ligament injuries.

What Are the Amsterdam Wrist Rules (AWR) for X-Ray Assessment?

The Amsterdam Wrist Rules (AWR) are a set of guidelines that help doctors determine when a wrist X-ray is necessary after trauma. According to AWR rules, imaging is recommended when specific signs or symptoms indicate a high risk of fracture, such as:

• Increased age: Older patients are more likely to have fractures.
• Wrist swelling: May indicate a fracture or ligament injury.
• Anatomical snuff‑box swelling: Often signals a scaphoid (a small bone on the thumb side of the wrist) fracture.
• Visible deformity: Misaligned bones indicate a fracture or dislocation.
• Pain on radial deviation: Discomfort toward the thumb side signals injury.

According to PubMed research, using the Amsterdam Wrist Rules (AWR) in emergency departments significantly reduced unnecessary wrist X-rays. In a prospective study of 402 adult patients with acute wrist trauma, the number of radiographs decreased by 15%, with only one clinically irrelevant fracture missed. Moreover, patients who did not get X-rays spent 34 minutes less in the ED, and 87% reported satisfaction with their care.

Can an X-Ray Differentiate Between a Wrist Strain and Tear?

No, an X-ray cannot differentiate between a wrist strain and a ligament or tendon tear. X-rays are effective for detecting bone fractures, but they do not detect ligament injuries or strains. To assess strains, sprains, or tears, doctors often recommend an MRI, ultrasound, or CT scan, which can clearly visualize ligaments and tendons for an accurate diagnosis.

Are Wrist X-Rays Safe for Pregnant or Young Patients?

Yes, wrist X-rays are safe for pregnant and young patients when performed with proper preparation. If you are pregnant, our team at Total Ortho Express will place a lead shield over your abdomen to block radiation and protect the developing fetus. This shield ensures your fetus is not exposed to harmful radiation while allowing our orthopedic doctors to get accurate imaging of your wrist.

Additionally, for children, we adjust the X-ray settings to use the lowest radiation dose necessary. Then, our sports medicine doctors carefully position the wrist to prevent unnecessary exposure and minimize repeat scans. We also ensure the process is quick and comfortable, helping children stay calm. To start your treatment, visit us today.

How Much Does a Wrist X-Ray Cost at Urgent Care?

A wrist X-ray at urgent care typically costs $100 to $250, depending on the number of images and the complexity of the injury. For example, a standard X-ray with 2–3 images (front, side, and sometimes a diagonal view) typically costs between $100 and $150. In contrast, more complex injuries that require additional or angled images may cost between $200 and $250.

If the initial wrist X-ray reveals a complex injury, additional imaging may be necessary. In such cases, follow-up X-rays, a CT scan, or a specialist consultation can provide more details for an accurate diagnosis. These extra procedures can add $50 to $300 or more to the total cost.

Tip: Verify with your insurance provider which imaging services are covered in your policy to avoid out-of-pocket costs.

How Do Doctors At Urgent Care Treat Wrist Fractures?

To treat wrist fractures, our wrist specialists first perform a thorough physical exam to assess pain, swelling, and range of motion. After that, we capture detailed X-ray images to confirm the type and severity of the fracture. Based on your results, our doctors will provide the following procedures:

Splinting

Our physician will carefully position your wrist in a neutral position and secure it with a rigid or semi-rigid splint. This splint reduces swelling, prevents further injury, and supports proper bone alignment until swelling decreases.

Casting

In this procedure, we mold the cast around your wrist and forearm, ensuring it fits comfortably. This cast keeps the fracture stable, prevents movement, and protects surrounding ligaments.

Here are the main types of wrist casts:

• Plaster Cast: Strong and moldable, commonly used for initial immobilization.
• Thumb Spica Cast: Immobilizes the wrist and thumb, often used for scaphoid fractures or thumb-related injuries.
• Short Arm Cast: Covers the wrist and forearm while leaving the elbow free.
• Long Arm Cast: Covers both the elbow and wrist, restricting movement for more severe fractures.

Closed Reduction

If your wrist bones are misaligned due to the fracture, our doctors carefully realign them using a procedure called closed reduction. This procedure involves gently repositioning the bones without the need for surgery. Once the bones are properly aligned, we apply a cast or splint to keep them stable during the healing process.

Pain Management

Our specialists provide pain relief using over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Moreover, we combine medication with the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) to reduce swelling and promote healing.

When Can You Resume Running After a Wrist Sprain?

You can usually resume running 1 to 3 weeks after a mild wrist sprain, once your wrist has regained strength and mobility. However, if you have a moderate sprain, persistent discomfort, swelling, or limited motion, it may take 4 to 6 weeks or longer to recover. Other than that, if you have a severe sprain, recovery may take 6 to 8 weeks or more, and returning to running too early can increase the risk of re-injury.

Total Ortho Express Offers Same-Day Wrist X-Rays — Visit Us Now!

Undiagnosed wrist fractures and joint injuries can lead to serious, long-term complications. Moreover, without proper imaging, you may delay healing, worsen the injury, or overlook severe conditions like infections, ligament damage, or unstable fractures.

At Total Ortho Express, we offer fast, on-site wrist X-rays and prompt orthopedic treatment during the same visit. Our specialists review your results, explain your diagnosis, and start treatment immediately. We also provide splints, casts, and pain management to support proper healing. Visit our urgent care center closest to you in Syosset, Massapequa, Deer Park, or East Meadow for immediate diagnosis and treatment.

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