Is It a Break or a Sprain? Only an X-Ray Can Tell, and We Offer On-Site X-Rays

Bone fractures and joint sprains can both cause serious pain and disability — but though their symptoms are often quite similar, their treatment is very different. The key to getting the right treatment is getting an accurate diagnosis as soon as possible.

At Minit Medical Urgent Care and Physical Therapy, we offer on-site X-ray imaging services to help patients receive the best care right away, relieving discomfort and avoiding complications. 

Here, our urgent care team discusses the differences between fracture and sprain injuries, and explains how X-ray imaging plays a key role in ensuring you get the right treatment.

Bone fractures vs. joint sprains

A fracture is a broken bone, and like all orthopedic injuries, a fracture can range from mild to severe. While many fractures are traumatic injuries caused by car accidents, falls, or similar issues, stress fractures are caused by repetitive overload of a bone. These fractures are more common among certain types of sports or jobs, as well as older people with osteoporosis.

Sprains involve ligaments, strong, fibrous bands that connect one bone to another at a joint. A sprain happens when a ligament is stretched beyond its limits, resulting in tiny microtears in the fibers. Sometimes, a tear extends partway through a ligament, and sometimes, it extends all the way through — bisecting the ligament or disconnecting it from the bone.

Both injuries are associated with swelling, bruising, and pain, especially when you move the affected limb or joint, or place weight on it. Severe fracture and sprain injuries are associated with more intense symptoms as well as general instability and weakness.

Ankle sprains can become chronic if they’re not cared for properly. Early differentiation between sprains and fractures is the key to optimal and complete recovery for both types of injuries.

The role of X-rays in injury diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis for both fractures and sprains begins with a physical exam and a review of your symptoms. We ask how the injury occurred, which movements cause pain, the severity of your pain, and whether you have any numbness or weakness. We also pay attention to the location of your symptoms and whether you have any swelling.

Once our physical evaluation is complete, it’s time for an X-ray. Because sprains and fractures can cause similar symptoms, X-rays play a critical role in differentiating between these injuries. 

X-rays are energy waves with a very short wavelength that allows them to pass through your skin and soft tissues, while bouncing off dense bone tissue. This difference creates light and dark pictures that make fractures visible. Using an X-ray during diagnosis allows us to confirm the presence of a fracture so your treatment can be tailored appropriately.

If you do have a fracture, X-rays may play an ongoing role in your treatment. Depending on the type of fracture you have and its severity, we may prescribe one or more additional X-rays during your treatment to make sure the bones are healing properly, or to make adjustments to your care and recovery as needed.

The right care for your injuries

Our team is skilled in urgent care for all sorts of injuries, including sprains and fractures. If you have an injury, delaying care could lead to more serious problems, including chronic pain and long-term disability. 

To learn how we can help prevent complications and relieve painful symptoms, book an appointment online or over the phone with Minit Medical Urgent Care and Physical Therapy in Kihei, Kahului, and Lahaina, Hawaii, today.