Sports injury alert: When to get an x‑ray after a game or workout
Medically reviewed by Dr. Betsy Koickel, MD on October 22, 2026.
Key takeaways:
- An X-ray may be needed if you have severe pain, swelling, bruising, deformity, or trouble using the injured body part.
- A sprain may not show on an X-ray, but imaging can help rule out a broken bone.
- The urgent care centers can evaluate many non-life-threatening sports injuries and provide appropriate next steps.
Whether you twisted an ankle during a run, jammed a finger catching a ball, or landed awkwardly after a workout, it can be hard to know how serious a sports injury really is. Some aches improve with rest, ice, and time. Others need further evaluation and imaging to check for a fracture, dislocation, or other injury.
Knowing when to get an X-ray after a sports injury can help avoid making the injury worse by not seeking prompt medical care.
Common sports injuries that may need an X-ray
Sometimes injuries can happen even with the most minor of movements or activities. An X-ray can help determine if further evaluation is warranted or what type of treatment is best. This may include:
- An ankle X-ray may be recommended after rolling your ankle or if there is pain, swelling, or bruising.
- An X-ray of a finger may be necessary after catching, falling, or striking the finger.
- A knee injury may require an X-ray after twisting, pivoting, or landing awkwardly.
- Any hand, wrist, foot, or toe pain after impact or a fall may need an X-ray.
When to get an X-ray for a sports injury
You may need an X-ray if symptoms suggest more than a mild strain or sprain. Seek medical evaluation if you notice:
- A joint or bone that looks crooked, out of place, or deformed
- Bruising around the injured area
- Inability to bear weight after a leg, ankle, knee, or foot injury
- Inability to grip, bend, straighten, or use a finger, hand, or wrist
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness
- Pain that does not improve after a few days of rest and home care
- Severe or worsening pain
- Swelling that appears quickly or continues to increase
If you think you need an X-ray, the best thing to do is visit one of the urgent care centers for an evaluation. The providers can determine the best imaging and treatments based on your injury and medical history.
Go to the emergency room for severe injuries, including an open wound with visible bone, major deformity, uncontrolled bleeding, head injury, chest pain, trouble breathing, or loss of consciousness.
When to visit urgent care for a sports injury
The urgent care is often a good choice for sports injuries that are painful but not life-threatening. A provider can examine the injury and determine whether imaging is needed, and recommend next steps.
Many of the urgent care centers offer X-ray services, which can help evaluate possible fractures or dislocations. To get started, find a center near you and walk in or save your spot online.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about when to get an X-ray after a sports injury.
Can an X-ray show a sprained ankle?
No, an X-ray does not directly show a sprain because sprains involve ligaments, not bones. If you have severe swelling, bruising, bone tenderness or difficulty walking, an ankle X-ray may be recommended to rule out a more severe injury.
What does a knee X-ray show after an injury?
A knee X-ray can show broken bones, joint alignment, dislocation and certain signs of arthritis or bone damage. It does not show ligaments, tendons or cartilage in detail. If a provider suspects a soft-tissue injury, they may recommend additional imaging or a follow up with ortho.
How do I know if I need an X-ray or an MRI?
X-rays are commonly used first to evaluate bones and joint alignment. MRI is better for soft tissues, such as ligaments, tendons, cartilage and muscles. A provider can help determine which imaging test is appropriate based on your symptoms and exam.
How long after a sports injury should I get an X-ray?
Get evaluated promptly if you have severe pain, swelling, deformity, numbness or trouble using the injured area. If symptoms are mild but do not improve after a few days of rest, ice and home care, an X-ray may still be needed.
Can I go to urgent care for a sports injury X-ray?
Yes, the urgent care can evaluate many sports injuries and provide X-rays when medically appropriate. This may include ankle, knee, finger, hand, wrist, foot or toe injuries. If the injury appears severe or life-threatening, go to the emergency room.
