Do I need an X-ray after an injury?

This page provides general health information and does not replace assessment by a health professional. If you are unsure what care is needed, Shorecare can assess your injury. Call 111 in an emergency

Not every injury needs an X-ray. Many sprains, strains, bruises and minor injuries can be managed with first aid, rest, support and time. However, some injuries need more - especially if there could be a broken bone, dislocation, significant soft tissue injury, or a wound involving deeper structures or a foreign body.

Shorecare can assess all injuries, including sprains, suspected fractures, sports injuries, falls, wounds and other injuries. We have X-ray and plastering facilities onsite, making Shorecare a convenient one stop service to have injuries assessed and treated. When clinically appropriate, many of our nurses can request X-rays at triage, which means imaging may be started before you are seen by a doctor or nurse specialist.

Call 111 or go to the emergency department now if:

There has been major trauma, such as a serious fall or head injury, or a vehicle accident.

The person is very unwell, faint, confused, drowsy, pale, clammy, or has severe pain.

There is a bone sticking out, a badly deformed limb, or heavy bleeding.

The injured limb is cold, blue, numb, very weak, or the pain is rapidly worsening.

An injury should be checked if:

• You cannot put weight on the injured leg, ankle or foot.

• You cannot use the injured arm, wrist, hand or finger normally.

• There is significant swelling, bruising, deformity, or severe pain.

• There is pain around a joint, especially if movement is limited.

• You have a sprain that is painful, swollen, unstable, or not improving as expected.

• A child is refusing to use an arm or leg, limping, or cannot settle after an injury.

• There is a deep cut, puncture wound, bite, or concern about something being stuck in the wound.

• The pain or swelling is not improving after a day or two, or symptoms are getting worse.

Does every injury need an X-ray?

No. An X-ray is useful when a clinician is concerned about a fracture, which is a broken bone, a dislocation, or a foreign body. It is not needed for every sprain, strain or bruise.

At Shorecare, your injury will be assessed and triaged. Many of our nurses are trained to request X-rays at triage when clinically appropriate. This can help start the imaging process earlier, improve patient flow, and support faster decision-making about treatment.

Sometimes the most important step is not the X-ray itself, but getting the injury properly assessed.

Sprain or fracture: how can I tell?

It can be difficult to tell the difference between a sprain and a fracture without an assessment. Some fractures cause obvious deformity or severe pain, but others can look like a sprain at first.

Sprains can also be significant injuries. Even when there is no broken bone, a sprain may need support, strapping, a moon boot, crutches, pain relief advice, rehabilitation guidance, or follow-up care. Getting the right treatment early can help recovery and reduce the risk of ongoing pain, stiffness or instability.

You should get checked if the pain is significant, you cannot use the injured area normally, there is marked swelling or bruising, the joint feels unstable, or the injury is not improving as expected.

What happens if there is a fracture?

If an X-ray shows a fracture, treatment depends on the type and location of the break. Some simple fractures can be managed with a splint, moon boot, cast, strapping, pain relief, advice and follow-up care. Other fractures may need specialist review or referral.

Shorecare can help with assessment, X-ray, plastering or splinting where appropriate, and we have specialist orthopaedic care and fracture clinics available onsite if needed.

What should I do before coming in?

• Rest the injured area.

• Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth for short periods.

• Use compression or support if comfortable.

• Keep the injured area raised if possible.

• Avoid putting weight on the injury if it is very painful.

• Remove rings or tight jewellery from an injured hand or finger before swelling increases.

• Use simple pain relief if you can take it safely.

• Do not force a painful joint or try to “put it back in” yourself.

How Shorecare can help

Shorecare can assess all injuries, including suspected fractures, sprains, strains, sports injuries, workplace injuries, cuts and wounds.

Depending on the injury, care may include clinical assessment, X-ray or ultrasound through our radiology partner Canopy Imaging, pain relief, advice, strapping, splinting, plastering, ACC documentation, referral for hospital or specialist care, or follow-up orthopaedic/fracture clinic review.

When clinically appropriate, many of our nurses can request X-rays at triage, so imaging may be started before you are seen by a doctor or nurse specialist.

If an injury is more serious, Shorecare can assess and stabilise you and arrange transfer to hospital by ambulance if needed.

If you are unsure whether an injury needs an X-ray, we are here to provide a full assessment.

Frequently asked questions

Can I come to Shorecare for a sprain?

Yes. Sprains can be significant injuries and may need assessment, support, strapping, a moon boot, crutches, pain relief advice, rehabilitation guidance, or follow-up care. Even if there is no broken bone, getting the right treatment early can help recovery and reduce the risk of ongoing pain, stiffness or instability.

Can Shorecare arrange an X-ray?

Yes. Shorecare can arrange X-rays when clinically appropriate through our radiology partner Canopy Imaging. Many of our nurses can request X-rays at triage, which may allow imaging to be started before you are seen by a doctor or nurse specialist.

Should I go to Shorecare or the emergency department for a suspected fracture?

Shorecare can assess many suspected fractures. Call 111 or go directly to the emergency department for major trauma, a bone sticking out, heavy bleeding, a cold or blue limb, severe worsening pain, or if the person is very unwell.

Can Shorecare help with ACC injuries?

Yes. Shorecare can assess and treat ACC injuries, including sprains, suspected fractures, sports injuries, workplace injuries, cuts and wounds.

What happens if my injury is more serious?

If an injury is more serious, Shorecare can assess and stabilise you and arrange transfer to hospital by ambulance if needed.