What Happens After a Bad Abdominal Ultrasound?
If an abdominal ultrasound reveals an abnormality, it typically means the imaging has detected something that requires further investigation, such as a mass, inflammation, or fluid buildup. An “abnormal” result is not a final diagnosis but rather a signal for your healthcare provider to take a closer look using more detailed diagnostic tools. However, a […]
What Cancers Show Up on Abdominal Ultrasound?
Yes, an abdominal ultrasound can detect various types of cancer by identifying solid masses, fluid-filled cysts, and structural changes in organs. As a non-invasive imaging tool, it is often the first step in screening for tumors in the liver, kidneys, pancreas, and gallbladder. By using high-frequency sound waves, it allows providers to see the size […]
Which is Better: Endoscopy or Ultrasound?
Neither is objectively “better” in every case; rather, they serve different diagnostic purposes. An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to capture real-time images of solid organs and blood flow, while an endoscopy involves a thin, flexible tube with a camera to directly view the internal lining of the digestive tract. Choosing between the two depends […]
What Abdominal Pain Doesn’t Show on Ultrasound?
No, an ultrasound cannot detect every cause of abdominal pain. While ultrasound is an excellent diagnostic tool for visualizing solid organs like the gallbladder, liver, and kidneys, it has limitations when it comes to hollow organs, air-filled structures, or conditions that are functional rather than structural. Pain that typically does not show on an ultrasound […]
Can I Get an Ultrasound with a Belly Piercing?
Yes, you can still have an ultrasound if you have a belly piercing, but you will likely be asked to remove the jewelry before the procedure. Because an abdominal ultrasound requires a handheld transducer to glide smoothly over your skin using a conductive gel, metal or plastic jewelry in the navel can obstruct the technician’s […]
When to Get an Ultrasound for Stomach Pain?
Yes, an abdominal ultrasound is a primary diagnostic tool used to identify the underlying cause of unexplained or localized stomach pain. Doctors typically order an ultrasound when physical exams aren’t enough to determine if the pain is coming from internal organs like the gallbladder, liver, kidneys, pancreas, or spleen. At Sahara West Urgent Care, we […]
What Makes an Ankle Sprain Worse If I Ignore It?
Yes, ignoring an ankle sprain can cause the injury to worsen by leading to chronic ankle instability, permanent ligament damage, and early-onset arthritis. When a sprain is left untreated, the ligaments may heal in a “stretched out” or lax position, which significantly increases your risk of future trips, falls, and repeated injuries. At Sahara West […]
Is It Okay to Sleep With a Sprained Ankle Without Treatment?
No, it is not recommended to sleep with a sprained ankle without any treatment or stabilization. Overnight, fluid can pool in the injured joint, leading to increased morning stiffness, intense throbbing, and significant swelling. Properly managing the injury before bed helps control inflammation and prevents accidental re-injury if you move or roll over during your […]
What Should I Do Right After Twisting My Ankle?
Yes, right after twisting your ankle, you should immediately follow the R.I.C.E. protocol (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) to manage pain and limit internal bleeding. Taking quick action within the first 24 to 48 hours is essential for reducing long-term inflammation and speeding up your total recovery time. At Sahara West Urgent Care, we recommend […]
What Are Signs That My Ankle Might Be Broken Instead of Sprained?
Yes, you can often distinguish a broken ankle from a sprain by checking for bone-specific tenderness, visible misalignment, and the inability to bear weight. While both injuries cause pain and swelling, a fracture typically involves intense pain directly on the bone or a “grating” sensation (crepitus), whereas a sprain primarily affects the soft ligaments surrounding […]