What can I expect during a foot X-ray?Ī radiologic technologist will perform your foot X-ray in an X-ray room. They will answer any questions you have and make sure you’re ready before starting the procedure. If the X-ray must be done because of an urgent need, precautions will be taken to minimize radiation exposure to your baby.īefore your X-ray, the technologist will explain the process to you. Your healthcare provider will decide if you need the X-ray. There’s a chance your growing baby (fetus) could be exposed to radiation. It’s also important to tell your radiologic technologist if you’re pregnant or if you could be pregnant. Before the test, you’ll have to remove any clothing, shoes, jewelry or metal objects that may get in the way of clear X-ray images. How do I prepare for a foot X-ray?įoot X-rays don’t require much preparation. So these tissues look different shades of gray. Your soft tissues, including your organs, fat and muscles, absorb less radiation. Calcium in your bones absorbs more radiation, so your bones look white on X-rays. Your body parts vary in thickness, so they absorb different degrees of radiation. The X-rays create a picture on special photographic film or a digital platform. X-rays send small beams of radiation through your body. These specially trained healthcare providers have education in radiation protection, patient care, radiation exposure, radiographic positioning and radiographic procedures. Who performs a foot X-ray?Ī radiologic technologist, or X-ray technician, will perform your foot X-ray. Bones need to be set in the proper alignment to heal correctly. The X-ray will show your healthcare provider if the bone was set properly. If you have unexplained swelling, pain or tenderness in your foot or ankle, a foot X-ray can help your healthcare provider diagnose the cause.įoot X-rays are often used after a broken ankle bone has been set. Degenerative conditions such as foot and ankle arthritis.Joint deformities such as bunions (hallux valgus).Broken bones ( fractures) in your feet and ankles.Your healthcare provider will use a foot X-ray to diagnose possible health conditions in your feet or ankles. Why would I need a foot X-ray?Ī foot X-ray may be used to look for signs of possible injury to your foot or ankle, especially after an accident. X-rays are also the most frequently used type of imaging. The first X-ray took a picture of human tissue in 1896. ![]() X-rays were first discovered in 1895, making them the oldest type of medical imaging used. These waves create a picture of the inner structure (anatomy) of your body. X-rays use a form of radiation called electromagnetic waves. Healthcare providers use foot X-rays to diagnose medical conditions in your ankles or feet. A foot X-ray is also called a foot series or foot radiograph. These bones include your ankle bones (tarsal bones), the front end of your foot (metatarsal bones) and your toes (phalanges). The image displays the soft tissues and bones of your foot. A foot X-ray is a test that creates a black-and-white picture of the inside of your foot.
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