Radiology (Medical Imaging)


X-Ray Exam: Foot

What It Is

A foot X-ray is a safe and painless test that uses a small amount of radiation to make an image of a person's foot. During the examination, an X-ray machine sends a beam of radiation through the foot, and an image is recorded on special X-ray film or a computer. This image shows the soft tissues and bones of the foot, which include the tarsal bones (ankle bones), metatarsal bones (front end of foot), and phalanges (toes).


An X-ray technician in the radiology department of a hospital or a health care provider's office takes the X-rays. Three different pictures are usually taken of the foot: one from the front (anteroposterior view or AP), one from the side (lateral view), and one at an angle (oblique view).

Why It's Done

The foot X-ray can help find the cause of common signs and symptoms such as pain, tenderness, swelling, or deformities. It can detect broken bones or dislocated joints. After a broken bone has been set, an X-ray can help determine whether the bones are in proper alignment and whether they have healed properly.

If surgery is required, an X-ray may be taken to plan for the surgery and to assess the results of the operation. Also, an X-ray can help to detect cysts, tumors, and later-stage infections of the bones.


A foot X-ray doesn't require any special preparation. Your child may be asked to remove clothing (including shoes), jewelry, or any metal objects that might interfere with the image.

If your daughter is pregnant, it's important to tell the X-ray technician or her doctor. X-rays are usually avoided during pregnancy because there's a small chance the radiation could harm the developing baby. But if the X-ray is necessary, precautions can be taken to protect the fetus.




The technician will position your child either on or off the table, and then step behind a wall or into an adjoining room to operate the machine. Three X-rays are usually taken (from the front, side, and at an angle), so the technician will return to reposition the foot for each X-ray. Occasionally doctors request X-rays of the opposite foot for comparison.

Older kids will be asked to stay still for a few seconds while the X-ray is taken; infants may require gentle restraint. Keeping the foot still is important to prevent blurring of the X-ray image.

What to Expect




Getting the Results




In general, X-rays are very safe. Although there's some minor risk to the body with any exposure to radiation, the amount of radiation used in a foot X-ray isn't considered dangerous. Radiologists use the minimum amount of radiation required to get the best results.

Developing babies are more sensitive to radiation, so if your daughter is pregnant, make sure to inform her doctor and the X-ray technician.

Helping Your Child

You can help your child prepare for a foot X-ray by explaining the test in simple terms before the procedure. It may help to explain that getting an X-ray is like posing for a picture.


If You Have Questions

If you have questions about why the foot X-ray is needed, speak with your doctor. You can also talk to the X-ray technician before the procedure.

Reviewed by: Yamini Durani, MD
Date reviewed: August 2011