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X-Rays

Foot X-Rays Services Questions and Answers

Doctors have used X-rays for over a century to see inside the body and to diagnose bone fractures, arthritis, cancer and more. Visit Bay Area Foot and Ankle to get our professional foot x-ray services. For more information, please call us or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Walnut Creek, CA and Brentwood, CA.

Foot X-Rays Services Near Me in Walnut Creek, CA and Brentwood, CA
Foot X-Rays Services Near Me in Walnut Creek, CA and Brentwood, CA

Table of Contents:

What is Foot X-ray used for?
How do I know if I need an X-Ray?
When Should You Get An X-Ray?
What Can X-rays Diagnose?

What is Foot X-ray used for?


Foot x-rays are one of many types of x-rays that have been in use for several decades, with the intention of being used to identify broken or fractured bones inside of the foot.

They can also be used to detect and diagnose additional ailments that can affect the function of the foot, including arthritis, tumors, dislocations, and osteoporosis.

A doctor will recommend a foot x-ray for their patients if they suspect that the foot may be broken or if there is something else going on that they can’t diagnose without a visual of the inner workings of the foot.

The foot is made up of a complex network of bones, muscles, tendons and cartilage so it can be impossible to diagnose all conditions that can affect it without performing a foot x-ray.

If you are experiencing aches or pains in one or both of your feet that you can’t explain and your doctor can’t pinpoint a cause for, they may prescribe an x-ray to have a look at what is going on to find a cause of the pain.

How do I know if I need an X-Ray?


An x-ray provides doctors and medical specialists with an image of the inner workings of your body.

X-rays are typically used by doctors to either confirm what they suspect is going on or to be able to diagnose a condition that isn’t clear from a physical exam.

X-rays are able to clearly and easily highlight the bones in the body, making it easy for doctors to see any signs of a break or other irregularities that can affect the bone and cause the patient pain or discomfort.

They can also be used to identify a dislocation in a joint and the presence of tumors, either in the bone or the surrounding soft tissue. Doctors can also use x-rays to diagnose and understand the severity of osteoporosis and arthritis.

Your doctor will be able to tell you if you need an x-ray during a visit in which you have symptoms that you are trying to treat.

The doctor will ask about your symptoms, including what you were doing leading up to them, and then perform a physical exam to get a feeling for what is going on and make a preliminary diagnosis.

From there, they will order an x-ray if they feel it is necessary to confirm their diagnosis or to try to determine exactly what is causing you pain or discomfort.

When Should You Get An X-Ray?


You should get an x-ray when your doctor or specialists recommends getting one to help them diagnose a condition that they are trying to treat you for.

In most cases, x-rays are used to properly diagnose an injury to determine if there is a bone that is fractured or broken, if a joint is dislocated or if there is something else wrong with the inner workings of your body that is causing pain or discomfort.

X-rays have seen vast improvements since their initial introduction, providing faster imaging captures and reduced exposure to radiation, making them safe with very little danger or risk for the average person.

There are still advisories with x-rays though, and people with certain medical conditions should not get x-rays.

Despite the safety of x-rays, it is still not a good idea for your health to have them done too often, unless it is necessary for medical reasons.

What Can X-rays Diagnose?


X-rays are useful in the diagnosis of many different conditions that can affect the inner workings of the body.

There are a wide variety of x-rays available, that are used for an assortment of reasons.

X-rays can be used by your dentist as part of your preventative dental care, as well as by doctors and specialists for diagnosing issues with your bones, joints, soft tissues and even the workings of your internal organs.

X-rays can be used to diagnose things like lung infections, blocked blood vessels, breast cancer, digestive tract problems, swallowed items, kidney stones, broken bones, dislocated joints, arthritis and osteoporosis, among other conditions. At Bay Area Foot and Ankle, we use x-rays to confirm a diagnosis or determine the source of pain that our patients are experiencing in their feet, ankles and lower leg. This allows us to properly assess and treat the area to ensure it heals properly and you can get back to your normal activities. We serve patients from Walnut Creek CA, Brentwood CA, Concord CA, Pleasant Hill CA, Pittsburg CA, Antioch CA, Danville CA, Alamo CA, and Oakley CA.