X-Rays

X-rays are a safe, highly effective way to quickly diagnose and assess musculoskeletal conditions. The Capital Foot & Ankle team has in-house X-ray facilities at their offices in Sacramento, Roseville, and Folsom, California. Their team of experienced foot doctors can act on the results of your X-rays within a few minutes of taking them. Call Capital Foot & Ankle today or book an appointment online to learn how X-rays help you get the treatment you need.

What are X-rays?

X-rays are noninvasive diagnostic procedures. They use ionizing radiation and digital sensors to take pictures of your foot and/or ankle bones and joints. Bones appear white, soft tissues varying shades of gray, and air is black on an X-ray.

At Capital Foot & Ankle, the team has in-house X-ray machines. Using these, they diagnose foot and ankle pain and lost function. If you suffer from foot or ankle pain, swelling, or bruising that doesn’t improve with care at home, your foot doctor can quickly assess the cause using X-rays.

What conditions can X-rays diagnose?

The Capital Foot & Ankle team uses X-rays to diagnose and evaluate many foot and ankle conditions, including:

• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocated joints
• Bunions
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Hammertoe
• Flatfoot
• Sports injuries
• Bone spurs
• Neuromas
• Achilles tendon injuries
• Soft-tissue masses
• Cancer
• Bone infections

When they’re confident of a diagnosis, your foot doctor will sometimes X-ray the area to rule out other conditions that could cause your symptoms.

Do I need to prepare for foot and ankle X-rays?

X-rays require very little preparation. Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing, and take off your jewelry. There are usually no restrictions on eating and drinking. But if your foot doctor does need you to prepare, they’ll let you know beforehand.

X-rays usually take under 15 minutes. No downtime is required after X-rays, so you can immediately return to work or other activities.

If there’s any chance you might be pregnant, let your foot doctor know. X-ray imaging is very safe and uses much lower doses of radiation now. But there’s a chance it could damage a growing fetus. If you’re unsure, take a pregnancy test before your X-ray.

What happens when I have X-rays?

When you’re in position, the technologist takes a series of X-rays. They might need you to move into different positions so that your doctor can view the foot and ankle from various angles.

Digital X-rays are available instantaneously, so you get your results right away. Your foot doctor then prepares a personalized treatment plan for you.

Call Capital Foot & Ankle today or book an appointment online to learn more about X-rays.