X-Rays of the feet
Foot X-Rays (Radiography) – Podiatric Diagnosis
Persistent pain, a sports injury, or a visible deformity? Foot X-rays help your podiatrist confirm the diagnosis, assess alignment, and choose the right treatment.
At Clinique Podiatrique St-Charles, we prescribe and interpret foot and ankle radiographs; image acquisition is done in-clinic or with partner imaging centres, as appropriate.
When are foot X-rays useful?
- Trauma & falls: fracture, sprain, after-effects.
- Heel/arch pain: plantar fasciitis, heel spur.
- Forefoot pain: metatarsalgia, suspected stress fracture.
- Deformities: hallux valgus (bunion), hammer/claw toes.
- Arthritis/osteoarthritis: joint wear, stiffness, pain with walking.
- Recurrent sports pain: overload, alignment, foot strike issues.
Goal: visualize bones and joint spaces, measure angles, detect abnormalities, and guide the treatment plan.
What X-rays show (and don’t show)
Good at showing:
- Bones, joint spaces, alignment, bone density.
- Fractures, fissures, calcifications (e.g., calcaneal spur), osteoarthritis.
Limited for:
- Tendons, ligaments, fascia, nerves (soft tissues).
- When needed, your podiatrist may recommend an ultrasound or another exam.
How the exam works
- Consultation: clinical exam → imaging decision.
- Image acquisition: AP/lateral/oblique views, often weight-bearing to capture real-life alignment.
- Reading & explanation: interpretation by the podiatrist, Q&A.
- Action plan: treatment, follow-up, and personalized advice.
Typical timeline: quick, depending on your clinical context.
After your X-ray: what’s next?
- Custom foot orthotics to improve load distribution.
- Taping/immobilization or footwear adjustments.
- Exercise program (mobility, strengthening).
- Referrals if needed (additional imaging, other professionals).
- Minor podiatric surgery in select cases.
Who often benefits
- Athletes (running, hockey/skating, hiking, ski/snowboard).
- People standing long hours or wearing safety footwear.
- Known arthritis or deformities.
- Unexplained or recurring pain despite rest.
Areas served
Montréal’s South Shore: Longueuil, Brossard, Saint-Lambert and nearby communities.
- FAQ – Foot X-rays
- Are foot X-rays painful?
No. The exam is quick and painless. - Do I need to prepare?
No fasting required. Bring any previous images/reports and your most-worn shoes. - What if I’m pregnant?
X-rays are generally contraindicated. Always inform the team if pregnancy is possible. - Are X-rays risky?
Radiation dose is low and used only when there’s a clear diagnostic benefit. - Are costs covered by insurance?
Many private insurers reimburse part of the fees, depending on your plan. Check with your provider.