Foot X-Ray
Does your ankle hurt when you walk? Does it look swollen? Did you recently fall somewhere and are now afraid that you might have fractured a bone? You’ll need to get a foot x-ray done.
You can book an appointment for an x-ray scan at a diagnostic imaging service provider in Elizabeth, NJ. However, it would be best to speak to your healthcare provider first to see what they suggest and whether you need a foot x-ray or not.
Are you wondering what does a foot x-ray show? A foot x-ray can help detect a broken bone or a dislocated joint. Based on what your healthcare provider concludes from the x-ray imaging, they may suggest a rehabilitation program accordingly.
To ensure that the issue is fixed, the health care provider will do another foot x-ray.
The Technicalities of the X-Ray Process
X-ray machines emit radiation at the targeted position, which in this post’s case is the foot. A lot of people think that since the process involves radiation, then it must be dangerous. However, x-ray services are safe and virtually painless. However, if you have issues with a traditional x-ray, you can check if your health care provider offers a digital x-ray.
They do involve a very small amount of radiation which helps map out your foot’s image. The x-ray machine passes the radiation beam through your foot. The machine then uses a special x-ray film that records the image produced due to the radiation.
The radiation involved in this process hardly lasts for a second, and a foot x-ray carries the least amount of radiation exposure anyway. However, pregnant women and babies are extra susceptible to radiation. Thus, the need for an x-ray procedure should be discussed with the healthcare provider before the x-ray is done. Try to find out if there is an alternative or it is 100% required.
Preparing for Your First Foot X-Ray Appointment
As stated earlier, x-ray procedures are painless, so you don’t have to worry about anything on that front. However, it may take the technician at least 15 minutes to get done with the whole process. Most places providing diagnostic imaging services have well-trained staff, so you don’t have to worry about your foot x-ray taking more than the needed time.
It’s best to wear loose clothes and shoes with no metal buttons or zips as they can interfere with the imaging process. Additionally, you will also have to take off any jewelry pieces that you’re wearing for the same reason. Socks are optional, though.
In some x-ray cases, the technician may even hand you protective gear to keep your body safe from the emitted radiation. The procedure takes place in a special room with a table and an x-ray machine.
You can get the foot x-ray results within 1-2 days. In case of an emergency, the results of the foot x-ray can be provided as soon as possible.
Preparing for Your Child’s Foot X-Ray Appointment
Children, of course, can also fracture their feet. So if your child’s foot x-ray appointment is coming up, it might be a good idea to prepare a little for it. One way to mitigate the expected apprehension is by opting for a digital x-ray in Edison, which is more convenient and less cumbersome than a traditional foot x-ray.
Consider briefing them about the process involved in a foot x-ray a little in advance so they have time to prepare themselves mentally. Try explaining what happens during a foot x-ray using the simplest terms possible. Stress how there will be no needles or pain involved, and they won’t even feel a thing during the foot x-ray.
You can also mention how you would be right there with them in the room so they won’t feel alone either! If you have any questions of your own about the process, you can speak to the pediatrician or the technician in advance.
When it comes to getting an x-ray, babies are a little more difficult to work with than kids. They find it difficult to stay still and often start crying. X-ray rooms are cold and dark anyway so that only adds to them feeling a little intimidated.
Parents are requested to step into the x-ray room with their children to ensure that the foot x-ray goes smoothly. The technician will give you a protective vest to protect you from the radiation emitted during the foot x-ray.
In case of babies crying or being restless, the technician will advise you to restrain them gently. As uncomfortable as it may be for you to see your child crying, please remain assured that the x-ray itself is not a painful process.
It’s just the experience itself that is overwhelming. Think about it. A cold, dark room and a big x-ray machine extended from the ceiling; the setting is intimidating enough to make anyone feel a little nervous.
As stated earlier, the whole process will last for at least 15 minutes, and you can get the reports later. If the images are blurry, you might have to get another x-ray done. The technician will let you know there and then if you have to wait for the results.
Some diagnostic and imaging centers have professional radiologists on board that can read the x-ray reports for you. Alternatively, you can get the reports and show them to your child’s pediatrician.
When to Schedule a Foot X-Ray Appointment?
There are many factors that go into determining the best time for a foot x-ray.
First of all, did you injure your toe or another part of your foot other than the heel? If so, you should probably get in touch with your physician as soon as possible because this can indicate other injuries and needs more attention than just a simple foot x-ray.
Has there been any swelling? It could be indicative of potential fractures or strains and would require medical help. As with every other medical condition in the book, it’s always advised to seek professional medical advice before deciding you need to get something checked out. Looking your condition or symptoms up on Google is hardly advisable, and in most cases, it does more harm than good.
You may end up getting extremely anxious over nothing. Unfortunately, health anxiety is real and can affect your life. So, your best bet is always to seek medical advice from a reliable healthcare provider and take things from there. You will rest easy knowing that you got your foot checked even if you don’t end up needing a foot x-ray.
Now, back to healthcare providers. What are the criteria by which it is decided that a foot x-ray is needed or not?
Most health care professionals use “the four-step rule” to recommend a foot x-ray. And sometimes, their training and experiences are enough to recommend a foot x-ray.
The Four-Step Rule for Recommending a Foot X-Ray
Suppose you injured your foot and are finding it difficult to walk. You go to your healthcare provider, and they ask you to walk a little. If you cannot take even four steps with your weight on the injured foot, you will be asked to get an x-ray done.
In the orthopedic field, this is referred to as “weight-bearing.” It means the amount of weight you can put on an injured body part.
If the injury did not fracture your foot, you would be able to bear weight and manage at least a short walk. However, if you can’t even take four steps, you will need to further look into the injury.
An x-ray would be recommended based on the results of the four-step test.
Scheduling Your Foot X-Ray Appointment
X-ray procedures are fairly common, and you can find several providers with this facility. However, not every health care facility providing diagnostic imaging in NJ can be trusted.
Some may have faulty machines that are incapable of producing reliable reports. Inexperienced, unprofessional technicians are another potential issue that you need to be careful about.
Thankfully, if you are looking for a provider in Elizabeth, NJ, you’re in luck. AQMDI NJ Imaging is an excellent place for your foot x-ray or any other diagnostic imaging concerns. They use cutting-edge technology to deliver state-of-the-art and high-quality diagnostic imaging services. Of course, you can go to them for CT scans, MRI scans, and x-rays too.
It helps if you book an appointment, but in certain cases, you can forgo the appointment. By doing so, you can ensure that you don’t have to waste time waiting for your turn.
They are dedicated to providing the greatest possible outcomes for their patients through high-quality service and staff.
What gives AQMDI the competitive edge over others is that they even have a facility of referring physicians. In addition, their team of professionally trained staff and experienced radiologists aim to make the process of diagnostic imaging convenient for all.
They also ensure that patient reports are available as soon as possible after an exam. This is truly the place to turn to for all your diagnostic requirements. Getting the right diagnosis can pave the way to your recovery. You mustn’t compromise on this step by going to a place that does not prioritize your well-being.
The team at AQMDI provides extra attention and care to every client, and you will be in safe hands.