What to Expect
Your child won't feel anything as the X-ray is taken. The X-ray room may feel cool,
due to the air conditioning used to maintain the equipment.
The positions required for the X-rays may feel uncomfortable, but they only need
to be held for a few seconds. If your child has an injury and can't stay in the required
position, the technician might be able to find another position that's easier on your
child. Babies often cry in the X-ray room, especially if they're restrained, but this
won't interfere with the procedure.
After the X-rays are taken, you and your child will be asked to wait a few minutes
while the images are processed. If they're blurred or unclear, the X-ray may need
to be redone.
Getting the Results
A radiologist, a doctor specially trained in interpreting X-ray images, will look
at your child's X-rays and send a report to your doctor, who will discuss the results
with you and explain what they mean.
In an emergency, the results of an X-ray can be available quickly. Otherwise, results
are usually ready in 1-2 days. In most cases, results can't be given directly to the
patient or family at the time of the test.
Risks
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 and are at more risk for harm,
so if your daughter is pregnant, tell 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.
You can describe the room and the equipment that will be used, and reassure your
child that you'll be right there for support. For older kids, be sure to explain the
importance of staying still while the X-ray is taken so it won't have to be repeated.
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.