In what cases do x-rays of the legs? Such a procedure is prescribed to the patient when there is suspicion of any pathology in the musculoskeletal system of a person. As a rule, pathological processes of this nature are accompanied by pain in the foot area. In addition, outwardly one can notice its deformation.
It is worth saying that X-ray of the legs is considered an effective diagnostic tool and is available to many categories of citizens. This is due to the fact that this method of examination does not require special preparation from the patient and is done for little money. Also, through an x-ray, the doctor can make an accurate diagnosis and outline a treatment regimen.
X-ray: appointment
In what cases is a patient given an x-ray of the legs? Examination of the foot is carried out in a special office, which is equipped with the necessary instruments. An X-ray of the legs is prescribed in cases where the patient speaks of the following worries:
- The patient has pain in the foot. You will have to do an x-ray of the legs in cases where a person has not had physical exertion, for example, long walking, or wearing shoes that are not very comfortable, and so on.
- There are cases when the patient has visual changes in the shape of the foot.
- If a person has injuries, such as foot dislocations, sprains, or fractures.
- A person who is at risk for disorders of the musculoskeletal system is also assigned an x-ray. This category includes athletes, overweight people and those who have poor heredity.
In what cases do x-rays of the foot?
There are a number of problems in which a person is given a referral to this examination.
- If the patient visualizes the violated position of the bone tissue, then he is sent for x-ray. Also, this type of examination is prescribed for a soft tissue rupture.
- To obtain data on the state of the limb, if there are any deformations.
- X-rays are also prescribed for examining the organs of the hip joint in cases when a person complains of pain.
- The patient must be examined by x-ray in order to obtain data on the condition of the knee joint, if there is evidence for this.
- If a person’s leg is in a swollen state, then an x-ray of the limb is prescribed. If any deformities are present, it is also necessary to undergo this examination.
- Damages such as bruising or sprains are also examined by X-ray. This is necessary so that the doctor can see the full picture of the state of the damaged area.
- An X-ray of a leg fracture is also done (a photo of its results is presented above for clarity). This study allows you to accurately determine the diagnosis. With arthritis and arthrosis, this examination also needs to be passed. X-ray of the legs allows you to see the condition of the fingers.
- An examination is usually prescribed to see how the joint responds to the load. X-ray of the legs is done in several projections.
- It is worth knowing that with such damage to the legs as frostbite, this examination is also prescribed. This is necessary so that the doctor can find out to what extent the limbs are damaged. If the leg dysfunctions are metastatic in nature, then x-ray is the main way to study this ailment.
X-rays have great potential for studying certain injuries. But this method of researching the body has contraindications. Namely, it is contraindicated for those women who are in a state of pregnancy and people in serious condition.
Before an X-ray, a person does not need a preparatory stage. The exceptions are pictures of the spine and tailbone. In this case, the person must come to the study with an empty intestine.
X-ray with heel spur
Surely many people have heard about this type of defect as a heel spur. There is a modern way to treat this disease. It is called x-ray therapy. Modern technologies have reached such a level that irradiation does not have a negative effect on human health.
The modern method of treatment by x-ray is that it uses automatic adjustment of the device. Through it, he distributes the radiation effect in such a way that it spreads to the person in the dosage necessary for his condition. Automatic distribution eliminates the possibility of patient exposure.
X-ray treatment brings good results. This is due to the fact that malignant formations are destroyed by means of rays. Due to the high degree of effectiveness of this method of treatment, it has become widespread. Also, using an X-ray, you can stop such formations as papillomas and warts.
Another advantage of this method is that the rays are directed only to the area of ​​damage. Healthy body cells do not experience any pressure. There are a number of indicators due to which an x-ray of a person’s leg is considered a highly effective method of examination. Namely:
- a small list of contraindications;
- absolutely painless way of exposure;
- radiation is produced only at the site of tissue damage.
In order to x-ray the feet, the legs do not need to go to hospital. This procedure is performed on an outpatient basis.
Diagnosis of a fracture of a broken heel bone by x-ray
To diagnose a calcaneus fracture, an x-ray is prescribed. You should know that this examination has its own characteristics.
The peculiarity lies in the fact that a picture is taken of two legs at once, namely the calcaneus. This is necessary for an accurate understanding of what deformations occurred with a damaged leg. Thanks to the picture, the doctor will prescribe the method of treatment that will be most effective in a particular case.
Can i use x-rays during pregnancy?
As a rule, the period of pregnancy excludes this method. But there are cases when an x-ray needs to be done. For example, a fracture of a finger or some other organ.
You should know that the fetus is sensitive to x-rays. The fact is that rays of an ionizing nature penetrate it through cells that are destroyed inside. In this regard, nucleic acids are destroyed, the probability of a malfunction in the deoxyribonucleic acid chain increases.
Because of this, mutations and pathologies can occur in the unborn child. But if you need to do an x-ray on the toe, then it will not have a harmful effect on the fetus. But an x-ray of the pelvis, abdominal cavity or back is considered dangerous for the unborn child. Therefore, if it is possible to avoid this method of examination, then it is not assigned.
Also, do not do a lung x-ray to pregnant women. This is very dangerous, both for the health of the woman herself and for the unborn child. Therefore, the doctor needs to be one hundred percent sure of the diagnosis, since an x-ray of the lungs may be unjustified. If the doctor nevertheless prescribed such a procedure for a woman in the position of pregnancy, then there is no need to worry, since modern technology minimizes the harmful effects of x-rays on the body.
Where to be screened?
Where to x-ray the legs? It is worth knowing that it can be done in different medical institutions. It is necessary to pay attention to the devices that are in these places. As a rule, in clinics and emergency rooms are old devices for such a procedure. But in paid medical institutions are more modern x-ray machines.
If a person goes to a paid clinic, then he should find out what type of X-ray machine is available in this clinic. Then you can familiarize yourself with the price list and find out its technical characteristics. It will be better to take an x-ray in the institution where modern medical devices are available. The quality of research and treatment will be much better on modern equipment. What indicators of the device should you pay attention to:
- the dose of radiation that affects the human body;
- at the time of receipt of pictures;
- Is there a choice of a better quality image;
- Is it possible to do more research area;
- how much weight the unit can support.
Leg fracture: x-ray
A fracture of the foot is less common than other parts of the body. But in no case should you be taken lightly. The fact is that a fracture in the foot can lead to a person being unable to walk. First of all, it is worth saying that with such an injury, you should not self-medicate. It is necessary to contact a medical institution for professional help.
What does a foot x-ray show? Different types of fractures, namely:
- displacement fracture;
- metatarsal bones;
- scaphoid fracture .
A study may also show if there is a fracture of the cuboid bone.
In all of the above cases, a foot x-ray is taken to make a diagnosis.
It is also worth knowing that the rehabilitation period is important. Do not neglect them, because relaxation is an important component of treatment.
There is statistics that a fracture of the foot occurs in 3 or 10 percent of cases of the total number of fractures. The peculiarity is that if one element is damaged, dysfunction of the entire foot is created. This is because all the elements are interconnected. It often happens that damage to the foot leads to complications such as arthrosis and flat feet. All bones are connected through ligaments and joints. With damage to different bones of the foot, a person has certain symptoms.
How is bone fracture treated?
If the human bone is damaged, then the patient is repositioned residues. It is worth knowing that if time has passed, then you can collect the remains only in such a way as open reduction of bones. And also skeletal traction is done. With a fracture of the posterior process, gypsum is applied for 3 weeks.
Other sections of the talus are immobilized for four or five weeks.
After 3 weeks, the patient must remove the tire from his leg. You also need to do special exercises. This is necessary in order to stretch the ankle joint. In addition to the above treatment, the patient is prescribed physiotherapy, massage sessions, special gymnastic exercises during a fracture. The human body is fully restored after this type of fracture after 3 months. Then it is necessary to protect the injured leg and use arch support for another year. These measures are necessary so that the person’s leg does not undergo repeated injury. It should give the body time for the recovery process.
Rehabilitation period
The fact is that wearing gypsum for a long time has a bad effect on the human body. Therefore, the patient will need to do a set of physical activities. But you should not choose exercises on your own. Follow the advice of your doctor.
Conclusion
Now you know why x-rays of the legs are done, in what cases and what shows. We hope you find this information useful.