X Ray Both Heel AP View

The preferred X‑ray views for heel pain are a weight‑bearing lateral foot/calcaneus view and an axial (Harris/Beath) calcaneal view. These best show calcaneal fractures, heel spurs and hindfoot alignment. AP or oblique views may be added as needed. For suspected occult fracture or soft‑tissue causes, advanced imaging (CT or MRI) is often recommended.

An AP (anteroposterior) view is an X‑ray projection where the X‑ray beam passes from the patient’s front (anterior) to back (posterior) toward the detector. It’s commonly used for portable or supine patients who can’t stand. AP projections can magnify the heart and mediastinal structures and may yield slightly different appearances than PA views, so clinical context matters.

A foot AP (anteroposterior) X‑ray is a front‑to‑back radiographic view where the X‑ray beam passes from the dorsal (top) to the plantar (sole) surface of the foot. It images the toes, metatarsals and tarsal bones to assess fractures, dislocations, arthritis or alignment. The foot rests on the detector (often weight‑bearing or non‑weight‑bearing), and the view complements lateral and oblique projections.

To X‑ray a heel, remove shoes and position the patient supine or lateral. Obtain a lateral calcaneus view with the affected side down and the beam horizontal centered on the subtalar region. Add an axial (plantodorsal/Harris) view with the film under the heel and the beam angled about 40° cephalad through the calcaneus. Immobilize, use lead shielding, and include the ankle for fracture assessment.

For heel pain, start with a weight-bearing X‑ray to check bones and spurs. If symptoms suggest plantar fasciitis or soft-tissue injury, ultrasound can assess plantar fascia thickness and tears. MRI is the best advanced scan for persistent, atypical, or severe cases because it shows soft tissue, bone marrow edema and occult fractures. Choose imaging based on clinical suspicion and response to treatment.

AP stands for anteroposterior. In an AP X‑ray the X‑ray beam passes from the front (anterior) of the body to the back (posterior) onto the detector. AP projections are often used when patients cannot stand or obtain a PA view; they can change apparent organ size and anatomy because of magnification and positioning differences compared with PA views.