AP (anteroposterior) view is an X‑ray projection where the beam passes from the front to the back of the body, often used when patients cannot stand; it shows frontal structures. Lateral view is taken from the side, giving a perpendicular perspective that reveals depth and relationships of front-to-back structures. Together they aid detection, localization, and assessment of fractures, alignment, or pathology.

The lateral calcaneus position has the patient lying on the affected side with the knee flexed so the ankle is in a true lateral (malleoli superimposed) and the foot dorsiflexed to about 90°. The image receptor is placed against the lateral heel and the central ray is directed perpendicular to the calcaneus, centered at the mid‑portion (approximately 2.5 cm/1 inch below the medial malleolus).

The left lateral position on an X-ray means the patient’s left side is placed against the image receptor—often by lying on the left side (left lateral decubitus) or turning so the left side is closest to the detector. It’s used for lateral chest or abdominal views to help detect fluid, air‑fluid levels, pleural effusion or pneumothorax, and is marked with an “L.”

For heel pain, initial X‑rays typically include a weight‑bearing lateral foot radiograph and an axial (Harris) calcaneal view to evaluate the calcaneal tuberosity, posterior facet and heel spur. Additional AP or oblique foot/ankle views—or Broden views—may be obtained when fractures, subtalar joint involvement or complex injury are suspected. Weight‑bearing images help assess alignment and load‑bearing pathology.

In X‑ray, "lateral" means a side view: the X‑ray beam passes from one side of the body to the other, producing an image that shows structures in profile. Lateral views reduce anatomical overlap, help localize lesions or fluid, and assess depth. Common lateral projections include chest, skull, cervical spine and knee to visualize anatomy not clear on frontal images.

AP view means anteroposterior projection: the X‑ray beam travels from the patient’s front (anterior) to back (posterior) onto the detector. It’s often used for supine or portable exams when a patient cannot stand. AP technique increases magnification of anterior structures (so the heart may appear larger) and can alter lung and mediastinal appearances compared with a PA view, which clinicians consider during interpretation.