For heel pain, obtain weight-bearing lateral and axial (Harris‑Beath/calcaneal axial) X‑ray views. Lateral views evaluate calcaneal alignment, tuberosity, plantar fascia attachment, subtalar joint and posterior soft‑tissue swelling; axial views better show inferior and posterior calcaneal spurs. Additional oblique or comparative views may be requested if radiographs are inconclusive or to assess subtalar joint pathology.

AP (anteroposterior) and Lat (lateral) are X‑ray projections. AP means the X‑ray beam passes from the front (anterior) to the back (posterior) of the patient, commonly used for bedside or supine imaging and may alter magnification. Lat denotes a side‑to‑side projection, with the beam traversing one lateral aspect to the other, providing depth information and complementary views.

Obtain at least two views: lateral and axial (plantodorsal/Harris). Indications: trauma or persistent heel pain. Lateral: patient lateral recumbent, knee flexed, foot dorsiflexed; center cassette on the calcaneus and direct the beam perpendicular to the film at the subtalar region. Axial: with foot dorsiflexed, angle the beam about 40° cephalad through the plantar surface to show the posterior calcaneus. Include ankle and use shielding.

An X-ray of the back of the heel is a radiograph (typically lateral and axial/plantar views) focused on the posterior calcaneus and Achilles insertion. It helps assess calcaneal fractures, Haglund’s deformity, heel spurs, bony overgrowth, and Achilles enthesopathy, and to detect foreign bodies. Clinicians use it for persistent heel pain, trauma, swelling, or suspected bony pathology.

The best scan depends on the suspected cause: musculoskeletal ultrasound is first-line for plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendon problems (quick, inexpensive, dynamic). Plain X-ray rules out bony causes like calcaneal spurs or fractures. MRI is most sensitive for complex cases, occult stress fractures, or when surgery is planned. Your clinician will choose based on exam and suspected diagnosis.

Standard foot X‑ray comprises three views: dorsoplantar (AP) to assess metatarsals, phalanges, and joint spacing; medial oblique (about 30°) to visualize metatarsal shafts, tarsometatarsal joints and the fifth metatarsal base; and lateral to assess the longitudinal arch, calcaneus, talus, and alignment. Weight‑bearing AP and lateral views are often obtained to evaluate deformities and joint relationships under load.