In recent weeks I have been talking to a lot of people about Plantar Fasciitis. One thing that I keep hearing is that they have been referred for x-rays to diagnose Plantar Fasciitis. I felt that it was time, after hearing story after story, to let you know what x-rays can and can't do for you and your feet.
What is an X-Ray?
X-Rays are defined in the dictionary as electromagnetic radiation capable of penetrating solids. Different tissues in your body absorb x-rays differently. Your bones absorb it the most, which is why x-rays are great for finding fractures. Soft tissues however don't absorb very much and that is why you don't see them in your x-rays.
If the tissue is really thick and dense, it may show up on an x-ray.
What is the Plantar Fascia?
The Plantar Fascia is a soft tissue made up of collagen fibers. Collagen fibers do not show up on x-rays. This means the Plantar Fascia doesn't show up on x-rays. Not only does your Plantar Fascia not show up on x-ray, your muscles don't show up on x-ray.
Can My Plantar Fascia be Imaged?
Your Plantar Fascia can be imaged. Just not with an x-ray. The main type of imaging used to identify the plantar fascia is Ultrasound. Yup, it's not just for babies! Ultrasound can also measure the thickness of the Plantar Fascia. Doctors using ultrasound may tell you that you have plantar fasciitis based on the thickness of your plantar fascia. But some of you may just have a thick plantar fascia. But this is way better than an x-ray that can't see your plantar fascia.
MRI can also image the soft tissues. This one is a little harder to have as most insurance companies don't want to pay for MRI without other treatments being tried first.
So Why is Your Doctor X-Raying Your Feet?
Hopefully your doctor is not using the x-ray to tell you that you have Plantar Fasciitis.
The X-ray can be used for a few things in the health of your foot.
It can make sure there is not fracture in or around the region that you have your symptoms.
It can identify bone spurs that may lead to plantar fasciitis.
It can show calcified tendons.
Should You Get an X-ray?
The only time I think you should get an x-ray is if your pain is related to something that can possibly cause a fracture. Treatment for you foot will usually be similar for most conditions and someone that is putting their hands on you will know if you have signs of fracture or calcific tendinitis. Bone spurs may require x-ray, but only if you aren't responding to other treatments.
Good Luck with your symptoms and join my foot pain Facebook Group to ask any questions you want.
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