A foot or ankle X-ray shows the small bones of the foot and the ankle joint. Here is when one is usually requested, when a sprain can be treated at home instead, and how referral works for a private X-ray.
Search X-ray providers near youAn X-ray is a quick test that shows the bones and joints of the foot and ankle. It is often used to check for a broken bone after an injury or to look at joint changes over time.
FindScan is a directory and enquiry service, not a healthcare provider. We do not scan anyone or give medical advice. You can compare private clinics that offer foot and ankle X-rays, see each clinic's own listed price, and send an enquiry to the clinic you choose.
X-rays are good at showing bone. A foot or ankle X-ray shows the ankle joint, the bones of the midfoot and the toes, their alignment and any obvious break. It can also show changes in the joints that develop with arthritis.
X-rays are not the usual test for soft tissues such as ligaments and tendons. If a clinician suspects a soft tissue problem that needs imaging, they may suggest an ultrasound or an MRI instead. See our pages on private ultrasound and private MRI.
A clinician may request a foot or ankle X-ray for reasons such as:
For bunions, the NHS suggests starting with self-help: wearing wide shoes with a low heel and soft sole, using bunion pads, and taking paracetamol or ibuprofen. It advises seeing a GP if the pain has not improved after a few weeks of home treatment, if it stops you doing your normal activities, if your bunions are getting worse, or if you have bunions and diabetes. A GP may refer you to a foot specialist (podiatrist), or for surgery if your bunions are very painful or are having a big effect on your life. The specialist will decide whether imaging is needed.
For joint pain that may be arthritis, a GP or physiotherapist will usually start by asking about your symptoms and examining the joint, and will decide whether an X-ray would change how you are treated.
Many ankle injuries are sprains rather than breaks. The NHS says most sprains and strains can be treated at home without seeing a GP, and that after 2 weeks most will feel better. It recommends PRICE for the first 2 to 3 days:
The NHS advises seeing a GP if you think you have a sprain or strain and it is getting worse or not feeling better after treating it yourself. It also notes that physiotherapy may help if recovery takes longer than expected. If you need treatment, the NHS says you may need an X-ray, which can sometimes be done at an urgent treatment centre, or you may be referred to hospital.
A private X-ray is not the right route for an obvious or serious injury. The NHS broken ankle page advises asking for help from NHS 111 if you have injured your ankle and it is very painful or the pain is getting worse, there is a large amount of swelling or bruising, it hurts to put weight on it, or it feels very stiff or is difficult to move. It advises going to A&E if:
The NHS says not to drive yourself to A&E; ask someone to drive you or call 999 for an ambulance. The sprains and strains page also says to go to A&E or call 999 if you heard a crack when you were injured, or if the injured part is numb, tingling or has pins and needles. At hospital, the NHS says you will usually have an X-ray to check if your ankle is broken and how bad the break is.
X-rays use ionising radiation, so they are covered by the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017, known as IR(ME)R. Under these regulations every exposure must be requested by a referrer, who supplies the relevant medical information, and must be justified and authorised by a practitioner as showing a sufficient net benefit. The justification must consider the benefits, the risks, and alternative techniques that involve less or no ionising radiation.
This means you cannot simply ask for an X-ray without a clinical reason. A referral may come from your GP, a physiotherapist, a podiatrist, a consultant or another suitable clinician. Some private clinics arrange the referral through their own doctor or a clinical review of your symptoms. Each clinic sets out its own process, so check when you enquire. Our guide to getting an X-ray without a GP referral explains the options.
The NHS advises not wearing anything with metal in it, such as jewellery or clothes with zips or poppers, and you may be asked to change into a gown. For a foot or ankle X-ray you will usually remove your shoes and socks, so loose trousers that roll up easily can help. Tell the clinic beforehand if you are pregnant or might be pregnant. IR(ME)R also requires staff to ask anyone of childbearing potential whether they are pregnant or breastfeeding, where relevant.
The radiographer positions your foot and you keep still while each image is taken. The NHS says an X-ray should only take a few minutes, that images may be taken from more than one angle, and that you will not feel anything when the image is taken. You can usually leave as soon as the X-ray is done.
The NHS says X-rays are usually very safe and serious complications are rare, though having lots of X-rays carries a very small risk that the radiation could cause cancer. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) lists typical doses for common examinations. For limbs and joints other than the hip, it gives a typical effective dose of less than 0.01 mSv, equivalent to less than 1.5 days of natural background radiation, with a lifetime additional risk of fatal cancer of 1 in a few million. Our X-ray radiation safety guide explains more.
Your images are reported by an appropriately qualified clinician. The clinic will tell you how long its report takes. The report usually goes to whoever referred you, who can explain the findings and talk through next steps. See our guide on how long scan results take.
Prices vary from clinic to clinic. They can depend on whether one or both feet or ankles are imaged, the number of views, whether a clinical review or referral is included, and the region. FindScan shows each clinic's own listed price, as set by the clinic, without mark-up. Our guide to private X-ray costs in the UK covers what to ask about.
Search for X-ray clinics near you, compare locations and listed prices, and check how each clinic handles the referral step. When you have chosen a clinic, send an enquiry through FindScan and we will pass your details to that clinic, which will contact you directly. See clinics near you or read more about private X-rays.
Often not. The NHS says most sprains and strains can be treated at home without seeing a GP, using PRICE for the first 2 to 3 days. See a GP if it is getting worse or not improving, and get urgent help if you heard a crack, cannot put weight on it, or it is at an odd angle.
No. The NHS advises going to A&E if your ankle is at an odd angle, a bone is sticking out, you have severe pain, or your toes look blue or white or feel numb. Contact NHS 111 for urgent advice, or call 999 in an emergency.
An X-ray shows the bones and joints of the foot. The NHS suggests trying self-help for bunions first and seeing a GP if pain does not improve after a few weeks. A specialist assessing your bunion will decide whether imaging is needed.
Every X-ray must be requested by a referrer and justified under IR(ME)R 2017. Some private clinics arrange this through their own doctor or a clinical review, while others ask for a referral from your GP, podiatrist, physiotherapist or consultant.
UKHSA lists a typical effective dose of less than 0.01 mSv for X-rays of limbs and joints other than the hip, equivalent to less than 1.5 days of natural background radiation.
FindScan is a directory and enquiry service, not a healthcare provider, and nothing here is medical advice. Speak to a GP or another clinician about your symptoms.