This includes X-rays of the toes, feet, ankles, knees, upper legs and hips. These X-rays can help to identify injuries (fractures or sport injuries), joint swelling (arthritis), weakened bones (osteoporosis) or other abnormalities that may be causing pain.

For this procedure, the patient sits or lies on the exam table. The technologist takes multiple pictures of the area that is causing pain. The patient may be asked to assume various positions so that images can be taken from different angles. The technologist may use sponges or sand bags to help the patient hold the leg still for each picture. The procedure takes 15 to 30 minutes.