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An ankle X-ray shows the bones around your ankle joint. It is used after rolled ankles and falls to check whether a bone is broken.
Also called: Ankle radiograph, Broken ankle X-ray, Sprained ankle X-ray, Ankle joint X-ray
Find a clinic for your ankle X-ray
100 clinics offer bulk billing for X-ray — eligibility varies
Where to get an ankle X-ray
101 clinics across Melbourne and Victoria on Radly offer X-ray.
Clinics for an ankle X-ray on Radly
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What is an ankle X-ray?
An ankle X-ray shows the lower ends of the tibia and fibula and the talus bone they sit on. It is the standard test to find out whether a painful, swollen ankle is broken or sprained.
You sit or lie on the X-ray table. Usually three views are taken: from the front, with your foot turned slightly in (a mortise view), and from the side. If you can stand, weight-bearing views are sometimes requested to check joint stability.
Ankle sprains injure ligaments, which X-rays can't show. If your ankle remains painful or unstable, an ultrasound or MRI can look at the ligaments and tendons.
Why your doctor might request an ankle X-ray
- Rolled ankle with pain over the bone or trouble walking
- Suspected fracture after a fall or sports injury
- Ongoing ankle pain or swelling
- Arthritis in the ankle
- Checking healing of a fracture or after surgery
Ankle X-ray: preparation, referral & Medicare
Preparing for your ankle X-ray
- No special preparation is needed.
- Wear loose pants or shorts and remove socks, anklets and shoes on the affected side.
- If you are in a moon boot or cast, follow your doctor's advice about removing it.
- Tell the radiographer if you are or might be pregnant.
How long it takes: About 10–15 minutes
Referral, Medicare & bulk billing
For a Medicare rebate, an ankle X-ray needs a referral from a GP, specialist or eligible allied health practitioner such as a physiotherapist or podiatrist for certain views. Many clinics bulk bill X-rays for eligible patients; the clinic confirms billing. Booking on Radly is a request the clinic confirms.
How it works
Get your referral
Most scans need a referral from your GP, specialist, or other health practitioner.
Compare clinics
Find clinics near you for your ankle X-ray and compare bulk billing, reviews, and location.
Send your request
Share your preferred timing and send the clinic your details and referral when available.
Clinic confirms
The clinic reviews your request and confirms your appointment and any preparation needed.
If the clinic hasn’t acknowledged your request after 24 hours, Radly will follow up. We check in by SMS during daytime hours where SMS is available and you haven’t opted out. Reply N if you haven’t been contacted and our team will follow up. Acknowledgment does not mean an appointment is booked.
Ankle X-ray FAQs
Do I need an X-ray for a sprained ankle?
Not always. Doctors use simple checks, like whether you can walk four steps and where it's tender, to decide if an X-ray is needed.
Will an ankle X-ray show torn ligaments?
No. Ligaments don't show on X-ray. Ultrasound or MRI can assess them if symptoms persist.
Should I get a foot or an ankle X-ray?
It depends on where the pain is. Pain on the outer edge of the midfoot may need a foot X-ray. Your referral will specify.
How do I book an ankle X-ray online?
Choose a clinic on Radly, select X-Ray as your scan, add your preferred timing and attach your referral, then send your booking request. The clinic contacts you to confirm the appointment and any preparation.
How soon can I get an ankle X-ray?
Appointments for X-ray are walk-in or same day at most clinics, depending on the clinic and the exam. You can send a request on Radly at any time, and the clinic replies with its next available time.
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