Diagnostic Foot and Ankle MRI Scan

 

Diagnose Problems Early On

Perhaps you feel a dull ache in your foot or ankle. Hopefully, it goes away with a cold compress and some rest. However, if it recurs or worsens, you should seek medical attention.

Your feet and ankles are essential to your mobility, so you need to take good care of them. Don’t let the problem worsen. Get a diagnosis as soon as possible through Vista Health.

We provide patients with high-quality MRI scans and diagnostic services. You’ll quickly identify the source of your foot and ankle pain, allowing you to get appropriate treatment.

Symptoms that May Warrant a Foot and Ankle MRI

These symptoms may warrant an MRI scan, depending on their severity:

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Stiffness
  • Loss of mobility
  • Bruising
  • Can’t put weight on the foot

Your radiologist may scan either your forefoot, midfoot, hindfoot, ankle or Achilles tendon, depending on the symptoms or where you’re experiencing any pain.

What a Foot and Ankle MRI Scan Detects

There are 26 bones, 30 joints and 29 muscles in the foot, so it can be challenging to pinpoint the problem when all you feel is dull pain. However, MRI provides detailed images of each part.

In general, the scan will show muscles, tendons and ligaments. Each part is then composed of different bones, as stated below.

Forefoot:

  • Metatarsal bones
  • Proximal phalanges
  • Middle phalanges
  • Distal phalanges

Midfoot:

  • Navicular bone
  • Cuboid bone
  • Three cuneiform bones

Hindfoot:

  • Talus bone
  • Calcaneus bone

Ankle:

  • Bottom part of the tibia
  • Bottom part of the fibula
  • Connection to the talus bone

Lastly, an Achilles tendon MRI scan will show the condition of the tendon connecting your calf muscle to your hindfoot.

Your radiologist will use MRI to pinpoint areas of damage, allowing them to provide an accurate diagnosis. The results may show any of the following issues below in their respective areas.

Forefoot:

  • Fractures
  • Claw toe
  • Mallet toe
  • Bunions
  • Gout (most often affects the big toe)

Midfoot:

  • Fractures
  • Bursitis
  • Inflammation

Hindfoot:

  • Fractures
  • Heel spur
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Bursitis

Ankle:

  • Fractures
  • Ligament sprain (ankle sprains are the most common, but they can happen in any other part)

Achilles tendon:

  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Achilles tendinitis

The scan itself may not help you decrease the pain, but it helps determine which treatment would be best for you.

How To Prepare For Your MRI Scan

Generally, most of the preparation you have to do is during the procedure itself. You can eat and take medication normally unless otherwise instructed.

The radiologist will ask you to change into a gown and remove any metal from your person as the MRI machine uses a powerful magnet. Afterwards, you just have to lie down on the MRI table and stay still. The scan may take anywhere from 15 to 90 minutes.

However, certain conditions and implants may complicate the procedure. This includes:

  • Pacemaker or defibrillator
  • Cochlear implants
  • Pregnancy
  • Claustrophobia
  • Allergies to contrast material
  • Artificial heart valves or joint replacements

Your radiologist may utilise different techniques, take extra precautions or suggest another diagnostic procedure.

Quick Online Scheduling

When foot or ankle pain is getting in the way of your job and daily life, you don’t want to wait long for a diagnosis. Easily schedule an appointment through Vista Health.

We accept self-referrals made through our online form, allowing you to book an MRI scan appointment in just five minutes. You can also schedule it to be as early as the next day.

Schedule Your MRI Scan

Easily schedule an MRI scan for an affordable price through Vista Health. Your appointment can be as early as tomorrow, and you’ll get support from our patient care team.

Book an appointment online or call our patient care line to discuss your scan on 0330 134 2627 or make an enquiry by filling out our contact form.

Select another Body Part

Select a body part from the list below for more information on what to expect from your MRI Scan. 


 


 

Speak to the patient care team

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Telephone: Call our friendly and knowledgeable Patient Care team on

0330 057 2703

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Email us: Through our contact form and we will respond within the hour (during normal working hours).

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Online Chat: Talk to one of our Patient Care Advisors, simply click the chat icon below right.


 


 

 Your Health, Your Choice

*All prices include scan, images and report*

Fast Track MRI -
Scan within 7 days
£365
Standard MRI -
Scan from 7 days
£345
Off-Peak MRI Scan -
Limited fixed scan times
£249

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Skip long waiting times

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Prices include reports

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Refer Yourself. No need for GP Referral

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Fast Reporting and Digital Images

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UK's most competitive prices

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Immediate Access to Scans

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Rated excellent on Trustpilot

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Patient Care Team available 7 days

about-speed.jpg

Skip long waiting times

self-referral.jpg

Prices include reports

about-book-your-appointment.jpg

Refer Yourself. No need for GP Referral

Image_reporting.jpg

Fast Reporting and Digital Images

about-transparency.jpg

UK's most competitive prices

about-extensive-opening-times.jpg

Immediate Access to Scans

No Hidden Delays.jpg

Rated excellent on Trustpilot

about-dedicated-support-team.jpg

Patient Care Team available 7 days

Concerned about illness or injury? Immediate access to diagnostic services

No Referral? No Problem

Vista Health has pioneered the self-referral pathway within private diagnostic services. We know how difficult it can be to see a GP, so we made it easier than ever for you to access diagnostic services when you need them the most.

We offer private diagnostic services on a self-referral basis, which means you don't need to get a referral from your NHS GP. Simply use our online booking or refer yourself services or simply contact us and we will guide you through our easy-to-follow self-referral process.

There are a number of ways to book an appointment with us:

 

Refer Yourself

You can refer yourself by completing the online form here. Submit the form to us and our friendly team will contact you directly.

 

Book Online Now

You can refer yourself, choose and book your own appointment here. In a few easy steps you can book your appointment with us at a time to suit you.

 

Make an Enquiry

You can make a general enquiry by completing the contact form here. We will then call or email you back and answer any questions that you may have.

 

0330 173 7871

Call our dedicated Patient Care team directly on 0330 173 7871 and we can guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.