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.