Immediate access to private diagnostic services
Foot and ankle MRI scans
Read more about what a Foot and ankle MRI scan is, why you might need one and what can be detected from a Foot and ankle MRI scan.
Not ready to book online?
Refer yourselfWhy choose Vista Health?
-
Affordable
Scans from £249. See the table below for full price list.
-
Accessible
We offer foot and ankle MRI scans throughout the UK.
-
Support
Our dedicated Patient Care Team is available from 8am to 8pm weekdays, and 8am to 1pm weekends.
Private MRI Scan
Get your foot and ankle problems diagnosed quickly
Feet and ankles are fundamental to your mobility. This is a complex part of the body - with each foot consisting of 26 bones and 30 joints - making it difficult to pinpoint the cause of pain. A foot or ankle MRI scan can identify and diagnose the injury or condition that’s causing the problem.
Please note that the foot and ankle are separate scans.
Vista Health offers affordable private MRI foot and ankle scans by expert radiologists, right across the UK. With no waiting lists and weekend appointments, we can offer an MRI scan at short notice, at a time that suits your busy schedule.
What is a foot or ankle MRI scan?
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, which is a way of taking pictures inside the body using magnetic fields and radio waves. It’s a safe, painless and non-invasive procedure, which captures high-quality images. Unlike X-rays, MRI doesn’t use potentially harmful radiation.
The area around the foot and ankle is complex - there are 26 bones, 30 joints and 29 muscles in the foot alone. Depending on your symptoms and where you’re experiencing pain, your radiologist will scan your forefoot, midfoot or hindfoot, your ankle or your Achilles tendon.
Each of these areas is composed of different bones, as in this list:
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
Achilles tendon:
An Achilles tendon MRI scan will show the condition of the tendon connecting your calf muscle to your hindfoot.
Why would I choose to have a private foot or ankle MRI scan?
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you may want to arrange a private foot or ankle MRI scan:
-
pain
-
swelling
-
stiffness
-
loss of mobility
-
bruising
-
an inability to put weight on your foot without pain
What can a foot or ankle MRI scan detect?
Your foot or ankle MRI scan can detect and assess a wide range of injuries and conditions, depending on which area is being scanned. Among other conditions, your scan will be looking for:
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
How do I prepare for a foot and ankle MRI scan?
Our patient care team will ensure you’re ready for your scan, but you can help by telling them about your medical history. Unless you’re asked to do otherwise, you can continue to eat, drink and take medication as normal before your scan.
Some implants and conditions may affect how your MRI scan is performed, or whether it’s safe to do it at all. These include
-
cochlear implants
-
ICDs (implantable cardioverter-defibrillators)
-
pacemakers
-
artificial joints
-
artificial heart valves
-
allergy to MRI contrast material
-
pregnancy
-
claustrophobia
If any of these applies to you, please raise the issue with the patient care team before booking an appointment.
What happens during a foot or ankle MRI scan, and how long does it take?
Your radiologist will ask you to take off any jewellery and empty your pockets, or you may be asked to change into a gown. You’ll then lie on the MRI table during the scan. A foot or ankle MRI scan takes around 20 minutes, and we would ask you to arrive around 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
STEP BY STEP
Your Foot or Ankle MRI scan journey
Here’s what to expect when you book a private foot or ankle MRI scan with Vista Health
-
Appointment booking
Choose your location and date, then submit the self-referral form or book online. Alternatively, contact our dedicated patient care team for advice and support.
-
Attend your diagnostic appointment
Attend your chosen diagnostic centre on the day of your appointment. The MRI scan will take approximately 20 minutes, and we ask you to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
-
Results
Receive a full report and scan images within three days. Add an optional consultation with one of our dedicated private GPs to explain your results. Save 20% on consultation fees when you book along with your scan.
How much does a private foot or ankle MRI scan cost?
| Label and description | Value |
|---|---|
|
Fast Track MRI
Scan within 7 days
|
£365
|
|
Standard MRI
Scan from 7 days
|
£345
|
|
Off-Peak MRI Scan
Limited fixed scan times
|
£249
|
Refer yourself or book online now
There are a number of ways to access an MRI scan with Vista Health. You don’t normally need a GP referral, but if you have one, you can submit a referral letter here.
Refer yourself
Fill in the self-referral form and our Patient Care Team will contact you directly.
Book online now
Book your own appointment in a few easy steps.
Enquire now
Ask us any questions you may have before booking.
If you already have a referral letter
You don’t normally need a GP referral, but if you have one, you can submit a referral letter here.
If you don’t have a referral, but would like one
In some circumstances, you might prefer to have a referral from one of our own private GPs. We can arrange this quickly and easily, with a 20% discount on consultancy fees when you book along with your scan.
Call us on 0333 331 5779
Our Patient Care Team is available from 8am to 8pm weekdays, and 8am to 1pm weekends.
How can we help?
Support
If you’re about to begin a healthcare journey, you’re likely to have a few questions. We’ve tried to answer the most common queries here - but if you don’t find what you’re looking for, you can always ask one of our friendly patient care advisors.
Can you help me understand my results?
If you’d like to discuss your scan results with one of our GPs, you can arrange a consultation. There’s a 20% discount on consultation fees if you book when you arrange your scan.
Can I refer myself?
We accept self-referral in most cases. Self-referral allows you to take control of your own health with direct access to our own specialist diagnostic services. We also offer a GP consultation service to provide you with a referral if you need one.
What if I need an open or upright scanner?
For some patients - including those with restricted mobility, anxiety and people with claustrophobia - the standard ‘tunnel-style’ MRI scanner may be challenging. An alternative is the open and upright scanner, which can be more comfortable for some patients. This provides comfort and reassurance, and offers a variety of scanning positions including sitting, standing, leaning, and lying.
What body part can I have scanned?
We offer a range of MRI scans to assist you in obtaining the diagnosis you require.
Can you help me understand my results?
We will send your diagnostic report to your referrer or GP, or if you’d like to discuss your scan results with one of our GPs, you can arrange a consultation. There’s a 20% discount on consultation fees if you book when you arrange your scan.
How long does an MRI scan take?
Most scans take between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on the size of the area we’re investigating. Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
How much will an MRI scan cost?
Our MRI scans start from £249. The fee includes a full written report within 3 working days, and access to your images online to view, download or share with a medical professional such as your GP. When you book online, you’ll have the option to spread the cost over three months, interest free.
How soon can I have my MRI scan?
With MRI facilities across the UK, we can offer scans at short notice. We work evenings, weekends and bank holidays, and you can self-refer and book here>>
Can I refer myself for an MRI?
We accept self-referral in most cases. We also offer a GP consultation service to provide you with a referral if you need one