Foot and ankle ultrasound scan
Pain, swelling or stiffness in the foot or ankle affects more than how you walk. An ultrasound scan is a pain-free way to find out what is wrong.
- Price
- £300 one side£450 both sides · £50 deposit
- Appointment
- 20 to 30 minutesIncluding consultation · scan about 15 minutes
- Preparation
- None needed
- Report
- Usually within 24 hours
Who it's for
When a scan can help
This scan is for anyone whose foot or ankle hurts, feels swollen or is not working as it should, including after an injury.
What it shows
The scan checks for
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendon tears or swelling (tendinopathy)
- Tendon or ligament injuries, or tendon inflammation (tenosynovitis)
- Bursitis (around a joint or the heel)
- Morton’s neuroma / intermetatarsal bursitis
- Signs of arthritis (osteoarthritis or rheumatological arthritis)
- Fluid in the joints (effusion and synovitis)
- Soft tissue swelling or lumps
- Nerve entrapment or compression
What to expect
Your appointment
Before
No preparation is needed.
During
You’ll be asked to lie or sit comfortably. The specialist applies gel to your skin and uses a small handheld probe to check your foot or ankle. It takes around 15 minutes and shouldn’t cause any pain.
After
You can return to your day straight afterwards. Your consultant explains what they have seen before you leave.
Who reads your scan
Consultant radiologists, specialists in this area
Your report
Your consultant talks you through what the scan shows while you are still in the room.
A written report follows, usually within 24 hours. If anything needs a closer look, we can arrange MRI, CT, blood tests or a specialist referral.
Frequently asked questions
Why have a foot and ankle scan?
If your foot or ankle hurts, feels swollen, or isn’t working like it should, an ultrasound can help. It shows what’s going on inside, clearly and quickly. It’s also useful after an injury or if pain doesn’t go away.
Sometimes further imaging such as MRI is necessary to assess the internal structures of the foot and ankle. However, do not worry, our specialists can decide whether further imaging is necessary and can arrange this for you at the time of the appointment.
What symptoms are linked to foot or ankle problems?
- Ongoing pain
- Swelling or puffiness
- Sharp pain in the heel or sole
- Clicking or snapping when you move your foot or ankle
- Numbness or tingling
- A feeling of weakness or instability
- A visible lump or bump
- Pain that gets worse with walking
When should I see a doctor?
If pain or swelling lasts longer than a few days or keeps coming back, get it checked. You should also see a doctor if you can’t walk properly, if symptoms get worse, or if you feel something is not right.
Is it safe?
Ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation, and has no known side effects. A small amount of gel is applied to the skin and a handheld probe is moved gently over the area. You can return to your day straight afterwards.
Enquire or book
Tell us what you would like looked at and we will come back to you with times. You do not need a referral.