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Diagnostic Ultrasound of the Foot

Our office is now equipped with the latest advancement in imaging of the foot and ankle - diagnostic ultrasound. This page gives a brief overview of ultrasound for the foot. See also: Detailed information on diagnostic ultrasound for specific foot/ankle pathologies »

Ultrasound is a non-invasive, non-painful technique performed with high frequency sound waves, unable to be heard by the human ear. Real time images of soft tissue and bone structures in the foot are obtained as the sound waves bounce off these structures, and the echoes are interpreted as images on a video screen. Many patients are familiar with this technique used during pregnancy to visualize their child.

Ultrasound imaging allows the foot specialist to confirm a diagnosis in real time, and therefore prescribe a treatment plan faster than traditional methods. Ultrasound is usually used in the diagnosis of soft tissue problems such as:

• Soft tissue masses
• Foreign bodies
• Sprains
• Neuromas
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• To guide injections

A new wound classification is being developed based on ultrasonagraphy.

Ultrasound is safe, and much cheaper that MRIs and CAT scans. There are no contraindications. Ultrasound does not produce radiation, or magnetization - pacemaker and pregnant patients are perfectly safe to undergo ultrasound.

If you are suffering from a chronic soft tissue problem of the foot, please contact our office to see if you're a candidate for ultrasound.