Foot Ultrasound Scan

• Foot Ultrasound Scan

NO GP REFERRAL REQUIRED

The MedHealth Foot Ultrasound provides a detailed assessment of the key soft-tissue structures of the foot, including the plantar fascia. This scan is ideal for patients experiencing heel pain, arch pain, swelling, lumps, or symptoms related to overuse or injury.

What does the Foot Scan include?

• Same-day verbal findings

• Digital report same day

• Performed by experienced MSK sonographers

• Designed to identify issues early and guide treatment

Objective of the Foot Ultrasound

The foot ultrasound aims to assess the major structures that support movement, balance, and weight-bearing. The foot contains a complex network of tendons, ligaments, bursae, nerves and small joints — all of which can become irritated, inflamed, or injured.

Using high-resolution ultrasound, we can examine these structures in real time, identifying the source of pain, swelling or discomfort. The scan is quick, comfortable, and completely safe, with results discussed immediately after your appointment.

What the Foot Scan Can Assess

• Plantar fascia

• Foot tendons (flexors and extensors)

• Major ligaments

• Plantar plate (limited)

• Soft-tissue lumps and swellings

• Joint spaces and localised fluid

• Areas of inflammation or thickening

What is a Foot Ultrasound?

A foot ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to visualise the soft-tissue structures of the foot. It is extremely effective for identifying:

Soft-tissue injuries

• Tendon strains, tears and tendinopathy

• Ligament sprains

• Muscle injuries

Conditions affecting the sole and heel

• Plantar fasciitis

• Plantar fascia tears

• Plantar fibroma

Nerve and compression issues

• Morton’s neuroma

• Tarsal tunnel region changes

Joint and inflammatory issues

• Capsulitis

• Bursitis

• Arthritis

• Soft-tissue swelling

Other findings

• Ganglion cysts and lipomas

• Foreign bodies (e.g., metal, wood, glass)

• Haematomas

• Post-surgical swelling

Foot problems may be acute (from trauma or a sudden injury) or chronic (from overuse, footwear, repetitive strain or underlying inflammatory conditions). Ultrasound helps to clarify the cause and guide appropriate management.

Reasons to Have a Foot Ultrasound

You may benefit from this scan if you have:

• Foot or heel pain

• Suspected plantar fasciitis

• Pain under the toes (possible Morton’s neuroma)

• Arch pain

• Reduced movement or stiffness

• Lumps, swelling, or a visible mass

• Post-injury or post-surgical symptoms

• Recurrent sprains or instability

• Inflammation or suspected bursitis

• Long-standing discomfort with unclear cause

• Possible foreign body

What the Foot Scan Can Detect

Our foot ultrasound can help diagnose:

• Plantar fasciitis or plantar fascia tears

• Plantar fibroma

• Morton’s neuroma

• Tendonitis / tendinopathy

• Ligament injuries

• Bursitis or capsulitis

• Heel spurs (soft-tissue correlation)

• Tarsal tunnel region issues

• Soft-tissue masses (ganglia, lipomas)

• Muscular injuries

• Joint effusion

• Haematomas

• Post-surgical inflammation

• Some bony changes (e.g., early arthritis)

Benefits of a Foot Ultrasound

• Safe and non-invasive – no radiation

• Real-time visualisation – dynamic assessment of painful areas

• Excellent soft-tissue clarity – ideal for tendons, nerves and the plantar fascia

• Cost-effective alternative with rapid access

• Useful for guided treatment if injections are required

• No preparation needed – simply remove footwear and socks

Foot ultrasound is widely used by podiatrists, physiotherapists, orthopaedic teams and sports clinicians to help diagnose and manage painful foot conditions.

MSK Ultrasound FAQs (Portsmouth only)

1. What is an MSK ultrasound used for?
   MSK ultrasound assesses tendons, ligaments, muscles, bursae, and joints to help investigate pain, swelling, suspected tears, or inflammation.

2. Is MSK available at both clinics?
   MSK ultrasound is available at our Portsmouth clinic.

3. Do I need a referral?
   You can self-refer. If you have a clinician’s referral letter, bring it along.

4. How long does it take?
   Usually 20–30 minutes, depending on the area and whether both sides are compared.

5. Can you scan the area while I move?
   Yes — ultrasound can assess structures dynamically during certain movements, where appropriate.

6. How quickly will I get the report?

   Verbal report straight after scan and digital report on same day.

Price

£169