Foot and Ankle Ultrasound scan
A foot and ankle ultrasound scan is a fast, accurate, and highly effective way to assess tendon, ligament, and soft-tissue injuries around the foot and ankle. It provides a real-time, high-resolution view of structures that are often difficult to assess with clinical examination alone, helping diagnose the cause of pain, swelling, or instability when X-rays appear normal.
Ultrasound is particularly useful for patients with:
Achilles pain or suspected Achilles tendinopathy
Pain around the inner or outer ankle
Suspected ligament sprains following a twist or inversion injury
Persistent swelling or soft-tissue lumps
Plantar heel pain
Pain on walking, running, or going down stairs
Clicking, snapping, or catching sensations
Ongoing pain despite physiotherapy
What a Foot & Ankle Ultrasound Can Show
Achilles Tendon
Tendinopathy, partial tears, inflammation, bursitis, and neovascularity.
Peroneal Tendons
Tendinopathy, subluxation, tears, and peroneal retinaculum injury.
Posterior Tibial Tendon
Tendinopathy, partial tears, or dysfunction associated with flat-foot symptoms.
Flexor & Extensor Tendons
Tendinopathy, irritation, tears, or friction against the retinaculum.
Plantar Fascia
Thickening, plantar fasciitis, partial tears, and associated bursitis.
Ligaments of the Ankle
Assessment of ATFL, CFL, and deltoid ligament sprains or fibre disruption. Dynamic stress testing improves accuracy.
Retrocalcaneal & Subtendinous Bursae
Detection of swelling, inflammation, or fluid accumulation.
Soft Tissue Masses
Ganglion cysts, lipomas, fibromas, or other superficial lumps.
Nerve Entrapments
Morton’s neuroma or nerve irritation in the forefoot.
Dynamic Assessment
Real-time scanning during movement helps identify:
Tendon subluxation
Snapping tendons
Impingement during ankle dorsiflexion or inversion
Ultrasound provides immediate answers to guide diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Who This Scan Helps
This scan is ideal if you are experiencing:
Pain in the heel, ankle, or arch of the foot
Pain after an ankle sprain
Swelling, bruising, or persistent tightness
Pain first thing in the morning or after activity
Snapping or clicking around the ankle
Difficulty walking, running, or returning to sport
Ongoing symptoms despite rest or physiotherapy
Immediate results + Treatment Options
You will receive:
A verbal explanation of the findings during the scan
A full written report with images
A discussion of treatment options, which may include:
Targeted physiotherapy and strengthening
Exercise-based rehabilitation
Orthotics or footwear modifications
Ultrasound-guided steroid injection (if appropriate)
Shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis or tendinopathy (if suitable)
Referral for MRI or specialist review when required