Diagnostic ultrasound lets us look inside the foot in real time, so a diagnosis is based on what we can actually see, not assumption. It uses sound waves rather than radiation, is completely painless, and is carried out in the clinic during your appointment.
What it shows
- The plantar fascia, tendons and ligaments
- Soft-tissue problems such as Morton's neuroma, bursitis and tendon tears
- Inflammation and fluid around joints and tendons
Why it matters
Most foot pain is mechanical or soft-tissue in origin, and those structures do not show on an ordinary x-ray. Ultrasound shows them moving in real time, which helps pin down the exact cause of pain and guide the right treatment. It can also guide the accurate placement of an injection where one is needed.
What to expect
A small amount of gel is applied and a probe is moved over the area. You see the images as we go and we explain what we find in plain terms. There is no preparation, no radiation and no downtime.
What we can arrange
Some investigations and procedures are best carried out by specialist colleagues rather than in the clinic. Where you need one, we arrange it and stay involved in your care:
- MRI for detailed imaging of bone and soft tissue
- 3D imaging for a fuller picture of how the foot is structured and loads
- Plantar plate repair and other procedures carried out by surgical colleagues who have worked with the practice for decades
You are assessed here first, and we only arrange further investigation or a procedure when it genuinely adds something to your care.
Call 01306 883 332 or book an appointment for an assessment with diagnostic ultrasound.
Frequently asked questions.
Is diagnostic ultrasound safe?
Yes. It uses sound waves, not radiation, and is painless. There is no known risk and no recovery time.
Why not just have an x-ray?
X-rays show bone. Ultrasound shows the soft tissues, tendons and ligaments where most foot pain actually comes from. The two answer different questions, and we arrange an x-ray or MRI separately when bone imaging is needed.
Our team
Care from named, HCPC-registered specialists.
Every patient is looked after by a named clinician who sees them through from the first assessment to treatment and follow-up, so nothing gets lost between appointments. Get to know the team who will be looking after your feet.
Meet the team →
INTERACTIVE APPOINTMENT GUIDE
Find the right appointment
We'll guide you to the most appropriate clinician in around two minutes using our interactive foot guide.
Your foot
Drag to turn · click to pin
Explore your foot
Select an area of the foot
Rotate the model and choose the area that's troubling you. We'll show the conditions we most often see there and how we treat them.
Drag to rotate the model
Or let it auto-rotate to preview
Click a highlighted area to explore
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