Ultrasound IrelandMedical & Maternity Ultrasound Centers
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Achilles Tendon Ultrasound Scan

Achilles Pain & Rupture Scan|€170(Medical Card: €150)(Duration: 20-30 minutes)
Preparation:No special preparation required
Results:Radiologist report sent within 2-3 working days

What Is an Achilles Tendon Ultrasound Scan?

The Achilles tendon — the strong cord connecting your calf muscles to your heel bone — is one of the most frequently injured tendons in sport, and one of the best suited to ultrasound: it lies just beneath the skin, where the scan shows its structure in fine detail. Achilles problems are a staple of running, GAA, and racquet sports, and this scan is part of our wider musculoskeletal ultrasound service.

The scan distinguishes the two common patterns of Achilles trouble: mid-portion tendinopathy (thickening and degeneration a few centimetres above the heel — the classic runner's Achilles) and insertional tendinopathy (at the heel bone itself, often with an inflamed bursa behind it). That distinction matters, because the two are rehabilitated differently.

For suspected ruptures, ultrasound's dynamic nature is the advantage: we can gently move your foot and watch whether the torn ends of the tendon come together — information that shapes treatment. If you felt a sudden snap at the back of your ankle and can't push off the foot, see your GP or an urgent care service promptly — a suspected rupture should be assessed without delay, and the scan can then confirm it.

What We Assess With This Scan

  • Mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy (thickening and degeneration of the tendon)
  • Insertional tendinopathy where the tendon meets the heel bone
  • Partial tears within the tendon
  • Complete rupture — including whether the torn ends come together when the foot is positioned
  • Retrocalcaneal bursitis (the fluid sac behind the heel)
  • Paratendinopathy (inflammation of the tendon's outer sheath)
  • Increased blood vessels in the tendon (a Doppler sign of active tendinopathy)
  • Healing progress on follow-up scans

This scan cannot assess:

  • The heel and ankle bones themselves
  • Structures deep inside the ankle joint

Why You Might Need This Scan

Common symptoms:

  • •Pain and stiffness at the back of the heel, worst first thing in the morning
  • •Achilles pain at the start of a run that eases, then returns after
  • •A tender lump or thickening on the tendon
  • •Swelling at the back of the ankle
  • •A sudden snap at the back of the ankle during sport
  • •Pain where the tendon attaches to the heel bone, aggravated by shoes

Conditions we assess:

  • •Mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy
  • •Insertional Achilles tendinopathy
  • •Partial Achilles tears
  • •Complete Achilles rupture
  • •Retrocalcaneal bursitis
  • •Paratendinopathy

What to Expect

Before Your Scan

No special preparation is needed.

Preparation checklist:

  • Wear socks and shoes that are easy to remove
  • Bring details of any previous Achilles injuries or scans
  • Arrive 10 minutes before your appointment time

During the Scan

You'll lie face-down on an examination table with your feet over the end. Warm gel is applied and the probe is moved along the tendon from the calf to the heel, comparing with the other side where helpful. You'll be asked to gently point and flex your foot so the tendon can be assessed in motion — for suspected tears, this dynamic assessment is the key part of the examination. The scan takes 20-30 minutes.

After Your Scan

You can return to normal activities immediately. Follow your physiotherapist's or doctor's advice on loading the tendon.

Results & Next Steps

Your scan is reviewed by a consultant radiologist, who prepares a formal report. This report is sent to your referring doctor or physiotherapist within 2-3 working days. Please note: our sonographers cannot provide verbal results on the day.

Pricing

Price: €170 (Medical Card: €150)

Cancellation: We require 24 hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling.

Ready to Book?

Available 7 days a week across our three Dublin locations.

Call 01 210 0232Make an Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions

They're often used interchangeably, but "tendinopathy" is the more accurate term for most long-standing Achilles pain — the tendon changes are usually degenerative rather than purely inflammatory. The scan shows which pattern is present, where it is, and how established it is.
Yes — that's one of its main jobs. Tendinopathy shows as thickening and altered structure; a tear shows as a disruption of the tendon fibres. The report describes which is present, and the size and location of any tear.
See your GP or an urgent care service first — a sudden snap with weakness pushing off is treated as a suspected rupture and should be assessed promptly. Ultrasound then confirms the diagnosis and shows whether the torn ends come together when your foot is positioned, which helps guide treatment.
For gradual-onset Achilles pain, any time — there's no waiting period. For a sudden injury, the scan is useful as soon as it's arranged; for muscle tears higher in the calf, 2-7 days after injury gives the clearest picture.
That depends on your symptoms, and your physiotherapist or doctor is the right person to advise. As a general rule, pain that worsens during or after running is a signal to reduce load until the tendon has been assessed.
A referral from your GP, physiotherapist, or podiatrist is recommended as it provides useful clinical context. If you don't have one, please contact us to discuss your situation.
Your images are reviewed by a consultant radiologist and a formal report is sent within 2-3 working days.

Ready to Book Your Scan?

Our experienced team is available 7 days a week across our three Dublin locations.

Make an AppointmentCall 01 210 0232