Ankle & Foot Ultrasound Scan
Achilles, Heel & Foot Pain Scan|€170(Medical Card: €150)(Duration: 20-30 minutes)What Is a Ankle & Foot Ultrasound Scan?
The ankle and foot are ideal territory for ultrasound: almost every structure that commonly causes pain — the Achilles tendon, the plantar fascia under the heel, the ankle ligaments, and the small nerves between the toes — lies close to the skin where ultrasound sees it in fine detail. This scan is part of our musculoskeletal ultrasound service.
For Achilles problems, ultrasound shows whether the tendon is inflamed, degenerated, partially torn, or fully ruptured — and because the scan is dynamic, we can gently move your foot to see whether torn ends of the tendon come together, which matters for treatment decisions. For heel pain, ultrasound measures the thickness of the plantar fascia, confirming plantar fasciitis and ruling out other causes.
What this scan cannot see: injuries inside the ankle joint itself, such as cartilage (osteochondral) damage on the talus, and stress fractures of the foot bones — those need MRI or X-ray. If your symptoms or scan point that way, the consultant radiologist's report will recommend the right next test.
What We Assess With This Scan
- Achilles tendon (tendinopathy, partial and complete tears, paratendinitis)
- Plantar fascia (plantar fasciitis — the most common cause of heel pain)
- Ankle ligaments after a sprain (including the ATFL, the most commonly injured)
- Peroneal tendons and tibialis posterior tendon
- Morton's neuroma (a thickened nerve between the toes)
- Ganglion cysts and lumps around the ankle and foot
- Bursitis around the heel
- Foreign bodies (glass, splinters) in the soft tissue of the foot
This scan cannot assess:
- Inside the ankle joint — cartilage (osteochondral) injuries of the talus need MRI
- Stress fractures of the foot or ankle bones (X-ray or MRI)
- The deep ligaments of the midfoot (MRI if injury is suspected)
Why You Might Need This Scan
Common symptoms:
- •Pain or swelling in the Achilles tendon area
- •A sudden "snap" at the back of the ankle during sport
- •Heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning
- •Persistent pain or instability after an ankle sprain
- •Burning pain or numbness between the toes
- •A lump on the ankle or foot
Conditions we assess:
- •Achilles tendinopathy and tears
- •Plantar fasciitis
- •Ankle ligament sprains and tears
- •Peroneal tendon problems
- •Tibialis posterior dysfunction
- •Morton's neuroma
- •Ganglion cysts
- •Heel bursitis
What to Expect
Before Your Scan
No special preparation is needed.
Preparation checklist:
- Wear socks and shoes that are easy to remove
- Arrive 10 minutes before your appointment time
During the Scan
You'll lie on an examination table — face-down with your feet over the end for Achilles and heel scans, or on your back for the front of the ankle and foot. Warm gel is applied and the probe is moved over the area. You may be asked to point and flex your foot or stand, so structures can be assessed under load. The scan takes 20-30 minutes.
After Your Scan
You can return to normal activities immediately.
Results & Next Steps
Your scan is reviewed by a consultant radiologist, who prepares a formal report. This report is sent to your referring doctor 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.
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Available 7 days a week across our three Dublin locations.
Call 01 210 0232Make an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
Ready to Book Your Scan?
Our experienced team is available 7 days a week across our three Dublin locations.