Diagnostic Ultrasound

What is diagnostic ultrasound?
Diagnostic ultrasound ultrasound is a non-invasive test used to evaluate the soft-tissues (tendons, ligaments, nerves, muscles, etc.) of the foot and ankle. It is similar to sonar used on submarines by the military and fetal ultrasound used by OB-GYN doctors to evaluate the developing baby. In experienced hands, the images and information obtained from the ultrasound can provide as much information as much more expensive and time-consuming tests such as MRI and CT-Scans.

What is involved?
Diagnostic ultrasound is quick and painless. The entire process can usually be completed during your regular office visit and involves simply placing some gel over the areas to be inspected and using a small probe to explore the tissues. Since the ultrasound waves are harmless (otherwise they would not be used on developing babies) this test never causes any pain at all.

What is diagnostic ultrasound used for?
We use this test to evaluate and document problems such as tendonitis, heel pain, pinched nerves and neuromas, puncture wounds caused by stepping on glass or wood, and deep infections in the foot and ankle regions.