01/04/2026
Do I need a scan?
It’s a question that comes up a lot when dealing with foot or ankle pain. While scans are brilliant tools, they aren't always the first port of call. Here is a quick breakdown of the four main types we use and what they actually show:
🦴 X-Ray: Used for joints and bones. These help us diagnose fractures, assess arthritis, or see how the bones in your foot and ankle line up.
🌊 Ultrasound: Excellent for "soft tissues" near the surface, like the Achilles tendon. It can pinpoint exactly where a problem is and how mild or severe it might be.
🧲 MRI: Gives an overall view of tissue health. It shows all the structures in the foot and ankle, providing detailed information on things deep inside.
🖥️ CT Scan: These provide a 3D image of the bones. They are usually requested by specialists, mainly for surgical planning.
So, do you need one?
A scan can be a very useful part of the puzzle, but it isn’t always necessary for a diagnosis. Physiotherapists are fully qualified to diagnose foot and ankle injuries through a clinical assessment alone. More often than not, a good physical exam provides all the information needed to start your recovery.
A scan becomes most helpful when your recovery isn't going as expected, or when the initial assessment isn't 100% straightforward. Your practitioner will help decide which type of scan is best and, more importantly, if the results will have an impact on your treatment plan.
