Diagnostic ultrasound is a useful tool in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of foot and ankle conditions. Ultrasounds can be performed in-office and can be used to identify:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Heel spurs
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Tendonitis or tendon tears
• Morton’s neuroma
• Foreign bodies
• Soft tissue masses
• And more

Diagnostic ultrasound involves the use of a probe that emits soundwaves.  This probe is applied to areas of the body that may be affected by the suspected condition.  The soundwaves emitted pass through the body and are then reflected back to the probe, recording an image.  The recorded image is based on the density of the object or mass the soundwaves meet and will appear on the ultrasound screen, helping the podiatrist and patient visualize the area and determine a proper diagnosis and treatment.  Ultrasound is also useful in guiding interventions, such as injections, by increasing the accuracy of the treatment and providing a visualization of the area being treated on the ultrasound screen.