Diagnostic Ultrasound Specialist

Foot & Ankle of the Carolinas

Foot and Ankle Surgeons & Podiatrists located in Matthews, NC & Monroe, NC

Diagnostic ultrasound is a safe and reliable way to identify damage within your soft tissues, especially the kind of problems that an X-ray doesn’t show. Foot & Ankle of the Carolinas in Matthews and Monroe, North Carolina, has state-of-the-art ultrasound equipment on-site, making it easy and convenient to get everything you need in one place. Experienced podiatrists Eric Ward, DPM, and Blaise Woeste, DPM, use their superior skills to give you an accurate diagnosis and immediate treatment solutions for a rapid recovery. Book your appointment online or call either office to schedule now.

Diagnostic Ultrasound Q & A

When do I need a diagnostic ultrasound?

Foot & Ankle of the Carolinas uses diagnostic ultrasound to identify many common foot and ankle issues, such as:

Morton's neuroma
Bursitis
Bunions
Hammertoe
Ankle sprain
Ligament injuries
Tendinitis
Plantar fasciitis
Loose tissue or foreign bodies

Ultrasound technology isn't only for diagnostics, either. Your podiatrist may perform injections using ultrasound guidance, and therapeutic ultrasound treatment can help with some foot and ankle problems.

What happens during diagnostic ultrasound?

During diagnostic ultrasound, your Foot & Ankle of the Carolinas podiatrist applies a conductive gel to your foot or ankle. Then, they move a transducer probe over the area of injury or pain. The probe emits sound waves that pass harmlessly into your skin, then bounce back to essentially form an image of your inner foot or ankle.

Your podiatrist views the image on a high-definition screen to examine the area in detail and make a diagnosis. Ultrasounds are completely painless and don't use radiation.

When is diagnostic ultrasound better than an X-ray?

X-ray and ultrasound are both very helpful diagnostic devices, each with their own particular applications. X-rays are the go-to type of imaging when you're dealing with fractures or other damage to your bones.

But, X-rays don't show your soft tissues, like the ligaments and tendons, so that's where diagnostic ultrasound is a better fit. For example, diagnostic ultrasound can precisely determine the size of a neuroma, identify an ankle sprain, and gauge plantar fascia thickness — all things an X-ray can't do.

There are also some situations where you might benefit from both X-ray and diagnostic ultrasound. For example, podiatrists usually diagnose hammertoe or bunion using a physical exam and X-ray for confirmation.

But, these conditions can cause changes in not just your bones but also in your muscles, tendons, and ligaments over time. That's why you might also need a diagnostic ultrasound when you have bone damage.

Foot & Ankle of the Carolinas makes it easy for you to get exactly what you need for excellent foot and ankle care, which is why they have diagnostic ultrasound in the office. Call either location or use the online appointment scheduling tool to book your visit now.

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