Ultrasound

Foot and ankle ultrasound uses cutting-edge technology to capture images of the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in your lower extremities. At A&A Foot and Ankle Specialists, LLC, in Hackettstown, New Jersey, board-certified podiatrists and foot and ankle surgeons An Nguyen, DPM, and Anna Wojcik-Stepien, DPM, offer in-office ultrasound with the Minisono Diagnostic Ultrasound. Call the office today to request an ultrasound consultation, or book your appointment online.

What is a foot and ankle ultrasound?

A foot and ankle ultrasound is a diagnostic imaging procedure used to diagnose injuries or underlying pathology (disease). Ultrasound imaging is unique because it uses high-frequency soundwaves to create real-time pictures of your tendons, muscles, and ligaments. It doesn’t use radiation, like X-rays, and presents no risks.

At A&A Foot and Ankle Specialists, LLC, the providers use the Minisono Diagnostic Ultrasound. This tablet-based ultrasound system is smaller and more compact than traditional ultrasound units. It can scan your foot or ankle precisely and help your podiatrist determine the best treatment type.

What does a foot and ankle ultrasound involve?

A foot and ankle ultrasound takes 30-45 minutes. The procedure doesn’t require anesthesia or downtime, so you can return to work and your regular routine immediately afterward.

When you arrive at A&A Foot and Ankle Specialists, LLC, your podiatrist has you sit or lie on an exam table. Then, they run a handheld tool, called a transducer, across the surface of your skin. Your provider applies a thin layer of gel first so the transducer glides smoothly and takes clearer pictures.

The transducer emits sound waves that penetrate your skin and bounce off the soft tissues in your feet and ankles. A probe inside the transducer converts those signals into images and displays them on a tablet.

Your provider looks at the tablet to diagnose the cause of your symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan.

How do I prepare for an ultrasound?

Foot and ankle ultrasounds don’t require any special preparation. Your provider might ask you to hold your foot or ankle still, but that’s only to help the machine produce clearer images. 

Because ultrasounds don’t use radiation, they’re safe for pregnant people. And, since they don’t use anesthesia, there’s no downtime or recovery period. After your appointment at A&A Foot and Ankle Specialists, LLC, you can return to your routine.

Is an ultrasound painful?

Diagnostic imaging with the Minosono tablet-based ultrasound system is safe and usually well-tolerated. The transducer might feel cold against your skin or gently pull on your leg hair, but problems are rare. If you experience any discomfort, let your provider know.

Call A&A Foot and Ankle Specialists, LLC, today to schedule a foot or ankle ultrasound, or book your appointment online.