Guide to Foot and Ankle Ultrasound Indications
Ultrasound has a wide range of potential applications in podiatry. While the scope is extensive, certain conditions present more frequently than others. The diagram below highlights common indications for ultrasound, organised by foot region. It serves as a practical reference, a quick reminder of when scanning may add diagnostic value and which differential diagnoses to consider
Referring for Ultrasound
When referring for ultrasound, always consider the anatomical location (e.g. plantar heel, anterior ankle) alongside your working diagnosis, possible differentials, or conditions you wish to exclude.
Examples:
“Please assess the plantar heel for plantar fascia rupture versus fasciopathy. Exclude heel pad atrophy or plantar fibroma.”
“Please evaluate the medial ankle for tibialis posterior tendon tear versus tendinopathy.”
“Please scan the right forefoot. Query neuroma? bursitis?
Injections
If you are requesting an injection and know for certain which joint you want injected its important to detail that on the referral. If there is debate (for instance between the tarsometatarsal or navicular cuneiform joint then simply acknowledge this in the referral and we can make a judgement based on findings on the day.