Ankle or Foot Pain After Injury? MRI Can Detect Ligament, Tendon, or Cartilage Damage
Q1: I injured my ankle or foot during sports, and it still hurts. Should I get an MRI?
Yes. Post-trauma ankle or foot pain may indicate ligament tears (like ATFL, CFL), tendon injuries, cartilage damage, or subtle fractures. X-rays may appear normal, missing soft tissue injuries. MRI provides high-resolution, radiation-free images of all relevant structures for accurate diagnosis.
Q2: Can rest, ice, or physiotherapy treat ankle or foot injuries without MRI?
These measures may temporarily reduce symptoms but cannot detect hidden ligament, tendon, or cartilage injuries. Without MRI, serious structural damage may go undiagnosed, delaying proper treatment and risking chronic pain or instability.
Q3: What are the risks of delaying MRI for ankle or foot pain after trauma?
Delaying MRI may allow ligament, tendon, or cartilage injuries to worsen, causing chronic pain, instability, limited mobility, and early degenerative changes. Early MRI ensures timely diagnosis and non-surgical intervention to prevent long-term complications.
Q4: Why is MRI better than X-ray, CT, or ultrasound for post-trauma ankle or foot injuries?
X-rays detect only bone fractures or alignment issues, CT has limited soft tissue detail, and ultrasound may miss deep tendon or ligament injuries. MRI provides comprehensive, radiation-free imaging of ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and bones, enabling precise diagnosis and treatment planning.
Q5: Where can I get a fast, affordable MRI for ankle or foot pain after trauma?
The Pain Relief Clinic provides insurance and Medisave claimable MRI scans under $1,000, completed within 1 working day, along with non-surgical treatments to safely restore ankle or foot function.