Q1: My ankle or foot hurts for months and doesn’t improve with rest. Should I get an MRI?
Yes. Chronic ankle or foot pain may indicate ligament tears (like ATFL or CFL), tendon injuries, cartilage damage, or early arthritis. X-rays usually detect only fractures or alignment issues, missing soft tissue injuries. MRI provides high-resolution, radiation-free imaging of ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and bones for precise diagnosis.

Q2: Can physiotherapy, braces, or painkillers treat chronic ankle or foot pain without MRI?
These treatments may provide temporary relief but cannot confirm the underlying structural problem. Without MRI, serious ligament, tendon, or cartilage injuries may go undiagnosed, prolonging pain and functional limitations.

Q3: What are the risks of delaying MRI for chronic ankle or foot pain?
Delaying MRI may allow ligament, tendon, or cartilage injuries to worsen, leading to chronic pain, instability, reduced mobility, and early arthritis. Early MRI ensures accurate diagnosis and timely non-surgical treatment.

Q4: Why is MRI better than X-ray, CT, or ultrasound for ankle or foot injuries?
X-rays show only bones, CT has limited soft tissue resolution, and ultrasound may miss deep tendon or ligament injuries. MRI provides comprehensive, radiation-free imaging of ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and bones for precise treatment planning.

Q5: Where can I get a fast, affordable MRI for chronic ankle or foot pain?
The Pain Relief Clinic offers insurance and Medisave claimable MRI scans under $1,000, completed within 1 working day, along with non-surgical treatments to restore function safely.