What is an ankle ultrasound?
An ankle ultrasound is a scan of the soft tissues around your ankle: the ligaments that hold it stable, the tendons that move it, and the Achilles tendon at the back. It uses sound waves rather than radiation, shows the ankle moving in real time, and is usually the quickest way to find out what is causing pain, swelling or instability.
What does an ankle ultrasound show?
An ankle ultrasound examines the working parts of the joint, still and in motion:
- The lateral and medial ligaments, with sprain injuries graded
- The Achilles tendon: thickness, texture and any tear
- The tendons around the ankle and their sheaths
- Fluid or inflammation in the joint
- Any lump or ganglion, characterised
Can an ultrasound detect an ankle sprain?
Yes. Ultrasound shows the ankle ligaments directly, so your specialist can see which ligament is injured and how badly: stretched (grade 1), partly torn (grade 2) or completely torn (grade 3). Because the scan is dynamic, they can also gently stress the ankle to see whether a ligament is still holding.
Should a sprained ankle be scanned?
A simple sprain that settles within days usually does not need a scan. It is worth scanning when the sprain was severe, is not improving after two to three weeks, keeps giving way, or you need certainty to plan a return to sport: the scan shows exactly which ligaments are injured and how badly, which is what rehabilitation decisions depend on.
How do I know if I have a grade 2 ankle sprain?
A grade 2 sprain is a partial tear of a ligament. It typically causes significant swelling and bruising, pain when you put weight on the foot, and a feeling that the ankle is a little loose. Symptoms alone cannot reliably separate grade 2 from grade 1 or 3, which is why a scan is useful: it shows the ligament itself, so your recovery plan fits the actual injury.
Does Achilles tendonitis show on ultrasound?
Yes, very clearly. Achilles tendinopathy (often called tendonitis) shows as a thickened tendon with changes in its texture, sometimes with extra blood flow. Your specialist measures the tendon, looks for any partial tear, and checks the surrounding tissues and the bursa at the heel, so treatment can be targeted properly.
How do I know if I have ruptured my Achilles tendon?
A rupture usually happens suddenly, often during sport, with a feeling of being kicked in the back of the heel, sometimes a snap, and then difficulty walking or standing on tiptoe. Some people can still walk, so being able to walk does not rule it out.
If you think you have ruptured your Achilles, seek urgent care the same day. An ultrasound can confirm whether the tendon is completely or partly torn and measure the gap, which guides treatment.
Is my Achilles about to rupture?
A painful, thickened Achilles is usually tendinopathy: a degenerated but intact tendon that is very treatable and, in most people, not a pre-rupture state. The scan measures the tendon, finds any partial tearing, and gives you an honest picture rather than a frightening one.
Ankle ultrasound, X-ray or MRI: which do I need?
Each answers a different question:
- X-ray: for a suspected broken bone, especially if you could not walk straight after the injury
- Ultrasound: for ligaments, tendons, the Achilles, swelling and lumps, with the ankle moving
- MRI: for cartilage, bone bruising and deep structures that ultrasound cannot reach
Ultrasound is usually the best first test for soft-tissue ankle pain, and your specialist will tell you honestly if you need an X-ray or MRI as well.
Does an ankle ultrasound hurt?
No. The probe rests gently on the skin with a little warm gel. If the ankle is tender, the specialist presses carefully and moves your foot only as far as is comfortable. There are no needles and no radiation, and you can walk out and carry on with your day.
How long does an ankle ultrasound take?
Around twenty minutes. That includes a short chat about the injury, a systematic examination of both sides of the ankle and the Achilles, the dynamic tests, and time for the specialist to explain the findings on screen while you watch.
Do I need to prepare for an ankle ultrasound?
No preparation is needed: eat, drink and take your medication as normal. Wear shorts or trousers that roll up above the calf, and bring any previous X-ray or MRI reports if you have them.
Can I have an ultrasound-guided injection at the same visit?
Sometimes. If the scan shows a problem that would benefit from an ultrasound-guided injection, such as an inflamed tendon sheath or joint, your specialist will explain the options, benefits and risks. Where it is appropriate and there is time, it can be done straight away; otherwise it is booked for you, often within the week.
How much does an ankle ultrasound cost?
At Harley Street Ultrasound a private ankle ultrasound costs £280, all fees inclusive: the examination, the specialist’s time, your written report and images. There are no hidden extras, and same-day or next-day appointments are usually available.
What if you find something?
Your specialist tells you in the room, in plain English, and explains exactly what it means. You will never be sent home to wait for a letter. Most findings are benign and need nothing more than a sensible review date.
Anything that does need attention gets a clear, objective recommendation in your report: monitor, test further, or refer. Follow-up tests can usually be arranged at 99 Harley Street, often the same week, and those results are also explained to you personally.
Do I need a referral?
No. Harley Street Ultrasound is a private clinic, so you can book an ankle ultrasound in London directly online or by phone. No GP letter, no waiting list, and same-day or next-day appointments are usually available. If you are searching for an ankle ultrasound near me from anywhere in central London, we are at 99 Harley Street, a short walk from Regent’s Park and Oxford Circus stations.
If you are wondering how much a private ankle ultrasound costs, the answer is published before you book: £280, all fees inclusive: the examination, the specialist’s time, your written report and your images. Insured patients should bring a referral or authorisation number if their policy requires one.
How soon will I have the written report?
Usually the same day: a Harley Street ankle ultrasound comes with same-day results as standard, and you will already know the findings, because they are explained to you on screen during the appointment.
The written report is prepared by the specialist team and published to your secure patient portal together with your images, with measurements and a clear recommendation, ready to share with your GP or specialist.
What happens after the scan?
Nothing special: there is no aftercare needed. You can eat, drive and go back to work straight away. Diagnostic ultrasound at these intensities has no confirmed adverse effects, which is why it can be repeated safely for monitoring. If your results suggest a next step, your specialist explains it before you leave.
Can I still use the NHS afterwards?
Yes: completely. Coming to us privately never affects your NHS care. Our job is to get you answers quickly; if anything needs urgent attention, your specialist writes to your NHS GP recommending an urgent appointment, so you re-enter the NHS pathway with a diagnosis already in hand rather than joining the queue from the start.
