What is a foot ultrasound?
A foot ultrasound is a scan of the soft tissues of the foot: the plantar fascia under the heel, the tendons, the ligaments and the nerves between the toes. It shows the cause of heel and forefoot pain clearly, uses no radiation and lets the specialist examine your foot as it moves.
What does a foot ultrasound show?
A foot ultrasound can show:
- Plantar fasciitis: a thickened, inflamed plantar fascia
- Morton’s neuroma between the toes
- Plantar plate tears under the toes
- Tendon problems around the foot and heel
- Ganglions, lumps and bursitis
What causes heel pain?
The most common cause is plantar fasciitis, irritation of the thick band of tissue under the foot. Others include Achilles tendon problems at the back of the heel, bursitis, a trapped nerve or, rarely, a stress fracture. Ultrasound identifies which, so treatment is targeted.
What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is pain under the heel, typically worst with the first steps in the morning or after resting. It is caused by strain of the plantar fascia, and is common in runners, people on their feet all day and with weight gain. Ultrasound shows the fascia thickening, which confirms the diagnosis.
How long does plantar fasciitis last?
Most plantar fasciitis settles within six to twelve months with stretching, supportive footwear, insoles and activity changes. If it is not improving, a scan confirms the diagnosis and treatments such as a guided injection or shockwave therapy can be discussed.
What is Morton’s neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma is a thickening of the nerve between the toes, most often the third and fourth, causing burning pain or a feeling of walking on a pebble, often worse in tight shoes. Ultrasound shows the neuroma and its size, which helps decide on treatment.
Can Morton’s neuroma go away without surgery?
Often, symptoms settle without surgery: wider shoes with a low heel, a metatarsal pad and activity changes help many people, and an ultrasound-guided steroid injection can reduce pain. Surgery is considered when symptoms persist despite these measures. The scan measures the neuroma, which helps guide the choice.
What is a heel spur?
A heel spur is a small bony growth on the underside of the heel bone, seen on X-ray. Many people have one without any pain; the pain usually comes from plantar fasciitis in the tissue attached nearby. Ultrasound shows the plantar fascia directly, which is usually the treatable cause.
Why does the ball of my foot hurt?
Pain in the ball of the foot (metatarsalgia) can be caused by Morton’s neuroma, a plantar plate tear, bursitis, joint inflammation or a stress fracture. Ultrasound can tell most of these apart; a suspected stress fracture may need an X-ray or MRI.
Can ultrasound detect a stress fracture in the foot?
Sometimes: ultrasound may show swelling and irregularity over a stress fracture, but it is not the definitive test. If a stress fracture is suspected, your specialist will recommend an X-ray or MRI.
Does a foot ultrasound hurt?
No. The probe rests gently on the skin with warm gel. If an area is tender, the specialist presses carefully, and any squeeze or movement is only as far as is comfortable.
How long does a foot ultrasound take?
Around twenty minutes, including a short chat, the examination and time to explain the findings.
How much does a foot ultrasound cost?
At Harley Street Ultrasound a private foot ultrasound costs £280, all fees inclusive: the examination, the specialist’s time, your written report and images. 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 a foot 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 a foot 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 foot 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 foot 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.
