Why might my child need an ankle ultrasound?
For ankle pain or swelling after a sprain that is not settling, a limp with no clear injury, a swollen ankle, a lump near the ankle, or pain at the back of the heel. Ultrasound shows joint fluid, ligaments and tendons without radiation.
When does my child need urgent care instead?
Go to A&E if your child cannot put any weight on the foot after an injury, the ankle looks deformed, or a joint is hot, red and swollen with a fever. A hot swollen joint with fever can be a joint infection, which needs urgent treatment, not a clinic scan.
Can children sprain their ankle?
Yes, but children’s ligaments are often stronger than the growth plates near the end of their bones, so an injury that looks like a sprain can sometimes be a growth-plate injury. If your child cannot walk on it or the pain is over the bone, an X-ray is needed. Ultrasound assesses the ligaments and soft tissues.
Why is my child’s ankle swollen without an injury?
A swollen ankle without injury can be caused by fluid in the joint after a viral illness, irritation of a tendon, or occasionally inflammatory arthritis such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Ultrasound shows whether there is fluid or inflamed joint lining, which helps your GP or a rheumatologist decide on next steps.
How long does a child’s sprained ankle take to heal?
A mild sprain usually settles in one to two weeks with rest, ice, gentle movement and supportive footwear, and a moderate sprain in three to six weeks. If your child is still limping or the ankle is still swollen after two weeks, a scan is worthwhile to check the ligaments and rule out a missed injury.
Can growing pains cause ankle pain?
Growing pains are a common, harmless cause of aching in the legs, usually the calves, shins or behind the knees, typically in the evening or at night and in both legs. They do not cause swelling, limping or pain in one joint. A painful, swollen ankle, or pain during the day that stops your child playing, should be checked.
What is Sever’s disease?
Sever’s disease is heel pain in active children, usually aged eight to fourteen, caused by strain where the Achilles tendon pulls on the growing heel bone. It is common, not serious and settles with rest and stretching. Ultrasound can confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes.
Why ultrasound for a child’s ankle rather than X-ray?
They answer different questions. X-ray shows bone and is needed for suspected fractures; ultrasound shows everything soft, including fluid, ligaments, tendons and the cartilage that makes up much of a growing joint, with no radiation at all. Your specialist will tell you if an X-ray is needed as well.
What does the scan check for?
A child ankle ultrasound examines:
- Fluid or inflamed lining in the ankle joint
- The ligaments on the outside and inside of the ankle
- The tendons around the ankle and the Achilles
- Any lump, such as a ganglion
Is a child ankle ultrasound safe for my child?
Yes. Ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation, and needs no needles or sedation. It is the recommended first test for many childhood lumps and joint problems precisely because it is so gentle, and it can be repeated safely whenever follow-up is needed.
How long does a child ankle ultrasound take?
The scan itself usually takes ten to twenty minutes. Allow around half an hour for the appointment, so there is time to settle your child and talk through the results.
How should I prepare my child for the scan?
No special preparation is needed: your child can eat and drink as normal. Explain simply that the scan uses a little cold jelly and a camera that does not hurt, dress them in clothes that are easy to lift or roll up, and bring a favourite toy or tablet if it helps.
When will we get the results?
You will know the findings before you leave, because the specialist explains them during the appointment. The written report is usually on your secure patient portal the same day, ready to share with your GP or paediatrician.
How much does a private child ankle ultrasound cost?
At Harley Street Ultrasound a private child ankle ultrasound costs £350, all fees inclusive: the scan, the specialist’s time and your written report. Same-day or next-day appointments are usually available, with the results explained before you leave.
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 child 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 a child 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 child ankle ultrasound costs, the answer is published before you book: £350, 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 child 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. Your child can feed, eat, play and go back to nursery or school straight away. Ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation, so it can be repeated safely whenever follow-up is needed. If the results suggest a next step, your specialist explains it to you 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.
