Why might my child need a foot ultrasound?
For heel pain in an active child, a painful bump on the inside of the foot, a lump on the top or sole of the foot, swelling, or foot pain that is not settling. Ultrasound shows tendons, soft tissues and lumps clearly, without radiation.
When does my child need urgent care instead?
Go to A&E or a minor injuries unit if your child cannot put weight on the foot after an injury, the foot looks deformed, or a foot or ankle is hot, red and swollen with a fever. Suspected broken bones need an X-ray.
When should I take my child to the doctor for foot pain?
See a doctor if foot pain lasts more than a couple of weeks, stops your child from playing or walking normally, wakes them at night, or comes with swelling, redness or a lump. Go to A&E if they cannot put weight on the foot after an injury, or have a hot, swollen foot with a fever.
What causes heel pain in children?
The most common cause in children aged eight to fourteen is Sever’s disease, where the Achilles tendon pulls on the growing heel bone during sport. Other causes include a bruised heel, irritation of the tendon or, rarely, a stress injury. Ultrasound helps confirm the cause and rule out others.
What is Sever’s disease?
Sever’s disease is heel pain caused by strain where the Achilles tendon attaches to the growth area at the back of the heel. It is very common in active children, not serious, and settles with rest from running and jumping, stretching and supportive footwear, usually within weeks to months.
Are flat feet in children a problem?
Most children have flexible flat feet, which is normal: the arch appears when they stand on tiptoe and develops as they grow. Flat feet that are painful, stiff, only on one side or getting worse should be checked by a specialist.
What is the painful bump on the inside of my child’s foot?
It may be an accessory navicular, a small extra piece of bone on the inner side of the foot that some children are born with. It can become sore with sport or tight shoes. Ultrasound shows the tendon attached to it and any inflammation; an X-ray confirms the extra bone.
Can ultrasound find a lump on my child’s foot?
Yes. Lumps on children’s feet are usually benign, such as a ganglion, a cyst, a small fibrous nodule in the sole, or a vascular birthmark. Ultrasound shows which, and whether anything needs follow-up.
What does the scan check for?
A child foot ultrasound examines:
- The tendons around the heel, ankle and midfoot
- The plantar fascia on the sole
- The growth area at the back of the heel
- Any lump, swelling or fluid
Why ultrasound for a child’s foot rather than X-ray?
They answer different questions. X-ray shows bone and is needed for suspected fractures; ultrasound shows fluid, tendons, soft tissues and the cartilage of a growing joint, with no radiation at all. Your specialist will tell you if an X-ray or MRI is needed as well.
Is a child foot 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 foot 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 foot ultrasound cost?
At Harley Street Ultrasound a private child foot 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 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 child 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 child foot 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 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. 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.
