Computed tomography (CT) examination (also known as a CAT scan) is used in podiatry to help diagnose and treat foot or ankle problems. A CT is a kind of X-ray device that takes cross sectional images of a part of the body, giving the physician a three-dimensional image. CT scans are often superior to conventional X-rays because they can more accurately pinpoint a suspected problem. Common foot problems a CT exam can help diagnose include: arthritis, deformities, flat feet, foreign bodies, fractures, infection, and tumors.

Pregnant women, especially those in their first trimester, are advised against having a CT exam or any X-ray examination because the radiaiton may harm the unborn child.

X-rays help determine whether a bone has been fractured or damaged by conditions such as an infection, arthritis, or other disease.

Other reasons for conventional X-rays on your feet are to:

Evaluate changes in the bones from infections, arthritis, or other bone disease.
Assess whether a child’s bones are growing normally.
Locate foreign objects (such as pieces of glass or metal) in a wound.
Determine whether bones are properly set after treating a fracture.
Pregnant women, especially those in their first trimester, are advised against having X-rays because the radiation may harm the unborn child.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is sophisticated diagnostic equipment used to diagnose an array of health problems or conditions, including:

Arthritis.
Fractures.
Infections.
Injuries of the tendons, ligaments, or cartilage.
Tumors.
MRIs use no radiation like conventional X-rays or CT scans. They employ large magnet and radio waves to produce three-dimensional images. MRIs are very good at portraying soft tissues and bones in your feet and ankles.

People with the following conditions may not be good candidates for a MRI:

Conditions that requires a heart pacemaker.
Artificial heart valves.
Electronic inner ear implants.
Electronic stimulators.
Implanted pumps.
Metal fragments in eyes.
Surgical clips in the head (particularly aneurysm clips).
Individuals with dental fillings or bridges, a replacement hip or knee, or tubal ligation clips are generally safe to have a MRI.

In most cases, a full exam of the foot and ankle via MRI lasts between 60 and 90 minutes.

Ultrasound is a very effective tool for diagnosing a wide variety of foot and ankle problems, particularly soft tissue problems. Ultrasound uses sound waves on the body in a way much like radar uses sound waves. The waves hit a targeted area and are bounced back to a recording device, which produces an image. Ultrasound is a completely safe, noninvasive, and painless diagnostic procedure.

Common problems for which ultrasound may be prescribed include:

Bursitis.
Heel spurs or plantar fasciitis.
Injuries of the ligaments, tendons, or cartilage.
Morton’s neuroma.
Presence of foreign bodies.
Soft tissue masses.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome.
Tendonitis or tears in a tendon.