Diagnostic Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a very effective tool for treating and diagnosing a wide variety of foot and ankle problems. This is especially true for soft tissue problems.

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.

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 based on a set of transmitted waves.

Diagnostic Ultrasound is a safe and painless method for examining the soft tissues in the foot and ankle. It is performed in the office and takes a couple minutes. It uses sound waves instead of radiation. Ultrasound can be used to measure size of masses, thickness of tendons and fascia, fluid around tendons and joints. It is also used to guide injections so that less meiation is needed and is given more precisely. Dr. Young has a diagnostic ultrasound in the office. This saves a trip to the hospital or radiologic facility and facilitates treatment.