Diagnostic Ultrasound

At McVay Foot & Ankle, we work hard to surround our patients with almost everything they could possibly need for their foot care—not only in terms of having exceptional treatment options but also in helping to cut down the need for extra appointments or unnecessary trips to the lab.

One tool that helps us do both is our diagnostic ultrasound. Far more than just a convenience or time saver for our patients, an on-site ultrasound also helps us improve the accuracy of our diagnostic evaluations and the quality of the care we provide.

With an onsite diagnostic ultrasound, our podiatrists gain a critical caregiving tool that enriches caregivers’ understanding of patient health. Here’s how it works and how it can make your treatment experience less stressful and more successful.

What is an Ultrasound?

An ultrasound is a diagnostic medical procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves that is too high for the human ear to hear and a computer to create images of structures inside the body. The sound waves are distributed into the body tissues, and the pulses of sound reflect, or echo, off different types of tissue in different ways. The device then uses these echoes to construct an image that it displays on the computer screen. This practice is also known as sonography.

Clinicians can use ultrasounds to measure the size, shape, and location of organs – including observing the growth of babies in utero – since ultrasounds are extremely effective at taking images of soft tissues, such as muscles, ligaments, tendons, and even blood vessels. In many cases, medical professionals depend on sonography to detect tumors, blockages, and other abnormalities.

Another great thing about ultrasounds, in contrast to X-rays, is that they are extremely safe, with no known risks.

The Advantages of In-Office Ultrasound

Diagnostic ultrasounds inform clinicians about a wide range of conditions, letting them image the inside of your body without resulting to invasive techniques. That’s not the only benefit, however:

Powering High-fidelity Evaluation and Diagnosis

Ultrasound images are equal to or better in quality than alternatives – without the complexities, radiation, or discomfort of X-rays and MRIs. This makes it possible to zero in on the precise attributes of problems, such as:

• Monitoring plantar fascia thickening.
• Finding cysts and neuromas.
• Tracking the development of tissue tearing, sprains, and other progressive injuries.
• Distinguishing between conditions with similar symptoms, like bursitis and tendinitis.

Saving Time and Money

Today’s modern diagnostic equipment makes it possible to get your ultrasound on-site at our office – so no having to schedule an appointment at a separate office or hospital for potentially expensive tests. You get results in real-time, right at your appointment, so you can head straight into your customized treatment plan.

Optimizing Diagnostic Quality Control

Conducting ultrasounds on our premises grants us complete control over the process and the results. Unlike third-party imaging technicians, our expertise with foot and ankle conditions means we know what makes a good image – and how to gather accurate diagnostic data with fewer sessions and enhanced convenience.

Improving Injection Outcomes

If any kind of injection therapy is recommended for your condition—such as cortisone for pain, or alcohol sclerosing injections for a neuroma—our ultrasound makes it easier to identify and target specific tissues through pinpoint-precise guidance of the injection into the exact area of tissue during injection therapies, maximizing the efficacy of these essential treatments. The result is higher overall treatment success rates and a lower risk of side effects or complications.

Let Us Get to the Root of Your Foot Pain

When you’re dealing with foot pain, healing is usually the first thing on your mind, but it’s vital to get the correct treatment. By providing a comprehensive range of diagnostic options including ultrasound, we make it easier to obtain a diagnosis you can trust and start an optimal course of treatment. 

Our goal is always to get things right the first time, and put together the perfect, personalized treatment plan so you can feel better, faster. Diagnostic ultrasound is an important tool in this effort, but certainly not the only one.

Get on the road to recovery – but skip the stumbling blocks. Book your next appointment with our Colorado Springs office by calling (719) 266-5000 or completing our online contact form today.