Magnetic resonance imaging, commonly referred to as an MRI, is a medical technique used to view internal body structures in vast detail. Medical professionals love using MRI technology because it provides them with a much more detailed image than they could attain with a normal X-ray. MRIs are extremely useful at our practice because they allow us to see soft tissue damage and identify underlying issues.
Sometimes X-rays are sufficient, but other times a more detailed image is necessary. To help you understand when you might need an MRI, we asked Dr. Silverman to provide a list of five reasons why someone would need an MRI on their foot or ankle. You can check out his list below.
1. Pain after a Negative X-ray – As we noted above, X-ray images aren’t as detailed as an MRI. If you’re experiencing pain or swelling in your foot or ankle, but the X-ray came back negative for a break, an MRI can help determine if you’re dealing with an incomplete fracture, stress fracture, or ligament injury.
2. Weak or “Loose” Joint– If you’re constantly turning or rolling your ankle, you might be dealing with what is known as “ankle instability”. Oftentimes ankle instability is caused by ligament damage, which can be diagnosed through an MRI. Your doctor will also be able to use the MRI to see if any other underlying issues may be causing the problem.
3. Swollen Tendons – Swollen tendons in the ankle and foot can be very problematic, especially if a disease or infection is causing the swelling. With an MRI, your doctor can determine the extent of the damage and prescribe the best form of treatment, whether it be tendon repair or tendon replacement.
4. Look for an Infection – Building off the above reason, an MRI is a useful tool for identifying infections. MRIs can reveal abscess (a deep infection) and osteomyelitis (an infection of the bone). MRIs can save parts of your feet or bones if they detect the problem early enough.
5. Evaluate a lump or bump – Sometimes a bump is nothing more than a bruise, but other times they can be signs of a more serious issue. An MRI allows doctors to examine a lump and determine if it is benign or cancerous.