Foot Ultrasounds: Diagnosing Pain and Soft Tissue Injuries

Foot and heel pain are some of the most common complaints seen in clinics across Australia. Whether it’s the result of overuse, a sports injury, or a chronic condition like plantar fasciitis, foot pain can seriously affect your quality of life. One of the fastest, safest ways to get answers is through a foot ultrasound, a non-invasive imaging scan that allows doctors and podiatrists to assess the soft tissues in and around your foot in real time.

In this blog, we’ll explain when a foot ultrasound is recommended, what it can detect, and what to expect from the scan.

What Is a Foot Ultrasound?

A foot ultrasound is a safe, radiation-free imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create live images of the soft tissues in your foot. It’s particularly useful for diagnosing tendon, ligament, or fascial injuries, the kinds of issues that don’t show up well on X-rays.

The scan is quick (usually under 20 minutes), painless, and requires no special preparation. It’s commonly referred to by GPs and podiatrists, particularly when a patient presents with ongoing foot pain, swelling, or limited mobility. The real-time aspect of ultrasound also makes it ideal for capturing movement, so your foot can be assessed while bearing weight or during motion, something static scans like MRI or CT can’t provide.

Why You Might Search for a Foot Ultrasound

If you’ve ever found yourself Googling things like “ball of foot pain,” “heel pain after running,” or “foot hurts at night,” you’re not alone. These are extremely common symptoms, especially in active adults or those who spend long hours standing or walking.

You might need a foot ultrasound if you’re experiencing:

• Pain in the ball of your foot when walking
• Swelling or tenderness in your heel
• Sudden pain after exercise or running
• Ongoing discomfort at rest or during the night
• A feeling of instability or stiffness in the ankle or foot
  

While these symptoms can stem from a range of causes, early imaging can be the key to an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment plan.

What a Foot Ultrasound Can Detect

A foot ultrasound is highly effective for identifying soft tissue injuries and inflammatory conditions, including:

• Plantar fasciitis – inflammation or micro-tears in the plantar fascia
• Plantar fibromas – lumps of the plantar fascia that can be painful when walking
• Torn ligaments – particularly in the midfoot or ankle region
• Achilles tendon injuries – partial tears, degeneration or inflammation
• Bursitis – inflammation of fluid-filled sacs that cushion the foot
• Morton’s neuromas – abnormal tissue growths causing nerve pain in the toes
• Ganglion cysts – fluid-filled lesions that can arise from joints and tendon sheathes
• Soft tissue injuries – due to overuse, falls, or improper footwear
  

These conditions often can’t be confirmed by physical exam alone, and ultrasound provides real-time insights that help guide treatment.

• Want to understand more about the underlying causes of persistent foot pain? You can explore them in more depth in Cleveland Clinic’s comprehensive guide to foot pain, which covers both structural and medical conditions that might contribute.

What to Expect During the Scan

A foot ultrasound is a simple outpatient procedure. Here’s what happens:

1. You’ll lie down or sit in a comfortable position.
2. The sonographer will apply gel to the area being scanned (this helps conduct the sound waves).
3. A small probe is moved over your foot to capture images.
4. You may be asked to move or flex your foot depending on the symptoms.
5. The scan typically takes 10–20 minutes, and you can return to normal activities immediately after.
   

There’s no radiation, no injections, and no pain, making it a safe and efficient first step in diagnosing soft tissue issues in the foot or ankle.

Who Can Refer You for a Foot Ultrasound?

Foot ultrasounds referred by your GP or podiatrist are bulk billed under Medicare at Capri Ultrasound. This makes it an accessible diagnostic option for a wide range of patients, without the high out-of-pocket costs sometimes associated with other scans.

Capri Ultrasound proudly accepts all valid referrals, and our clinic offers bulk billed foot ultrasound scans right here on the Gold Coast, no gap fees, no hassle.

Don’t Ignore Persistent Foot Pain

Foot pain that doesn’t go away or keeps coming back deserves proper investigation. A foot ultrasound is a fast, non-invasive, and cost-effective way to get the answers you need. Whether it’s inflammation, a soft tissue tear, or something more complex, early diagnosis can make a significant difference in recovery time and long-term comfort.

If you’ve been putting up with foot pain, ask your GP or podiatrist about a referral to Capri Ultrasound. We offer expert bulk billed ultrasound services for the foot and ankle helping you get back on your feet sooner.