Treatments and Services

Several tests and diagnostic tools are used to evaluate foot and ankle conditions:

• Physical examination: The doctor looks for swelling, deformities, or bruising and assesses range of motion, strength, and stability through palpation and movement tests.
• X-rays: Used to identify fractures, joint alignment, bone deformities, and conditions like arthritis.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Provides detailed images of soft tissues, including tendons, ligaments, and cartilage, helping diagnose tears, inflammation, or degeneration.
• CT scan: Offers a more detailed 3D view of bones, useful for complex fractures or bone abnormalities.
• Ultrasound: Used to assess soft tissues, particularly tendons and ligaments, and detect inflammation or tears.
• Stress tests: Used to evaluate the stability of joints, such as the ankle, under stress or pressure (e.g., anterior drawer test for the ankle).
• Bone scan: A nuclear imaging technique to detect infections, stress fractures, or bone inflammation.
• Nerve conduction studies (electromyography): Used if nerve damage or compression (e.g., tarsal tunnel syndrome) is suspected.
• Gait analysis: Assesses how a person walks to identify abnormalities or imbalances in foot and ankle function.

These tests help orthopedic specialists determine the most appropriate treatment for conditions affecting the foot and ankle.