Sometime, a podiatrist may prescribe a computed tomography (CT) examination (also known as a "CAT scan") to help diagnose and treat a foot or ankle problem. A CT is a kind of X-ray device that takes cross sectional images of a part of the body, giving the physician a three-dimensional image:
Common foot problems a CT exam can address include: arthritis, deformities, flat feet, foreign bodies, fractures, infection, and tumors.
CT scans are often superior to conventional X-rays because they can more accurately pinpoint a suspected problem.
Pregnant women, especially those in their first trimester, are advised against having a CT exam or any X-ray examination. MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging is a sophisticated diagnostic procedure to diagnose the following kinds of problems or conditions:
Arthritis.
Fractures.
Infection.
Injuries of the tendons, ligaments, or cartilage.
Tumors.
MRIs use no radiation like conventional X-rays or CT scans. They employ a large magnet and radio waves to produce a kind of three-dimensional image. MRIs are very good at portraying soft tissues and bones in your feet and ankles.
People with the following conditions may not be good candidates for a MRI:
A condition that requires a heart pacemaker.
Electronic inner ear implants.
Electronic stimulators.
Implanted pumps.
Metal fragments in your eyes.
Some artificial heart valves.
Surgical clips in your head (particularly aneurysm clips).
If you have a dental filling or bridge, a replacement hip or knee, or tubal ligation clips, you are usually safe to have a MRI.
In most cases, a full exam of the foot and ankle last between one hour to 90 minutes.
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:
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.
Ultrasound is a completely safe and painless diagnostic procedure. X-Rays
X-rays of the hand, wrist, arm, foot, ankle, knee, or leg help determine whether a bone has been fractured or injured or damaged by conditions such as an infection, arthritis, or other disease.
Other reasons for conventional X-rays on your feet include:
Evaluate changes in the bones caused by such things as an infection, arthritis, or other bone disease.
Help evaluate whether a child's bones are growing normally.
Locate foreign objects (such as pieces of glass or metal) in a wound.
To determine whether bones are properly set after treating a fracture and placing a cast on an arm or leg.
Pregnant women, especially those in their first trimester, are advised against having a CT exam or any X-ray examination. Extremity X-rays usually takes only five to 10 minutes.
While extremity X-rays do a good job showing bone fractures or dislocations, they are not very accurate when it comes to showing affected cartilage, tendons, or ligaments. A MRI or CT scan may be prescribed. Orthotics
Orthotics are shoe inserts that correct an abnormal, or irregular, walking pattern. Generally called arch supports, orthotics allow people to stand, walk, and run more efficiently and comfortably.
Podiatrists sometimes prescribe orthotic devices to correct an abnormal walk, or gait, and often for patients following surgery.
Orthotic devices come in many shapes and sizes, and materials and fall into three main categories: those designed to change foot function, are primarily protective in nature, and those that combine functional control and protection.
Rigid orthotics
The so-called rigid orthotic device, designed to control function, is often composed of a firm material such as plastic or carbon fiber, and is used primarily for walking or dress shoes. Such orthotics are made from a mold after a podiatrist takes a plaster cast or other kind of image of the foot.
Rigid orthotics control motion in two major foot joints that lie directly below the ankle joint and may improve or eliminate strains, aches, and pains in the legs, thighs, and lower back.
Soft orthotics
Soft orthotics usually absorb shock, increase balance, and take pressure off uncomfortable or sore spots. They are typically made up of soft, cushy materials. Soft orthoses also are worn against the sole of the foot, extending from the heel past the ball of the foot, including the toes. Such orthotics are also made from a mold after a podiatrist takes a plaster cast or other kind of image of the foot.
Soft orthoses are usually effective for diabetic, arthritic, and deformed feet.
Semi-rigid orthotics
Semi-rigid orthotics provide foot balance for walking or participating in sports. Sometimes, different sports call for different kinds of semi-rigid orthotics. The typical semi-rigid orthotic is made up of layers of soft material, reinforced with more rigid materials.
Children are sometimes given orthoses to treat flatfoot or intoeing or outtoeing disorders. Athletes often are given orthoses to mitigate pain while they train and compete.
While over-the-counter orthotic inserts help people with mild symptoms, they normally cannot correct the wide range of symptoms that prescription foot orthoses can since they are made to fit a person with an "average" foot shape.
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