Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

What You Need To Know About MRI

Learn how MRI works, who it helps, and what to expect during your scan.

Understanding MRI for Foot and Ankle Care

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the fastest and safest non-invasive method to get the clearest pictures of your foot and ankle condition. Since their invention in the late 1970’s, MRI has grown to become an indispensable part of practice for podiatric and orthopedic physicians.

As the fastest and safest method used to get clear, high quality pictures of your foot and ankle anatomy, there are many benefits to using MRI. MRI allows us the ability to see inside the body and visualize a structure, determine the extent of injury, and provide focused treatment. MRIs can do this all without using X-rays. Instead, MRI uses a magnetic field that absorbs or deflects the electric charge given off by the cells themselves and creates a picture from that deflected charge.

MRI is often recommended when a foot or ankle problem cannot be fully evaluated with X-ray alone. It is especially useful for looking at soft tissues such as tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and nerves, as well as identifying stress fractures, tumors, infections, and inflammation that other imaging may miss.

While MRI has universal applications, not everyone qualifies for its use. Patients with brain aneurysm clips, metallic foreign bodies in the eye, recent surgery with orthopedic implants, pacemakers, or cochlear implants should not use MRI. Our technologists are trained to determine if MRI is appropriate for you and will review your history carefully before scheduling your scan.

Our On-Site Open MRI Experience

Precision Foot and Ankle Centers has MRI machines on location in several of our facilities. Our MRIs are open machines, so you do not have to lie in a tube. You comfortably sit in an attached chair and simply place your leg in the machine while the MRI takes its pictures.

We use industry-leading Extremity OPEN MRI machines to offer advanced imaging technology to our patients. Aside from being open, our machines are much quieter than traditional MRIs, making the experience more comfortable for patients who may feel anxious about enclosed spaces or loud noises.

The MRI process typically takes around one hour. There is no special preparation required for most foot and ankle scans, and you can usually return to your normal activities immediately after your appointment. Wearing comfortable clothing without metal fasteners near the area being scanned can help the visit go smoothly.

All of our MRIs are read by a board-certified musculoskeletal MRI radiologist who will provide a report within 24 hours. An appointment will then be made with your doctor to review the MRI and discuss a treatment plan based on the findings, so you can move forward with a clear understanding of your condition and next steps.