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Ankle and Foot MRI Scan

Ankle and Foot MRI Scan

An ankle and foot MRI scan is a non-invasive imaging procedure that produces detailed pictures of the bones, ligaments, tendons, and soft tissues in the ankle and foot. If you're experiencing pain, swelling, or limited movement in your ankle or foot, this scan helps identify the cause so you can get the right treatment.

No GP referral needed. Safe, painless, and comfortable. Results reviewed by specialist radiologists and returned within 3 to 5 working days.

  Clinician advice included

No GP referral needed

Share results anywhere

Ankle and Foot MRI Pricing

Excellent pricing that suits your health concerns.

Ankle and Foot MRI Scan at Vitalscan

£375

What’s included
  • (One-region MRI scan – ankle or foot)
  • Review of referral (if provided)
  • Full radiologist report
  • Access to digital scan images

  • Results within 3–5 working days

  • Pre and post-scan patient support

  • Comfortable scanning environment

  • Tea, coffee and cold drinks for free

  • Private consultation room (no waiting around in your gown)
  • Free parking & accessible parking available

Why would I need an Ankle and Foot MRI scan?

An ankle and foot MRI is commonly used to investigate:

  • Injuries and trauma: Ligament tears (including ankle sprains), Achilles tendon ruptures or tendonitis, fractures that don’t show clearly on X-ray, and cartilage damage.
  • Chronic pain and swelling: Ongoing ankle or foot pain with no clear cause, persistent swelling or stiffness, and unexplained weakness or instability.
  • Sports injuries: Stress fractures, overuse injuries, and soft tissue damage from running, jumping, or twisting movements.
  • Suspected conditions: Arthritis (osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis), plantar fasciitis, Morton’s neuroma, bone spurs or cysts, and infections or inflammatory conditions.
  • Post-surgical assessment: Checking healing after ligament repair, tendon surgery, or fracture treatment.

If you’ve had an X-ray that hasn’t explained your symptoms, an MRI provides a much more detailed view of soft tissues and can often reveal what X-rays miss.

private mri scan milton keynes

What does an Ankle and Foot MRI show?

An MRI produces detailed cross-sectional images that show:

  • Bones and joints for fractures, stress injuries, arthritis, and bone abnormalities.
  • Ligaments and tendons including tears, inflammation, and degeneration (especially the Achilles tendon and ankle ligaments).
  • Muscles and soft tissues to detect strains, tears, and swelling.
  • Cartilage to assess wear, damage, or thinning in the ankle joint.
  • Nerves and blood vessels to identify nerve compression (like Morton’s neuroma) or circulation issues.

Unlike X-rays, which mainly show bone, MRI scans excel at showing soft tissue injuries. This makes them the best choice for diagnosing ligament damage, tendon tears, and early arthritis.

What to expect during your Ankle and Foot MRI

Step 1

Arrival and Prep

When you arrive at Vitalscan, you’ll be welcomed by our team and offered complimentary tea, coffee, or cold drinks. You’ll have a private room with a locker for your clothes and belongings.

Step 2

Getting ready

You’ll be asked to remove any jewellery, watches, and metal items. You’ll change into a comfortable gown. One of our radiographers will explain the scan and answer any questions.

Step 3

During the scan

You’ll lie on the scanning table with your ankle or foot positioned inside the scanner. Because it’s only your lower leg that needs to be scanned, your head and upper body remain outside the scanner the entire time. The scan itself takes around 20 to 30 minutes. You’ll need to keep your ankle or foot still during this time.

The scanner makes loud tapping and knocking sounds, but we’ll provide headphones so you can listen to music or the radio. You’ll also have an emergency buzzer to hold, so you can contact us at any time.

Step 4

After the scan

Once the scan is complete, you can get changed and leave straight away. There’s no recovery time needed, and you can drive and resume normal activities immediately.

You don’t need to wait around for results. We’ll email your full radiologist report and digital images to you within 3 to 5 working days. If you have any questions after your scan, our team is available to help.

Preparation for your Ankle and Foot MRI

No special preparation is needed for an ankle and foot MRI.

What to do before your scan:

  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing without metal zips or fastenings
  • Remove jewellery, watches, and piercings before the scan
  • Let us know if you have any metal implants or medical devices
  • Inform us if you’re pregnant or claustrophobic

You can eat and drink normally before your scan. There are no fasting requirements.

Your results and radiologist report

Timing

Your scan results will be ready within 3 to 5 working days. We prioritise fast turnaround times so you can move forward with treatment quickly.

Who reviews your scan

Every scan is reviewed by a specialist musculoskeletal (MSK) radiologist. Our radiologists are experienced in diagnosing ankle and foot injuries and conditions.

How you receive your results

You’ll receive a full radiologist report and digital images via email. You can share these with your GP, consultant, physiotherapist, or any healthcare provider. If your scan identifies something urgent, we’ll contact you directly.

Why choose Vitalscan for your Ankle and Foot MRI

  • Specialist radiology team: Your scan is reviewed by experienced MSK radiologists who specialise in ankle and foot injuries. Our radiology manager and senior radiographers ensure every scan meets the highest clinical standards.

  • Modern Philips 1.5T BlueSeal MRI: Our advanced scanner delivers high-quality images quickly and comfortably. The wide-bore design and patient entertainment options make the experience as relaxed as possible.
  • Fast appointments and results: Appointments available within days, not weeks. Results returned within 3 to 5 working days, so you can move forward with treatment quickly.
  • No referral needed: You can book directly with us. No need to wait for a GP referral or lengthy NHS waiting lists.
  • Comfortable, patient-focused care: Private changing rooms, complimentary refreshments, and a welcoming environment designed to make your experience as stress-free as possible.

Safety and reassurance

MRI scans are safe, non-invasive, and do not use radiation. Unlike X-rays or CT scans, there’s no exposure to ionising radiation, making MRI a safe option for repeated scans if needed.

Is an MRI safe?

Yes. MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create images. There are no known long-term side effects.

Contrast dye

Most ankle and foot MRI scans do not require contrast dye. If contrast is needed for your specific scan, we’ll discuss this with you beforehand. Contrast is safe for most people, though you’ll be asked about any kidney conditions or allergies.

Metal implants

Many metal implants are MRI-safe, including most surgical screws, plates, and joint replacements. We’ll ask about any implants when you book, and confirm safety before your scan.

Claustrophobia

Our wide-bore scanner and calming environment help reduce anxiety. If you’re worried about feeling enclosed, let us know and we’ll talk through ways to make you comfortable.

Ankle and Foot MRI FAQs

An MRI scan of the ankle and foot uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles in this region.

If you have persistent ankle or foot pain, swelling, or stiffness that hasn’t improved, or if other scans like X-rays haven’t explained your symptoms, an MRI may be recommended.

Unlike X-rays, which mainly show bone, MRI scans give a clear picture of soft tissue injuries such as ligament tears, tendon damage (including Achilles tendon issues), cartilage wear, and early arthritis.

No referral is needed. You can book directly with us, and your scan will be reviewed by a specialist MSK radiologist.

No. The scan is painless. You’ll simply need to lie still while the scanner takes images. You may hear loud tapping sounds, but we’ll provide headphones or earplugs for comfort.

Usually between 20–30 minutes, depending on the exact scan required.

No special preparation is needed. Just remove any jewellery or metal items before your scan.

You’ll receive a detailed radiologist report and digital images within 3–5 working days.

Most metal implants are MRI-safe, including surgical screws, plates, and joint replacements. However, some devices like pacemakers and certain cochlear implants may not be compatible. When you book, we’ll ask about any implants or medical devices you have and confirm whether your scan can proceed safely.

Meet our clinical team

Alice Nitsche

Centre Manager

BSc (Hons), PgC MMR (Dist.)

Mahmoud Abdalla

Radiology Manager & CQC Manager

BSc (Hons), PGD

Abdelfattah Abdelrahman

Senior MRI Radiographer

DipMI, BSc (Hons), CPD (Diag Rad)

Jayme Brooks

Lead Imaging Assistant

Safiatou Jallow

Phlebotomist and Imaging Assistant

Mikhaela Ambagan

Services Coordinator

Easy to reach

Vitalscan is conveniently located near Central Milton Keynes train station, making us easy to reach by car or public transport.

Partnered with leading
health insurance providers

Partnered with leading health insurance providers

Getting the diagnostic tests you need shouldn’t be complicated. We’re proud to work with leading health insurance providers to make access to our services as seamless as possible.

Our patient pathway

Complete Booking

Schedule your scan online.

Confirmation

Receive booking info instantly.

Quality Check

Ensure scan accuracy & safety.

Scan Day

Attend your appointment.

Receive Results

Get your scan results quickly.

Sharing Report

Share findings with your doctor.

Ready to book your private MRI scan?

Ready to
book your scan?

Booking your scan is quick and easy – no referral needed and appointments available as soon as the same day. Get fast, accurate results for peace of mind.

Book an Ankle and Foot MRI Scan

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Contact

01908 755556

100 Avebury Boulevard,
Milton Keynes, MK9 1FH

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Legal

Vitalscan is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and operates in accordance with all applicable healthcare standards. Our location ID is 1-14644634325. Our diagnostic imaging services are designed to support clinical decision-making but do not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by your own healthcare professional.

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