Diagnostic Ultrasound

What is diagnostic ultrasound?

Diagnostic ultrasound is similar to the ultrasound device used to image fetuses in their mother’s womb. Our podiatrists use a similar machine to evaluate tendons, bone, ligaments and joints in real-time. Unlike xrays or MRI, our physicians can move and stress joints while imaging to get a more complete understanding of an injury or what may be causing pain.

How does ultrasound work? 

Diagnostic ultrasound involves the use of a small hand-piece that emits high frequency sound waves. These waves will then travel through and bounce off tissues, like an echo, which are also “listened to” by the hand-piece. The echoes are then translated into a live image on a small computer screen which our doctors interpret for you. It is painless and completely safe with zero radiation. 

What is diagnostic ultrasound used for?

Drs Feldman, Saviet and Pelto use diagnostic ultrasound to evaluate many different conditions. All manner of tendon and ligamentous injuries can be evaluated, particularly ones that can be “stressed” or need to move a certain way. Similarly, it can be used to evaluate joint movements in real-time. Importantly, if an area of interest is identified, our doctors can use the ultrasound imaging to direct a treatment to the precise location it is needed. They utilize it for placing steroid injections, amniotic tissue allograft injections, platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections or directing shockwave treatments. This helps increase the efficacy (effectiveness of outcome) of nearly all interventions.