Foot MRI: Purpose, Procedure, Cost and Best MRI Centre

This article will elaborate on foot MRI, its purpose and procedure. We will also discuss the cost and best MRI centre in Delhi

What is a Foot MRI?

Foot MRI is a noninvasive painless procedure that produces clear images of the foot and fingers. A foot MRI is used to detect any abnormalities in the foot like fractures, tumours, infections, avascular necrosis, tendon injuries, ligament injuries, arthritis etc. The foot is a complex structure made up of numerous bones, joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons responsible for the coordinated movement and helps us to stand upright. The foot has 26 bones and is divided into hindfoot, midfoot and forefoot. The bones are divided into 3 groups:

Tarsals - These include seven sets of irregularly shaped bones situated proximally in the foot of the ankle area.
Metatarsals - These are 5 in number and connect phalanges to the tarsals of each digit.
Phalanges - Each toe has 3 phalanges they are proximal, intermediate and distal and the only exception is the big toe, which has only 2 phalanges.

MRI is the short form of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, which uses a magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves to create images of the foot or other parts of the body. MRI does not use radiation for scanning, that is why it is preferred body scan by healthcare experts. This technique is also very sensitive for scanning compared to CT (computed tomography) scans or X-rays. MRI scans can be done with or without using the contrast. Healthcare experts can suggest contrast MRI scans if they need enhanced-quality images for diagnostic purposes.

What is a Foot MRI With Contrast?

In foot MRI, intravenous gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are used in foot MRIs showing foot abnormalities. Gadolinium is a rare earth metal that alters the magnetic properties of water molecules present nearby which helps to enhance the quality of scanned images. It is better to go for the scan under the guidance of a healthcare expert as the contrast can have mild to severe side effects of the contrast, but severe reactions happen very rarely. Contrast material helps to enhance the image quality and visibility of conditions like fractures, swelling, tumours, tendon or ligament injuries etc.

What is a Foot MRI Used to Show?

A foot MRI scan is used to provide detailed images of various structures within the foot by collecting multiple images. The MRI will detect different abnormalities related to the foot like:

To diagnose the fracture or any broken bone in the foot.
To diagnose any abnormal growth of bones and arthritis.
To diagnose any foot infection, deformities, abscess or osteomyelitis.
To diagnose the different types of arthritis like Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout etc.
To diagnose diabetic neuropathy, a condition caused by high blood sugar that damages the vessels in the foot and leads the pain.
To diagnose plantar fasciitis, the plantar fascia is the strong fibrous layer of the sole.
To diagnose Morton’s neuroma, a condition that causes shooting pain or numbness in the foot.

When to Go for a Foot MRI?

A foot MRI is suggested by the healthcare provider when he suspects any abnormalities like ligament injuries, tendon injuries, tumours, swelling, fracture, stiffness, arthritis, any abnormal growth, unexplained pain etc. in the foot and the surrounding tissues. A foot MRI can be suggested to check the previous or existing condition. Healthcare providers also use foot MRI scans before surgeries to better prepare for the surgery. They also use these scans to ensure that healing from the surgery is going well.

How to Prepare for a Foot MRI?

Before going for the MRI, a patient needs to consult a healthcare expert as he may suggest some conditions before going for the test. Tell your healthcare provider if you have body implants. MRI uses strong magnets and radio wave signals that can cause the heating and possible movement of metal objects inside the body. These implants can cause health and safety issues, so it is important to consult a healthcare expert before going for an MRI.

Besides these, the patient is also advised to keep all the jewellery, watches, or any wearing metal at home or remove them before the MRI scan. These can interfere with the magnetic field of MRI and cause burns or injuries with harmful projections. Items that can interfere with the magnetic field of MRI and have to be discussed before going for MRI are pacemakers, implants, nerve stimulators, metal fragments, jewellery, pins, cell phones, electronic watches etc. Healthcare providers should be aware if the patient is pregnant and fears closed narrow spaces.

The procedure involves the patient to lie on the bench, which glides into the MRI scanning machine. In the case of patients using contrast dye, patients will be allowed to wait for almost 1 hour after the administration of the drug. Dye is used to get the perfect and more clear images of the body parts. You will be completely safe in the machine and the process can take 30 to 90 minutes.

What is the Cost of a Foot MRI in Delhi?

The cost of a foot MRI scan in Delhi depends on the area, healthcare facility and the quality of healthcare provider. You can choose Ganesh Diagnostic for foot MRI screening tests as they provide the best facility, quality, and Government accreditations and have expertise in healthcare with affordable prices and discounts available. (Click to know Discounts)

How to Choose the Best Foot MRI Centre in Delhi?

There are different MRI diagnostic centres in and around Delhi. Before going for the MRI scanning, you need to check some centre details. You should check for Government accreditations, the latest machines, doctors at your disposal, good technical staff, and prior expertise in healthcare. The diagnostic facility should be clean, and hygienic and provide full information to patients or you can choose Ganesh Diagnostic for any type of MRI scan.

Why Choose Ganesh Diagnostic?

Ganesh Diagnostic has expertise in quality healthcare tests and scans for decades, having best-in-class doctors and facilitation. Ganesh Diagnostic is one of the most reputed and prestigious Diagnostic centres that provides a 24x7x365-day facility. The test results are accurate which helps the patients get the best and the right treatment for easy recovery. The quality is backed by the NABH and NABL accreditations, NABH is for the highest standard of care and services provided to patients and NABL reflects the competency of laboratories and equipment at national and international standards. We also provide free blood sample collection at home for different tests, Get tested and treated well with the best diagnostic centre. Grab the opportunity of available discounts and book an appointment.

What is the Treatment After a Foot MRI?

Foot MRI can detect different abnormalities or diseases like fractures, injuries, unexplained pain, stiffness in the foot, numbness, tumours, lumps abnormal growth of cells etc. Each abnormality will have a different treatment as per the condition. The healthcare expert can suggest treatment only after analysing the MRI report and the condition reported in the MRI report.

Conclusion

Foot MRI is used to diagnose abnormalities in the foot and the surrounding tissues. A foot helps in standing, walking, running etc. and consists of various types of bones. MRI procedure needs technical staff and inform the healthcare provider of body implants and conditions before going for the scan. MRI can use contrast or not depending on need and doctors advice. Patients need to look for certain facilities, accreditations and expertise before choosing any diagnostic facility for MRI.

FAQs

What is a foot MRI?

Foot MRI is a Magnetic Resonance Imaging non-invasive medical diagnostic tool for the detection of disorders and diseases related to the foot.

What are the uses of foot MRI?

foot MRI is used to check for tumours, ligament fractures, tendon fractures, swellings arthritis like Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, diabetic neuropathy, Morton’s neuroma etc.

What is the difference between an MRI scan and a PET scan?

MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves while PET scans use radioactive tracers for the detection of abnormalities.

When to go for a foot MRI scan?

Do not avoid the symptoms related to foot disorders, go for regular screening to avoid any delay in diagnosis and treatment. (Click for screening)

What are the risks associated with foot MRI scans?

There are no such risks associated with a foot MRI scan when conducted in the presence of a healthcare expert and at a good healthcare facility with proper guidelines and protocols.

What is the time taken for a foot MRI scan?

Foot MRI can take around 30 to 90 minutes. Timing can also depend on the type of MRI like whether taking contrast or not for MRI.

What is the cost of a foot MRI scan?

Cost depends on the area and the healthcare facility provider. You can choose Ganesh Diagnostic for discounts and the best facility. (Book Now)

What is the treatment after the foot MRI scan?

Treatment depends on the condition diagnosed after the MRI. Healthcare experts will analyse the report and suggest a particular treatment as per the condition.