About a foot MRI scan
The foot contains 26 bones and more than 30 joints, held together by many ligaments and moved by tendons that run from the lower leg. A foot MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves, not X-rays, to show these bones and soft tissues in detail, including swelling inside the bone that does not show on an X-ray.
Common reasons for a foot MRI include:
- Stress fractures, particularly of the metatarsals (the long bones of the forefoot), often after running, walking long distances or a change in footwear or training. They are frequently missed on early X-rays; MRI is the most sensitive test.
- Morton’s neuroma, a thickening of the tissue around a nerve between the toes, usually between the 3rd and 4th toes. It causes a burning or shooting pain, or a feeling of standing on a pebble. Ultrasound or MRI can confirm it and rule out other causes of forefoot pain.
- Plantar fasciitis, pain under the heel and arch, usually worst with the first steps in the morning. It is normally diagnosed without a scan, but MRI may be used if pain persists despite treatment, to look for a tear or another cause.
Left and right feet are separate scans. The ankle and the Achilles tendon have their own scans, so choose those if your pain is mainly there.
What happens during the scan
You lie on your back on the scanner bed and go into the scanner feet first, so your head and upper body usually stay outside or near the entrance. A coil is placed around your foot. The scanner is loud, so you will wear ear plugs or headphones, and you need to keep your foot still while the pictures are taken. Contrast dye is not usually needed, but may be used to look at a lump or infection; where contrast is needed, it is charged separately.
What the scan can show
A foot MRI can help to look at:
- stress fractures and bone bruising, including those not visible on X-ray
- Morton’s neuroma and other causes of pain between the toes, such as bursitis or a plantar plate tear
- plantar fascia thickening and tears
- tendon and ligament injuries
- arthritis and joint inflammation
- bone and soft-tissue infection, including in people with diabetes
- ganglion cysts, lumps and tumours
Preparing for your scan
No special preparation is needed, and you can eat and drink normally. If you have had previous X-rays or ultrasound scans of your foot, upload the reports when you book.
You can usually eat, drink and take your normal medicines unless the scanning centre tells you otherwise. Wear loose, comfortable clothing without metal zips or buttons, and leave jewellery at home. You will be asked to remove metal items such as hair clips, hearing aids, coins and keys, and you may be asked to change into a gown.
Before the scan you will complete a safety questionnaire. Tell the team if you have a pacemaker, any metal implant, surgical clips or other device, if you have kidney problems or allergies, or if you are, or might be, pregnant or breastfeeding. If you feel anxious in enclosed spaces, let us know when you book. Some centres can offer a relaxant, and if you take one you will need someone to take you home and must not drive for 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Will I have to go fully into the scanner?
You go in feet first, so for a foot scan your head usually stays at or near the entrance of the scanner. Many people who are worried about enclosed spaces find this easier.
Can MRI show Morton’s neuroma?
Yes. MRI can show the thickened tissue between the toes and help rule out other causes of forefoot pain. Ultrasound is also commonly used.
Do I need to book the left or right side?
Yes. Each foot is a separate scan. If you need both, book them together, as two or more areas booked together qualify for the lower clubbed price.
Do I need a referral?
You can tell us if you have a referral from your GP, physiotherapist or consultant and upload it when you book. If you do not have one, select “no referral” when you book and the scanning centre will confirm the next steps with you.
Sources
- University Hospital Southampton NHS – MRI knee, foot or ankle scan (patient leaflet)
- Radiopaedia – Morton neuroma
- Radiopaedia – Stress fracture
- NHS – Morton’s neuroma
- NHS – Plantar fasciitis
- NHS – MRI scan
The information on this page has been gathered from various sources and is provided for general information only. It is not medical advice. TOP MRI is not liable for the accuracy or completeness of this information. Please speak to your doctor or the scanning centre about your own situation.