About a calf or lower leg MRI scan
The lower leg runs from the knee to the ankle. It contains two bones, the tibia (shin bone) and the fibula, and the calf muscles at the back, mainly the gastrocnemius and soleus, which join to form the Achilles tendon. These muscles work hard during running and jumping, so calf strains and tears are common sports injuries.
An MRI scan uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves, not X-rays, to make detailed pictures of the muscles, tendons, bones and other soft tissues. It can show where a muscle is injured and how severe the tear is, which can help with planning rehabilitation and return to sport. MRI is also very sensitive for bone stress injuries in the shin, often showing them before they appear on an X-ray. Left and right legs are separate scans, so choose the side you need when you book.
What happens during the scan
You lie on your back on the scanner bed with your lower leg in a coil. Usually only your legs and lower body go into the scanner. The scanner is loud, so you will wear ear plugs or headphones, and you need to keep your leg still while the pictures are taken. Contrast dye is not usually needed, but may be used to look at a lump; where contrast is needed, it is charged separately.
What the scan can show
A calf or lower leg MRI can help to look at:
- calf muscle strains and tears, most often of the inner part of the gastrocnemius muscle (sometimes called “tennis leg”), and the soleus
- how severe a muscle injury is, to help plan recovery
- shin pain (“shin splints”) and bone stress injuries, including stress fractures of the tibia and fibula
- tendon problems around the lower leg
- lumps and swellings in the soft tissues
- bone and soft tissue infection or inflammation
Could it be a blood clot? Throbbing pain, swelling and warm, red or darkened skin in one calf can be signs of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which needs urgent assessment rather than an MRI. Contact NHS 111 or your GP urgently. If you also have chest pain or shortness of breath, call 999.
Preparing for your scan
No special preparation is needed for a lower leg MRI. You can eat and drink normally. If you have a walking boot or brace, bring it with you.
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
Can an MRI show a calf muscle tear?
Yes. MRI shows which muscle is injured, where the tear is and how large it is. Along with your clinical assessment, this can help your physiotherapist or doctor plan your rehabilitation and return to sport.
Can an MRI find a stress fracture that did not show on an X-ray?
Yes. MRI is very sensitive for bone stress injuries and can often show them earlier than an X-ray, including the early stage known as a stress reaction.
Do I need to book the left or right side?
Yes. Each leg 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
- Calf muscle strains: a systematic review of imaging (Sports Medicine – Open, 2025)
- Skeletal Radiology – MRI of calf muscle injury
- NHS – Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- RadiologyInfo.org – Musculoskeletal MRI
- 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.