Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

What You Need To Know About MRI

How MRI helps us see inside your foot and ankle and guide your treatment.

Understanding Foot and Ankle MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the fastest and safest non-invasive method to get the clearest pictures of your foot and ankle condition. Since their invention in the late 1970’s, MRI has grown to become an indispensable part of practice for podiatric and orthopedic physicians.

MRI allows us the ability to see inside the body and visualize a structure, determine the extent of injury, and provide focused treatment. It does this all without using X-rays. MRI uses a magnetic field that absorbs or deflects the electric charge given off by the cells themselves and creates a picture from that deflected charge.

While MRI has universal applications, not everyone qualifies for its use. Those with brain aneurysm clips, metallic foreign bodies in the eye, recent surgery with orthopedic implants, pacemakers, or cochlear implants should not use MRI. Our technologists are trained to determine if MRI will be allowable for use.

If your podiatrist recommends imaging to better understand pain, an injury, or a chronic condition, MRI often provides the detail needed to confirm a diagnosis and shape a treatment plan. Talk with your 1Foot 2Foot provider about whether MRI is the right next step for your care.

Your Open MRI Experience at 1Foot 2Foot

1Foot 2Foot uses industry-leading Extremity OPEN MRI machines to offer advanced imaging technology to our patients. Unlike traditional MRI scanners, our machines are open, so you do not have to lie in a tube. You comfortably sit in an attached chair and simply place your leg in the machine while the MRI takes its pictures.

Aside from being open, our machines are much quieter than traditional MRI systems, making the experience more comfortable for patients who may feel anxious about imaging. The design is especially helpful for patients who are claustrophobic or who have difficulty lying flat for extended periods.

The MRI process typically takes around one hour. There is no special preparation required for most foot and ankle scans, and you can return to normal activities immediately afterward. Because the scan focuses on the extremity, the rest of your body remains outside the machine throughout the appointment.

All of our MRI studies are read by a board-certified musculoskeletal MRI radiologist who provides a report within 24 hours. An appointment will then be made with your doctor to review the MRI and discuss treatment based on the findings, so you can move forward with a clear plan for care.