Do I need an MRI for a sprained ankle?

Stress X-rays help to show whether the ankle is unstable because of injured ligaments. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. An MRI scan is not required to diagnose ankle sprains.

Does a sprained ankle show on MRI?

MRI can depict ligament injuries and has been used to differentiate ligament tears from other causes of ankle pain, such as fracture, osteochondral injury, or tendon injury. Appropriate treatment planning for ankle injury requires differentiation between the various types of ligament injury.

How do I know if I need an MRI on my ankle?

An MRI foot scan is a diagnostic tool used to image the structures of the foot and ankle. You might need an MRI foot scan if you experience any of the following symptoms: pain in one or both feet, swelling, redness or warmth, numbness or tingling, stiffness, or decreased sensation in the feet.

What will an MRI show for ankle pain?

During a foot and ankle MRI procedure, pictures–also referred to as slices–of the ankle and foot will be produced. A radiologist will use the resulting images to identify any abnormalities. Such as tendon tears, inflammation, cartilage deterioration, or tumours.

How do I know if my ankle sprain is serious?

People with a more severe ankle sprain — characterized by extreme bruising or swelling and an inability to bear weight on the foot without significant pain, or when there doesn't seem to be any improvement over the first several days after the injury — should seek medical attention, Drs. SooHoo and Williams say.

Dr. Wood Explains the Role of Imaging with Ankle Sprains

How can I tell if my ankle is broken or just sprained?

While swelling is a symptom of both injuries, if your ankle looks clearly “off,” it's most likely because a bone is broken. Does your ankle feel numb? With a sprain, you feel pain. But if you have numbness or tingling, your ankle is most likely broken.

Should I go to ER for sprained ankle?

Go to urgent care if your pain level and swelling is significant and you have difficulty walking, to the point that you need assistance, due to the pain. Go to the emergency room if your foot is bruised, deformed, or you are unable to walk at all. You may have a fracture, broken bone or serious ligament damage.

When should you get an MRI after ankle sprain?

Your doctor may recommend an MRI scan to help pinpoint the cause of your symptoms, particularly if they don't improve after four to six weeks. It may be ordered to detect stress fractures in the foot or a cartilage or tendon injury, which can cause symptoms similar to those of a sprain.

Will an MRI show ligament damage?

MRI has proven valuable in diagnosing a broad range of conditions, including tendon, ligament, muscle, cartilage and bone abnormalities that are not as visible on x-rays or CT scans.

How is an MRI done on an ankle?

In the scan room you will be asked to lie on your back onto an MRI coil (camera). An additional camera is placed over the affected ankle acting as an antenna. This exam is done feet first and your head will not go into the scanner. You will be given hearing protection as the MRI machine makes a series of loud noises.

Why would a doctor order an MRI?

An MRI provides a clearer picture of abnormal tissues. It is a better scan for looking at ligaments and tendons, your spinal cord and other soft tissues. A CT scan can give you a higher-quality picture of bones and is better for diagnosing chest and lung problems as well as detecting some cancers.

How do doctors check for a sprained ankle?

Your foot doctor will diagnose your ankle sprain by doing a physical assessment and ordering a medical imaging exam. Your doctor will check for signs of swelling and bruising and palpate the area. They will then move your foot to check its range of motion and which specific positions can cause pain.

What does a torn ligament in ankle feel like?

If you have torn your ankle ligament, symptoms include: Swelling around your ankle joint. A feeling of instability. Bruising – sometimes up your lower leg and into your foot.

Does a foot MRI include ankle?

Forefoot (metatarsals & toes)

MRIs for tendons & ligaments use "Ankle" protocol unless AOI is specifically in the forefoot. "Foot" MRIs should be treated as Ankle/Hindfoot/Midfoot MRIs until proven otherwise.

What can you see on an ankle MRI?

Does MRI show muscle tear?

An MRI is the best type of imaging for looking at tissue. Your physician may order an MRI on the damaged muscle to find or learn more about your injury. This type of muscle tear imaging can pinpoint the location of even the smallest muscle strains and determine whether a partial or complete strain has occurred.

Which is better CT scan or MRI?

Magnetic resonance imaging produces clearer images compared to a CT scan. In instances when doctors need a view of soft tissues, an MRI is a better option than x-rays or CTs. MRIs can create better pictures of organs and soft tissues, such as torn ligaments and herniated discs, compared to CT images.

Does MRI show muscle strain?

An MRI will not show muscle strains or other problems with soft tissues. The pain usually will go away on its own, although it may take several months.

Will xray show torn ligament in ankle?

X-rays do NOT show tendons, ligaments, nerves, cartilage or blood vessels. X-rays typically show bones and joints, and may, at times, show the absence of skin (e.g. infection).

When should you get a sprain checked out?

What is a Grade 3 ankle sprain?

Grade 3: This is a complete tear of the affected ligament(s) with severe swelling and bruising. The ankle is unstable and walking is likely not possible because the ankle gives out and there is intense pain.

Can urgent care diagnose a sprain?

An Urgent Care Doctor Explains How to Spot the Difference Between a Sprain and a Break. If you suffer injuries to your ankle, you need urgent care. However, it may be difficult to determine if it is a sprain (a torn or stretched tendon or ligament) or a break.

Can you wiggle your toes with a broken ankle?

Most believe that if they can wiggle their toes or move the ankle around that an ankle fracture has not occurred. The reason this is not true is because the nerves and muscles that allow the movement of the ankle have not been affected by the fracture.

Can walking on a sprained ankle make it worse?

Yes. That's the very short answer. According to the National Association of Athletic Trainers, ankle injuries, including sprains, are very often undertreated. Ignoring treatment, including excessive movement of the ankle through unnecessary walking, leads to a greater risk of worsening the injury.

Can you break your ankle and still walk?

Broken ankle — can you still walk? Typically, a minor ankle fracture won't prevent you from walking. You might even be able to walk right after the injury. If you have a serious break, you'll need to avoid walking for a few months.