MRI Scan Guide
Overview
An ankle MRI produces detailed images of the ankle joint, foot bones, ligaments, tendons (including the Achilles), and surrounding soft tissues. It is the best imaging method for diagnosing soft tissue injuries of the ankle and foot.
Ankle MRI is commonly ordered after sprains that do not heal, persistent pain, suspected stress fractures, or Achilles tendon problems. It can also evaluate plantar fasciitis, tarsal tunnel syndrome, and arthritis.
The scan uses no radiation, is painless, and requires no special preparation.
The procedure
Your foot and ankle are positioned inside a dedicated ankle coil, which wraps around the area being scanned. You lie on your back on the scanner table, and the table slides into the scanner. Images are acquired over approximately 30 to 45 minutes using sequences optimized for ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and bone.
Diagnostic value
Preparation
No fasting is required.
Wear loose trousers or shorts so the ankle area is accessible.
Remove shoes, socks, ankle braces, and any metal objects from the lower leg.
Inform the radiographer about any ankle hardware, screws, or plates.
Most ankle sprains heal with rest and rehabilitation. However, if pain, swelling, or instability persist beyond 4 to 6 weeks, an MRI can determine whether there is a ligament tear, osteochondral lesion, or other injury that may require different treatment. MRI can also identify injuries that mimic sprains, such as stress fractures or tendon tears.
MRI is the gold standard for evaluating the Achilles tendon. It can distinguish between tendinopathy (chronic degeneration), partial tears, and complete ruptures. It also shows the exact location and extent of damage, which is critical for deciding between conservative treatment and surgical repair.
Understanding your results
Every Mira scan comes with two reports. A medical report from a radiologist for your doctor, and a miraclarity report for you. The miraclarity report explains your ankle / foot MRI findings in straightforward language with visual guides, severity indicators, and recommended next steps.
No jargon. No waiting for another appointment just to understand what your scan found. miraclarity is included free with every scan.
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Yes. MRI can identify tears in the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), calcaneofibular ligament (CFL), and other ankle ligaments.
A typical ankle MRI takes 30 to 45 minutes.
Yes. MRI can show thickening, inflammation, and tears of the plantar fascia, as well as associated findings like bone marrow edema in the calcaneus.
Yes. All external supports, braces, and metal objects must be removed before the scan.
A knee MRI uses magnetic resonance imaging to produce detailed cross-sectional images of the knee joint. Unlike X-rays, which show only bones, MRI reveals soft tissues including ligaments, cartilage, tendons, and the meniscus. This makes it the primary diagnostic tool for knee injuries and conditions.
A brain MRI produces highly detailed images of the brain, brainstem, and surrounding structures. It is the preferred imaging method for evaluating neurological symptoms because it provides superior soft tissue contrast compared to CT and does not use ionizing radiation.
A lumbar spine MRI produces detailed images of the lower back, including the vertebrae, intervertebral discs, spinal cord, nerve roots, and surrounding soft tissues. It is the most accurate non-invasive method for diagnosing causes of lower back pain.
A shoulder MRI provides highly detailed images of the rotator cuff, labrum, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and bones of the shoulder joint. It is the most reliable non-invasive method for diagnosing shoulder injuries.
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