Self Pay Discount – MRI of the Foot and Ankle – May

Back by popular demand…. Preferred Imaging Centers are offering a special price and discounted MRI of the foot and ankle to self-pay patients in Chicago and nearby areas which includes a Radiology reading for the month of MAY 2024! Get your foot checked out so you can be on your way to a more active and healthier life.

What is involved in an MRI scan of the Foot and Ankle?

An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) of the foot and ankle can provide detailed images of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and soft tissues in that area which are very helpful to your physician to help diagnose any problems or pain you might be experiencing.

During an MRI scan of the foot and ankle, the patient lies down on a movable table that slides into the MRI machine, which is a large tube-like structure. Here’s what’s involved in the procedure:

1. Preparation: Before the scan, the patient may need to remove any metal objects or jewelry that could interfere with the magnetic field of the MRI machine. They will also be asked to wear a hospital gown or clothing without metal fastenings.
2. Positioning: The patient lies down on their back on the table, and their foot and ankle area is positioned inside a specialized coil that helps capture detailed images of that specific area.
3. Immobilization: To ensure clear images, the patient’s foot and ankle may be immobilized using straps or foam pads to minimize movement during the scan.
4. Injection of Contrast Agent (if needed): In some cases, a contrast agent may be injected into a vein in the patient’s arm to enhance the visibility of certain structures or abnormalities in the foot and ankle. This is typically done if the doctor wants to investigate specific issues, such as inflammation or blood flow.
5. Scanning: The MRI machine generates strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed cross-sectional images of the foot and ankle. The patient needs to remain still during the scanning process, which can last anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity of the examination and the number of images needed.
6. Communication: Throughout the scan, the technologist will communicate with the patient via an intercom system. The patient may also be given earplugs or headphones to block out the loud noises produced by the MRI machine.
7. Post-Scan: Once the scan is complete, the patient can usually resume their normal activities immediately. The images captured during the MRI scan are interpreted by a radiologist, who will then provide a report to the referring physician.

Overall, an MRI scan of the foot and ankle is a non-invasive and painless procedure that provides detailed images of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and soft tissues in that area, helping doctors diagnose and plan appropriate treatment for various orthopedic conditions.

If you need an MRI scan we invite you to contact Preferred Imaging Centers during the month of may and ask about discounted pricing for self-pay patients. We have expert staff and convenient Chicago locations in the Chicago, Elgin and Orland Park areas.

Preferred Imaging Centers staff are fascinated by how our bodies work. For that reason we put together some facts on how the Foot and Ankle work to help you understand better how your foot and ankle work.

The foot and ankle work together to provide stability, support, and mobility to the body.

Here’s how they collaborate:

1. Structural Support: The foot consists of multiple bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles, forming a complex structure that supports the body’s weight and helps maintain balance. The ankle is the joint connecting the foot to the lower leg, providing stability and allowing for movements such as dorsiflexion (lifting the foot upward) and plantarflexion (pointing the foot downward).
2. Weight Distribution: The foot and ankle distribute the body’s weight evenly during standing, walking, running, and other activities. The arches of the foot act as shock absorbers, cushioning the impact of each step and helping to reduce stress on the joints.
3. Mobility: The ankle joint is crucial for mobility, allowing for a wide range of movements in multiple planes, including flexion, extension, inversion (turning the sole of the foot inward), and eversion (turning the sole of the foot outward). These movements are essential for walking, running, jumping, and performing various physical activities.
4. Propulsion: The foot and ankle work together to generate forward propulsion during activities such as walking and running. The muscles in the foot and ankle contract and relax in coordination to push off the ground and propel the body forward with each step.
5. Balance and Stability: Proper alignment and coordination of the foot and ankle are essential for maintaining balance and stability while standing and moving. The proprioceptive feedback from the joints, ligaments, and muscles in the foot and ankle helps the body adjust to changes in terrain and maintain equilibrium.
6. Adaptation to Surfaces: The foot and ankle adapt to different surfaces and terrains by adjusting the distribution of pressure and altering the angle of the joints. This adaptability allows for smooth and efficient movement on uneven or challenging surfaces.

Overall, the foot and ankle form a biomechanical unit that plays a crucial role in locomotion, weight-bearing, and maintaining stability and balance. Dysfunction or injury in either the foot or ankle can disrupt this delicate interplay, leading to pain, instability, and limitations in movement.