Ultrasound Left Ankle

An ankle ultrasound visualizes soft-tissue structures—tendons (including the Achilles), ligaments, muscles, bursae and joint lining—detecting tears, tendinopathy, tenosynovitis, bursitis, cysts, synovitis and joint effusions. It can show superficial bone cortical irregularities and foreign bodies but is limited for deep bone imaging. Dynamic, Doppler-capable scanning assesses real-time movement, vascularity (inflammation) and guides injections or aspirations.

The left ankle is the joint connecting lower leg bones (tibia, fibula) to the foot (talus), bearing weight and enabling movement. Pain or dysfunction commonly reflects sprain, tendonitis, arthritis, fracture, gout, circulation or nerve issues, or referred pain from the knee/hip. Clinical evaluation with history, exam and imaging or tests is needed to identify the cause and guide treatment.

Position the patient supine or seated with the ankle relaxed. Use a high-frequency linear probe (10–15 MHz) and ample gel. Scan in longitudinal and transverse planes over anterior, medial, lateral and posterior aspects to assess tendons (Achilles, peroneals, tibialis, anterior), ligaments (ATFL, CFL, deltoid), joint space and gutters. Perform dynamic maneuvers (dorsiflexion/plantarflexion, inversion/eversion) and use Doppler for hyperemia; look for fluid, discontinuity or hypoechoic swelling.

To prepare for an ankle ultrasound, wear loose clothing or shorts so the ankle is easily exposed and remove jewelry. Clean the skin and avoid applying creams or lotions. Bring any referral or previous imaging and a list of medications. You usually don’t need to fast. Arrive a bit early, mention recent injuries or infections, and follow any specific clinic instructions.

Ultrasound can be useful for ankle injuries: diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound reliably detects tendon tears, ligament sprains, joint effusion and guides procedures, is quick and radiation-free. Therapeutic ultrasound (deep heating) shows mixed, limited evidence for improving recovery after ankle sprain and isn’t a primary treatment. Clinical assessment and physiotherapy guide care; advanced imaging (MRI) may be needed for complex cases.

A doctor orders a leg ultrasound to check blood flow and detect clots (deep vein thrombosis), assess venous insufficiency or varicose veins, and evaluate arterial problems like peripheral arterial disease. It helps investigate leg pain, swelling, redness, nonhealing ulcers, or sudden swelling to guide treatment and rule out sources of embolism. Doppler/duplex ultrasound is noninvasive and shows vessel structure and flow.