Today, conducting tear and fracture assessments is quicker and more streamlined. Thanks to the Butterfly ultrasound, a portable ultrasound device we can now carry out a fully-integrated foot and ankle imaging anywhere, anytime.
This is particularly useful if we must do out-of-office consultations and don’t have immediate access to our Sonosite machines, allowing a more detailed diagnosis.
In this post, I will highlight three of the most common foot and ankle conditions the Butterfly ultrasound helps us diagnose.
1. Tendon Injuries
Tendon injuries, also known as tendinopathy, are more common among athletes. Cleveland clinic pits the bulk of sports-related traumas – 50% – to tendon injuries. In the general population, tendon injuries occur in 2% to 5% of people. Diagnosis involves reviewing your medical history, a physical exam, and ultrasound scans where necessary.
2. Tendon Tears
In America, 33 million musculoskeletal injuries are reported each year. The incidence rate of Achilles tendon tears sits at 6.7 to 10.8 per 100,000 people. Symptoms include the inability to use the affected leg, severe pain, and tenderness in the affected area. Diagnosis involves a physical exam to check for swelling and tenderness and to determine the extent of your tendon tear we turn to the Butterfly ultrasound.
3. Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is another common foot problem that approximately 10% of the United States population suffers from. Also known as heel pain, plantar fasciitis is most widely prevalent in people aged 40 to 60. A medical history review, physical exam, and ultrasound tests can provide us with the information needed to diagnose accurately.
Book an appointment today
Are you suffering from heel pain, or have swollenness and tenderness in your leg or foot? Get in touch with our clinic or request an appointment today to have it checked out.
Looking for more insight? Check out our previous posts:
- Ganglionic Cysts of the Foot and Ankle
- Podiatrist Near Me: Why Do My Muscles Cramp So Much?
- Alexandria VA Podiatrist: Plantar Fasciitis A Probable Cause of Persistent Arch Pain
Disclaimer: Any information provided in this blog is not intended to replace medical advice given by qualified professionals.