There are several options for imaging the foot, including MRI and plain film x-rays. Let’s look at some of the main differences between these two procedures. The cost of these imaging tests depends on the type of procedure you have and on your insurance coverage. Ask your doctor if there are any discounts or whether you are covered. If you can get the imaging done in the doctor’s office, it is usually less expensive than if you had it done at a hospital. The most inexpensive imaging methods are ultrasound, X-rays, and MRI.
MRI
A high-resolution ultrasound can measure changes in the thickness of the plantar fascia. This process can reveal areas of thickening. This is often the case in runners and walkers. The thickness of the plantar fascia can also be analyzed with the MRI. There are several benefits associated with this procedure. Here are some of the most common uses for plantar fasciitis MRI. All of these methods can help diagnose the underlying cause of plantar fasciitis.
A comprehensive diagnostic study can show the anatomy of the plantar fascia and the medial calcaneal nerve. These two structures are closely connected and can be the source of nerve pain. The table below shows typical MR imaging findings. The findings are listed in order of increasing severity. The table below summarizes the major findings associated with ruptures of the PA. Abnormalities are often present at the site of the rupture and are often indicative of plantar fasciitis.
MRI is the standard diagnostic test for diagnosing Plantar Fasciitis. However, ultrasound is also an important diagnostic tool. Although it’s not as precise as MRI, it’s comparable to MRI and is still useful in confirming a clinical diagnosis of plantar fasciitis. In these cases, MRI may be used only when ultrasound is inconclusive or when the patient’s symptoms are difficult to explain.
The MRI is the preferred imaging modality for evaluating the extent of damage in the plantar fascia. Sonography is the initial imaging modality for this condition, but MRI is recommended for more complicated pathologies. The researchers conducted this study in the Radio diagnosis Department of Zagazig University Hospitals. The study included 21 patients with plantar fasciitis and five asymptomatic volunteers as control subjects. All patients underwent an MRI and ultrasonography. MRI showed that the plantar fascia was thickened in the symptomatic feet, while ultrasound revealed that the plantar fascia was normal.
MRI is an imaging tool that provides detailed cross-section images of the bones and tendons in the foot and ankle. The process of undergoing an MRI takes about 30-60 minutes. The patient must be still during the process. The MRI scanner produces noise during the entire procedure, which can be distracting to the patient. Patients should not undergo MRI if they have a pacemaker, metal screws, or tattoos.
Plain film x-ray
A plain film x-ray of the plantar fascia is nonspecific and is not always necessary for the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis. Plantar fascia disorders are often associated with heel pain, which is not a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. Common sonographic features of plantar fasciitis include thickening of the PF, loss of fibrillar structure, perifascial collections, calcifications, and hyperemia. Plain film x-rays can also show oedema of the surrounding soft tissues and abnormalities of the deep fat pad.
A plain film x-ray for plantar fasciatis can also reveal indirect signs of the condition, such as pathological changes of the bone. Radiographs may show lytic lesions or radiopaque foreign material. These changes may indicate infectious fasciitis or osteomyelitis. Infections of the plantar fascia may also lead to changes in the bone morphology and/or periosteal thickening. A stress fracture can also accompany plantar fasciitis.
Radiographic findings of plantar fasciitis vary significantly. The medial and central plantar fascia are affected most frequently, although the proximal plantar fascia may also be involved. Plain film x-ray findings are generally normal, except for the presence of multiple nodular areas of thickening in the inferior and middle parts of the plantar fascia. Larger lesions may show evidence of plantar musculature infiltration.
One study used a plain film x-ray to measure the thickness of the plantar fascia on a lateral non-weight-bearing radiograph. The study applied a blinding technique to the image assessor, which resulted in a statistically significant difference between the two groups. The CPHP participants were 2.4 mm thicker than those with non-CPHP.
Nonsurgical treatment for plantar fasciitis typically involves stretching the plantar fascia and using arch supports to stabilize the heel. Conservative treatment includes rest, padded shoes, orthotics, and heel lifts. Anti-inflammatory medications are usually prescribed to alleviate symptoms. In some cases, surgery may be necessary. However, nonsurgical care is often the best treatment for acute heel pain. If nonsurgical care does not relieve symptoms, surgery is often the only option.
