Private Ankle and Achilles Ultrasound London: Tendon Tears, Sports Injuries, Plantar Fasciitis and What Your Scan Reveals

The Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the human body — and one of the most commonly injured. Achilles tendinopathy affects up to 9% of recreational runners, and complete Achilles rupture is one of the most feared injuries in sport. Meanwhile, plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain, affecting approximately 1 in 10 people at some point in their lives.

Whether you are a runner dealing with morning stiffness in your Achilles, a weekend footballer who felt something snap, or someone who cannot take a step out of bed without excruciating heel pain, a private ankle and Achilles ultrasound provides the diagnosis you need — in real time, with dynamic assessment that shows your doctor exactly what is happening as your foot moves.

At The Wellness London, every MSK ultrasound is performed by a GMC-registered doctor. The critical advantage over MRI for tendon and ankle injuries is that your doctor can watch the tendon move, assess the gap in a rupture dynamically, and check whether your plantar fascia is thickened — all while explaining findings on screen.

Ankle or Achilles problem? Book your scan on WhatsApp or email team@thewellnesslondon.com.

What an Ankle and Achilles Ultrasound Examines

Achilles tendon. The full length of the tendon is assessed from the calf muscle (gastrocnemius-soleus junction) to its insertion on the calcaneus (heel bone). The scan evaluates tendon thickness, internal structure (fibrillar pattern), areas of degeneration (tendinopathy), partial tears, complete rupture, and the presence of calcification or bursitis. Dynamic assessment evaluates tendon integrity during ankle movement.

Retrocalcaneal bursa. The bursa between the Achilles tendon and the calcaneus. Bursitis here causes posterior heel pain and is common in runners and dancers.

Plantar fascia. The thick band of tissue on the sole of the foot, from the calcaneus to the toes. Ultrasound measures plantar fascia thickness at its origin — thickening above 4mm is diagnostic of plantar fasciitis. Tears, calcifications, and associated bursitis are also assessed.

Lateral ankle ligaments. The anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) — the ligaments most commonly injured in ankle sprains. Ultrasound can identify acute tears, chronic thickening, and laxity with dynamic stress testing.

Peroneal tendons. Running behind the lateral malleolus (outer ankle bone). Assessed for tendinopathy, tears, subluxation, and dislocation — peroneal tendon subluxation is a commonly missed diagnosis after ankle sprains.

Tibialis posterior tendon. The most important tendon supporting the arch of the foot. Tibialis posterior tendinopathy and tears can cause progressive flat foot deformity. Ultrasound detects early tendinopathy before the deformity becomes established.

Ankle joint. Assessed for effusion (fluid), synovial thickening, and osteophytes (bone spurs).

Tibialis anterior tendon. The tendon at the front of the ankle — assessed for tendinopathy or rupture, which can cause foot drop.

Common Conditions Diagnosed

Achilles tendinopathy. The most common Achilles condition. The tendon becomes thickened, structurally disorganised, and painful — typically in the mid-portion (2–6cm above the insertion) or at the insertional attachment to the heel. Ultrasound shows tendon thickening, hypoechoic areas, loss of normal fibrillar pattern, and neovascularisation on Doppler. This condition responds well to eccentric loading exercise programmes, and your scan provides the baseline for monitoring treatment response.

Achilles tendon rupture. A complete or partial tear of the Achilles tendon. Complete rupture often presents with a sudden "pop" or sensation of being kicked in the back of the leg, followed by difficulty walking and inability to push off on tiptoe. Ultrasound confirms the diagnosis, measures the gap between torn ends, and assesses whether the tendon ends approximate when the ankle is in plantarflexion — information critical for deciding between surgical repair and conservative (boot) management.

Plantar fasciitis. The most common cause of heel pain. Characterised by sharp pain on the bottom of the heel, worst with the first steps in the morning or after sitting. Ultrasound shows plantar fascia thickening (greater than 4mm) and may show tears, calcification, or perifascial fluid.

Ankle ligament injury. Lateral ankle sprains are the most common sports injury. The ATFL is torn first, followed by the CFL in more severe sprains. Ultrasound identifies ligament tears, chronic thickening, and can assess stability with dynamic stress.

Peroneal tendon pathology. Tendinopathy, tears, or subluxation of the peroneal tendons — often missed after ankle sprains and a cause of persistent lateral ankle pain.

Pricing

Ultrasound-guided procedures:

All scan prices include the doctor-performed scan, verbal debrief, and same-day written report.

What to Expect

No preparation needed. Wear trousers that roll easily above the calf, or shorts.

You will sit or lie on the examination bed with the foot and ankle exposed. The doctor examines each structure systematically, asking you to move your ankle through range of motion for dynamic assessment. The scan takes approximately 20–30 minutes.

Your doctor explains findings during the scan, shows you the relevant structures on screen, and discusses treatment options immediately. A written report is issued the same day.

Treatment After Your Scan

Physiotherapy. The first-line treatment for most tendon and ligament conditions. Your scan report gives your physiotherapist precise diagnostic information to guide rehabilitation — including which structures are affected and how severely.

Ultrasound-guided injection. For conditions like plantar fasciitis, retrocalcaneal bursitis, or ankle joint inflammation that have not responded to conservative treatment. Performed at The Wellness with ultrasound guidance for precise placement.

Immobilisation. Achilles ruptures and severe ligament injuries may require boot immobilisation. Your scan provides the information needed to determine the appropriate management pathway.

Surgical referral. For complete Achilles ruptures in appropriate candidates, large peroneal tendon tears, or persistent instability after ligament injury. Your doctor can arrange referral the same day.

Get your ankle assessed. Book on WhatsApp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can ultrasound see ankle fractures? Ultrasound can sometimes identify cortical irregularities suggesting fractures, but X-ray is the standard investigation for suspected bone fractures. Ultrasound excels at soft tissue assessment — tendons, ligaments, and fluid.

I have persistent ankle pain months after a sprain — is ultrasound useful? Yes. Chronic ankle pain after a sprain is often caused by incomplete ligament healing, peroneal tendon pathology, or occult injury missed at the time. Ultrasound can identify the cause and guide treatment.

Can both ankles be scanned? Yes. Bilateral assessment is useful for comparison and is performed in the same appointment.

Book Your Ankle and Achilles Ultrasound

📱 Book via WhatsApp

📧 Email: team@thewellnesslondon.com

🌐 Book online: thewellnesslondon.com/ultrasound

This article was reviewed by the clinical team at The Wellness London. All scans are performed by GMC-registered doctors. Last updated March 2026.

Medical disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. If you have suffered a sudden "snap" or "pop" in your Achilles with difficulty walking, please seek medical assessment urgently.