A podiatrist would use an MRI to view what is happening inside of the foot or ankle to accurately diagnose a variety of health conditions or problems, such as bone fractures, arthritis, infections, growths, or damage to nerves and/ or soft tissues that traditional X-rays cannot detect.
Certain physical conditions prohibit the use of MRIs in some patients, since the magnetic force can attract metal implants. For example, those with pacemakers, artificial heart valves, and some types of surgically-implanted pumps, stimulators, hearing devices, and surgical clips may not be able to have an MRI performed. Also, if a patient has metal fragments in his or her eye, an MRI cannot be performed. This information would be disclosed in a patient’s questionnaire responses that are gathered prior to performing any imaging tests.