High-Resolution Extremity MRI | Foot & Ankle Centers

Foot and ankle pain—whether from a lingering injury, swelling, or stiffness—can seriously impact your daily life. Getting an accurate diagnosis is key to effective treatment. While traditional X-rays and MRIs have their place, Extremity MRI offers a faster, safer, and more comfortable solution designed specifically for the lower limbs. In this post, you’ll learn what Extremity MRI is, how it works, when to consider it, and how it can help you get back on your feet with confidence.

What Is Extremity MRI?

Extremity MRI is a specialized type of magnetic resonance imaging designed to scan just the arms or legs—in this case, your feet and ankles. Unlike traditional MRIs where your whole body goes into a tube, Extremity MRI allows you to sit or recline comfortably with only your lower limb inside the machine.

That means:

• No claustrophobia

• Less noise

• Shorter scan times

• Greater comfort

This targeted imaging approach gives doctors incredibly detailed views of bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, and soft tissues—exactly what’s needed to diagnose injuries and conditions accurately.

This advanced imaging is available at all three of our Foot & Ankle Centers locations—Frisco, Little Elm, and McKinney—making it easy to get the care you need close to home. Our experienced doctors—Dr. Tavakoli, Dr. Knapp, and Dr. Televen—use Extremity MRI to create personalized treatment plans that help you get back on your feet faster and with confidence.

Benefits of Extremity MRI for Foot & Ankle Issues

Here’s why this technology stands out:

1. Crystal-Clear Images
Extremity MRI delivers high-resolution images, helping your provider spot everything from fractures and ligament tears to soft tissue injuries and arthritis.

2. 100% Radiation-Free
Unlike X-rays or CT scans, MRIs don’t use any radiation. This makes Extremity MRI a safer option for people of all ages—including children and pregnant women.

3. More Comfortable Experience
With the rest of your body outside the machine, the procedure feels much less confined. Reduced noise levels also make the scan more tolerable for those sensitive to loud environments.

4. Faster Diagnoses
Extremity MRIs are quicker to perform than traditional scans, and often easier to schedule. A fast diagnosis means you can start treatment without unnecessary delays.

When Should You Consider an Extremity MRI?

If you’re unsure whether this scan is right for you, here are some common signs that may point to the need for advanced imaging:

• Chronic pain in your foot or ankle that hasn’t improved with rest or medication

• Swelling that won’t go away and isn’t clearly linked to an injury

• Limited range of motion or stiffness when trying to walk or move your foot

• Recent or past injury to your foot or ankle that still causes discomfort

If any of these symptoms sound familiar, it might be time to dig deeper with an Extremity MRI. Foot & Ankle Centers is ready to help with advanced equipment at all of our locations. 

What to Expect During the Process

Getting an Extremity MRI is simple and stress-free.

You may expect the following at Foot & Ankle Centers:

Step 1: Consultation
Before your scan, you’ll speak with your provider about your symptoms, medical history, and what the scan will help evaluate.

Step 2: Prep
You’ll remove any metal objects and change into comfortable clothing if needed. No fasting or injections are required.

Step 3: The Scan
You'll sit or lie beside the machine with only your foot or ankle inside. The scan typically takes 15–30 minutes. It’s painless—you’ll just need to stay still.

Step 4: Results & Next Steps
Your provider will review the images and discuss your diagnosis and treatment options, which could range from physical therapy to custom orthotics—or, in some cases, surgery.

FAQs About Extremity MRI

Is it safe?
Yes—Extremity MRI is radiation-free and generally safe for everyone. Always inform your provider if you have metal implants or medical conditions.

How long does it take?
Most scans are completed in under 30 minutes.

Do I need to prepare?
Just wear comfortable clothing and avoid jewelry or metal. No special preparation is needed.

What can it detect?
Everything from ligament sprains and stress fractures to tendonitis, arthritis, and soft tissue damage.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Don’t settle for guesswork when it comes to your health. Extremity MRI provides the accuracy your provider needs to design a treatment plan that actually works—so you can get back to walking, running, or just living pain-free.

If you’ve been struggling with foot or ankle pain, now is the time to act. Book your Extremity MRI appointment today at one of our convenient locations in Frisco, Little Elm, or McKinney. Let our doctors: Tavakoli, Knapp, or Treleven help you move forward—without pain holding you back.