Patient lying on a scanner table with two clinicians beside the scanner

Foot and Ankle MRI Scan in London

Scans at partner imaging centres in London and across the UK. Consultations at Harley Street and Harrow.

A private foot or ankle MRI, reported by a consultant musculoskeletal (MSK) radiologist, usually within 24 hours. Same-day appointments are available at partner imaging centres in London and across the UK, from £375 (scan and report only).

From £375 · scan and report only
Same-day appointments
Report usually within 24 hours

Call 0203 633 5040 Book online

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GMC / FRCR Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist

What a foot or ankle MRI shows

Achilles tendon tears and tendinopathy
Ankle ligament injuries after a sprain
Stress fractures, including in the metatarsals and the heel bone
Cartilage and bone damage in the ankle joint (osteochondral lesions)
Plantar fascia problems and other causes of heel pain
Morton's neuroma and other causes of pain in the ball of the foot
Tendon problems around the ankle, such as the tibialis posterior and peroneal tendons

When you might need one

An ankle sprain that is still painful or feels unstable after 6 weeks
Heel or foot pain that hasn't settled with rest, footwear changes or physiotherapy
Foot pain when running or walking that could be a stress fracture, even if an X-ray was normal
Swelling or stiffness in the ankle that keeps coming back
Before seeing a foot and ankle surgeon

Go to A&E or an urgent treatment centre the same day if you can't put any weight on your foot after an injury, if your foot or ankle looks misshapen, or if you felt a sudden snap at the back of your ankle and can't push off on that foot. These need urgent assessment. Do not wait for a private scan.

What happens

1

Book

Call 0203 633 5040 or book online, and tell us briefly about your symptoms.
2

Safety check

We check that MRI is safe for you (for example pacemakers, implants or metal fragments) and that the scan suits your symptoms.
3

Your scan

At a partner imaging centre in London or elsewhere in the UK. It is painless, uses no X-rays and usually takes 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the area scanned.
4

Your report

A consultant musculoskeletal radiologist usually reports your scan within 24 hours.
5

Talk it through

Choose MRI with a consultation (from £425) and a consultant MSK radiologist will go through your findings and next steps with you.

Cost and what's included

Foot or ankle MRI from £375

Scan and report only

The foot and the ankle are separate scans. Tell us where it hurts and we'll help you choose.

With a consultation: from £425

Included in the price:

the scan at a partner imaging centre
a report from a consultant radiologist, usually within 24 hours
your digital images

See all prices

Pay by card; payment plans are available, so ask us for details. Using health insurance? Dr Sankaye is recognised by the major insurers and is Bupa fee-assured; call us and we'll help you check your cover.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a private foot or ankle MRI cost?

A foot or ankle MRI at LSRI costs from £375. That includes the scan, a report from a consultant radiologist, usually within 24 hours, and your digital images. It does not include a consultation or advice on treatment. For that, choose MRI with a consultation, from £425. The foot and the ankle are separate scans, so pain in both areas may need two.

Should I have my foot or my ankle scanned?

It depends on where it hurts. An ankle MRI covers the ankle joint, the Achilles tendon and the tendons and ligaments around the ankle. A foot MRI covers the middle and front of the foot, including the metatarsals. Heel pain can need either. Tell us where it hurts when you book and we'll advise.

How long does a foot or ankle MRI take?

Usually 20 to 40 minutes. You lie on your back with your foot in a padded coil, and your head usually stays outside the scanner. The scan is painless and uses no X-rays.

Do I need a GP referral?

Not if you are paying for yourself. Our team checks every request to make sure the scan suits your symptoms. If you are claiming on health insurance, your insurer may ask for a referral first.

How quickly will I get my results?

A consultant musculoskeletal radiologist usually reports your scan within 24 hours. If you would like to go through the results and next steps, choose MRI with a consultation, from £425. Whichever you choose, we will contact you if your report shows anything urgent or unexpected.

Which MRI scanner will I have?

Most scans are on a 1.5 Tesla scanner, which gives clear pictures of joints, tendons, nerves and bone. A 3 Tesla scanner is available at some London centres. Your consultant radiologist chooses how your scan is done for your symptoms.

Can I have more than one area scanned?

Yes. Each body part is a separate scan, each from £375 (scan and report only), and we confirm your total before you book.

Should I have an MRI or an ultrasound of my Achilles or heel?

Ultrasound is often the first scan for the Achilles tendon and the plantar fascia, because it shows tendons clearly and can be done during a clinic visit. MRI is better for bone, such as stress fractures, for the inside of the ankle joint, and when the cause of the pain isn't clear. If you are not sure which you need, call us and we'll advise.

Testimonials

What Our Patients Say

"Very good. Excellent. I rang, got answered, filled in form uploading gp referral letter and consultant opinion, got MRI next day, doctor video called me next day … Extremely smooth. 48 hours from first phone call to doctor video conference."

Roddy C. · Google review · October 2026

Our clinics

Two clinics, one team

Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist, sees patients at Harley Street in central London and at our Northwest London clinic in Harrow. Call one number to book at either clinic.