DepartmentTreatments and Services

 

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 [Back to Overview](/departments/orthopedic-surgery/foot-and-ankle-care)## Explore department

 
 

 

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 ##### By Phone

For general scheduling or help finding the right provider, call to speak to a member of our care team.





 

##### Schedule Online

If you’ve already seen a provider in this department, you can request a follow-up with them in MyChart.

[Schedule With MyChart](https://mychart.bmc.org/)



 

 

 

 

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Refer a Patient

 Phone: [617.638.5633](tel:617.638.5633)

 

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  ## Foot and Ankle Care

# Treatments and Services

 Explore Foot and Ankle CareSeveral tests and diagnostic tools are used to evaluate foot and ankle conditions:

- [**Physical examination**](/content/physical-exam): The doctor looks for swelling, deformities, or bruising and assesses range of motion, strength, and stability through palpation and movement tests.
- [**X-rays**](/content/x-rays): Used to identify fractures, joint alignment, bone deformities, and conditions like arthritis.
- [**Magnetic resonance imaging**](/node/111971) **(MRI)**: Provides detailed images of soft tissues, including tendons, ligaments, and cartilage, helping diagnose tears, inflammation, or degeneration.
- [**CT scan**](/radiology/services/ct-scan): Offers a more detailed 3D view of bones, useful for complex fractures or bone abnormalities.
- [**Ultrasound**](/content/ultrasound): Used to assess soft tissues, particularly tendons and ligaments, and detect inflammation or tears.
- **Stress tests**: Used to evaluate the stability of joints, such as the ankle, under stress or pressure (e.g., anterior drawer test for the ankle).
- [**Bone scan**](/content/bone-scans): A nuclear imaging technique to detect infections, stress fractures, or bone inflammation.
- [**Nerve conduction studies**](/content/emg-electromyogram) **(electromyography)**: Used if nerve damage or compression (e.g., tarsal tunnel syndrome) is suspected.
- **Gait analysis**: Assesses how a person walks to identify abnormalities or imbalances in foot and ankle function.

These tests help orthopedic specialists determine the most appropriate treatment for conditions affecting the foot and ankle.