Computed tomography, or CT scanning, is a medical imaging procedure that uses x-rays to produce detailed pictures of the inside of the body without invasive or surgical procedures. Doctors use the images produced by CT scans to diagnose (and rule out) a range of medical conditions that may affect the bones, soft tissues, organs, nerves and blood vessels.
Most body parts can be scanned using CT technology, including the feet, toes and ankle joint.
What is a Foot CT Scan?
A foot CT scan focuses on the foot and ankle joint and diagnoses conditions that cause pain, immobility, stiffness and swelling. The feet and ankles contain many small bones - from the phalanges (toe bones) and the metatarsals (the bones of the top of the foot) to the shin bone (tibia), calf bone (fibula) and ankle bone (talus) in the ankle joint.
Standard X-rays can’t provide the level of detail that CT scanning can, as some small bones can be obscured from view on a normal X-ray.
Why You Might Need a Foot CT Scan
Fractures and dislocations are common reasons for needing a foot CT scan. Sports and workplace-related injuries can cause bone breaks and dislocations, and having a CT scan after an accident or injury is relatively commonplace. From the images, doctors can determine which bones and soft tissues have been affected, and the appropriate treatments can be recommended.
If you have foot pain, swelling, stiffness or immobility that started gradually, isn’t getting better or is becoming worse, you may also benefit from a foot CT scan.
What a Foot CT Scan Can Diagnose
A foot CT scan provides more detailed images of the foot and ankle joint than a standard X-ray, as it takes cross-sectional images that are collated to produce a three-dimensional picture of the bones and soft tissues. Therefore, CT imaging of the foot is used to diagnose a range of conditions, including tiny bone fractures, dislocations and arthritis.
Fractures
Fractures, or bone breaks, can be caused by twisting, falling or crushing injuries and are picked up by foot CT scans. However, they can also be caused by overuse of the foot. A stress fracture is a small break that can be caused by sports or constant stress on the foot, and may not be picked up by a standard X-ray, but will be picked up on a CT scan.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a condition caused by wear and tear and ageing that leads to the wearing away of the cartilage that cushions the bones, causing pain, stiffness and immobility.
Bone Spurs
Bone spurs are small, bony growths that develop on the bones, causing pain, swelling and a catching sensation as they rub against the bones and soft tissues. In the foot, they most commonly affect the heel bone. They can develop after an injury, or they can be caused by arthritis or repetitive stress injuries.
Flatfoot
Flatfoot is a condition that causes the arch of the foot to lower, sometimes resulting in no arch at all. It’s usually caused by genetics and may result in pain and discomfort when standing or walking for long periods.
Bunions
Bunions are bony growths on the side of the big toe, causing it to move inward, resulting in inflammation of the second and third toes alongside pain and difficulty walking. They can be inherited or caused by standing for long periods or wearing ill-fitting or high-heeled shoes.
Tarsal Coalition
Tarsal coalition causes two or more tarsal (midfoot and hindfoot) bones to fuse, causing pain, stiffness and foot deformities. It’s usually an inherited condition that’s diagnosed in childhood.
Osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis is a condition caused by bacteria that leads to an infection of the bone. More common in diabetics, it causes pain, redness, swelling and a buildup of pus that may require draining. A foot CT scan can diagnose osteomyelitis, essential for starting treatment.
Tumours
Tumours are a mass of bone or soft tissue cells growing uncontrollably to form a lump that can cause pain as it presses against the surrounding tissue. CT scans can pick up cancerous (malignant) and non-cancerous (benign) tumours.
Joint Dislocations
A dislocated bone is a bone that’s been forced out of place through an accident or injury, causing pain, swelling, bruising and immobility. The foot and ankle bones are prone to dislocations and can result in the foot or ankle joint looking visibly out of place.
Gout
Gout is a condition caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals. It usually affects the big toe, but can also affect the bones of the foot and ankle. Gout causes extreme pain, even when lightly touching the area, but it can be treated with medications once diagnosed.
Types of CT Scan
There are different types of CT imaging used to scan the foot and ankle joint. Which one you have will depend on your physician, symptoms and medical history.
Standard Foot CT Scan
A standard foot CT scan is usually performed first. For more details, see the section on how a CT scan of the foot works, below.
Weightbearing Foot CT Scan
Depending on your symptoms, you may need a foot CT scan while you’re standing up so that doctors can see how your foot and ankle align and how well they stabilise when you’re fully weight-bearing.
Contrast-Enhanced Foot CT
A contrast-enhanced foot CT scan is used when doctors need a better image of the blood vessels and soft tissues in the foot. A dye is injected into a vein or given as an oral liquid that highlights these structures better on the CT scan image.
3D Foot CT Scan
CT scan images are taken from various angles during a three-dimensional foot CT scan, which are then collated to create a full picture of the bones and soft tissues of the entire foot and ankle. This is useful when it isn’t clear what might be causing foot pain and mobility problems.
High-Resolution Foot CT Scan
A high-resolution foot CT scan produces the most detailed images, which are again useful when it’s unclear what’s causing foot and ankle pain and instability.
How a CT Scan of the Foot Works
CT scans use X-rays to take images of the inside of the body. During a foot CT scan, the machinery takes images of the foot and ankle in cross-sectional “slices” from numerous angles. These are then collated using computer programming to create three-dimensional images that recreate the structures within the foot and ankle joint, highlighting any abnormalities.
Equipment Used
CT scans are carried out by a radiographer, usually in the radiology department of a hospital or a dedicated clinic. A CT scanning machine is a large, round, doughnut-shaped machine that circles a flat medical table.
Benefits
CT imaging is considered safe for most patients, produces high-quality, detailed images and is a quick, painless way of diagnosing various conditions. Foot pain can be difficult to diagnose due to the complex structures within the foot and ankle, so foot CT scans are a highly effective tool for aiding doctors and surgeons. CT scans are also generally more tolerable to those who may struggle with the loud noises and claustrophobic nature of an MRI scan.
Risks
Due to the use of X-rays during a CT scan, there is a small risk of radiation exposure. Repeated radiation exposure can lead to a slightly increased risk of developing certain cancers later in life. However, this risk is low, and the benefits of having a diagnosis outweigh this risk. Pregnant women, babies and young children are given CT scans only if necessary. It can be daunting, so discuss any concerns with your medical team before your CT scan appointment.
It’s also important to recognise the signs of an allergy to the barium and iodine dyes used in contrast-enhanced CT scans. Some people are allergic to these dyes without knowing it. Symptoms of an allergy include feeling breathless, weak or flushed and experiencing excessive sweating. These symptoms can be mild or develop into more dangerous ones. If you notice any of these symptoms, or begin to feel unwell and you've had a contrast dye, let your radiographer know immediately.
How to Prepare for a Foot CT Scan
There’s very little preparation involved in having a foot CT scan. Your doctor will let you know if you need to change your regular medication and diet beforehand, but this is uncommon.
The Procedure Explained: What to Expect
A foot CT scan takes around 15 to 30 minutes. Clinics and hospitals vary, but it will generally take place in the following steps:
Change Into a Gown
Despite the CT scan focusing on your foot and ankle, you will still be asked to change into a medical gown. This is to ensure your comfort and prevent the risk of any metal objects entering the scanner (see below).
Remove Metal Objects
X-ray beams are disrupted by metals, which will distort the images, making them difficult to read. For this reason, all metal objects must be left outside the scanning room. This includes watches, jewellery, hair clips, belts, bras and other clothing with metallic zips, buttons and embellishments, cash, bank cards and mobile phones.
Lie on the CT Table
Your radiographer will help you onto the table of the CT scanner and into the correct position. They’ll know that your foot might be painful and will help you feel as comfortable as possible. You’ll be asked to remain still for the duration of the scan, and you may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds during some parts.
Foot Positioned on Scanner
Depending on the type of foot CT scan, your radiographer may help you move your foot into different positions to get the most useful images.
Scan Takes Place
Your radiographer will move behind a lead-lined screen or to a different room to avoid repeated radiation exposure. From there, they’ll operate the CT scanning machine remotely. You’ll be able to communicate with them through headphones or a microphone.
Wait for Image Review
They will then take CT images from all necessary angles. Once they’re happy, the scan will be over.
What Happens After a Foot CT Scan?
When your foot CT scan is finished, your radiographer will help you off the medical table, and you’ll be able to get dressed. If you’ve had a contrast dye CT scan, you’ll be asked to remain in the clinic for at least half an hour to check that you're not developing symptoms of an allergy to the dye.
They’ll then send your results to a specialist radiologist who will interpret them and make their diagnosis.
Getting the Results
If you’ve had an emergency foot CT scan due to an accident or injury, you may get your results the same day. In other cases, you may need to wait a few days. Your radiologist will discuss your results with your referring doctor, who may also discuss them with an orthopaedic surgeon if you need surgery, or a physiotherapist if they think you may benefit from rehabilitation therapy. Either way, your doctor will discuss treatments and next steps with you.
Costs
In the UK, a private CT scan of the foot starts at around £300. If you need a contrast-enhanced CT scan, it will cost more. Consultations and any subsequent treatments will be charged as additional costs.
Get a Foot CT Scan
Foot pain can be annoying at best, but it can also considerably affect your day-to-day life and prevent you from moving around normally, exercising and working to your full potential. Getting an answer to what's causing your pain is therefore essential. CT scanning of the foot and ankle can get you the diagnosis you need, so book a private foot CT scan with us today and begin your path to treatment.
FAQs
What Does a Foot CT Scan Show?
A foot CT scan shows all the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves and blood vessels of the foot, and it will highlight any fractures, inflammation or other abnormalities that could be causing pain, stiffness and mobility problems.
How Long Does a Foot CT Scan Take?
A foot CT scan appointment typically takes 15 to 30 minutes - you may be in the clinic longer if you need a contrast-enhanced CT scan.
References
Weightbearing Computed Tomography Scan | FootCareMD. (n.d.). FootCareMD. https://www.footcaremd.org/conditions-treatments/injections-and-other-treatments/weightbearing-computed-tomography-scan
Fitter Feet for Life. (2019, November 19). CT SCAN - Fitter feet for life. https://fitterfeet.co.uk/diagnostics/imaging/ct-scan/
Silver, N. (2023, November 21). Recognizing and treating common foot problems. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/foot-problems
Website, N. (2025b, April 15). CT scan. nhs.uk. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ct-scan/