General Diagnostic Ultrasound

Diagnostic ultrasound is one of the quickest and easiest ways to confirm or rule out an injury or condition. With the help of Dr. Williams and the team at Lincoln Park Podiatry, you can undergo a diagnostic ultrasound (or X-ray)  right in the office, so you can get your results right away and begin your personalized treatment plan. With offices in the Chicago communitie of Lincoln Park (close to Lakeview, Wicker Park, Old town and the Gold Coast) you have a clinic nearby to receive the ultrasound services you need. Click on the online scheduler to book your evaluation, or call to speak with a team member at our clinic.

Why would I need a diagnostic ultrasound?

Unlike in office X-rays which only shoes bones and alignment issues, Ultrasound allows us to visualize soft tissues such as tendons, ligaments, nerves, and bone.  Ultrasound technology utilizes very high-frequency sound waves, which bounce off structures inside your body, to produce images. This allows Dr. Williams/ Zemela  to see detailed images of your bones, connective tissues, muscles, and other components, with a simple in-office imaging test.   It's almost like having an MRI in the office for 1/5 the cost. 

The Doctor may recommend a diagnostic ultrasound to confirm or rule out any of the following conditions (among others):

• Achilles tendonitis
• Sprains and strains
• Plantar fasciitis 
• Stress fracture 
• Muscle tears 
• Abscess  
• Arthritis 
• Bursitis 
• Tumor
• Bone Healing after Surgery

Example: Diagnostic ultrasound can be a valuable tool for evaluating the underlying causes of heel pain, one of the most common conditions treated by podiatrists. Ultrasound allows us to visualize the plantar fascia and surrounding soft tissues in real time. For patients with plantar fasciitis, it may reveal thickening of the plantar fascia, tears, or inflammatory  changes as seen in the image below.

What are the benefits of a diagnostic ultrasound?

Lincoln Park Podiatry proudly offers diagnostic ultrasounds at both Chicagoland clinic locations. The podiatry team regularly utilizes ultrasound imaging, because it:

• Provides instant images 
• Requires no special preparation
• Doesn’t expose you to radiation (unlike an X-ray)
• Is easier than an MRI (and provides the same results)

Additionally, a diagnostic ultrasound allows Dr. Williams to observe the live movements of your inner structures. This is beneficial because if you only feel pain when you flex your foot, as an example, Dr. Williams can have you flex during your ultrasound, so they can observe what’s happening and ensure they look at all surrounding structures. 

What happens during a diagnostic ultrasound?

Diagnostic ultrasounds from Lincoln Park Podiatry are routine components of pain or injury evaluations. After performing a thorough examination, checking your range of motion, and evaluating your pain, your dedicated podiatrist performs an ultrasound.   

The Doctor applies a clear gel-like substance to your skin and glides the ultrasound transducer — a small handheld tool — over your foot or ankle. They view images right on the screen and capture any photos or videos they may need to help with the diagnostic process. 

The Doctor can talk with you about what they see during the ultrasound and show you any areas of concern. In many cases, the Doctor can diagnose you on the spot and talk with you about the best treatment options. 

Lincoln Park Podiatry provides on-site diagnostic ultrasounds, so you can get fast results. Find out more by booking an appointment either online or over the phone today.

⚠️ Important Notice About In-Office Ultrasound

Our in-office ultrasound is available only as part of the evaluation and treatment of patients seen in our practice.

We do not provide ultrasound imaging services for patients referred solely for testing by outside physicians or other medical practices. Our ultrasound equipment is used as an in-office tool to assist with the care of our own patients and is not offered as a standalone diagnostic imaging service. We are not a radiology or diagnostic imaging facility.