Calf Scan
A calf scan is diagnostic imaging that we use to evaluate major musculoskeletal components in the calf. The calf is made of various structures, such as muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones, and this ultrasound scan can help examine areas such as:
- Gastrocnemius muscles
- Calf tendons
- Soleus muscle
- Retrocalcaneal bursa
Why Do You Need a Calf Scan?
At Sonoclinic, we may recommend a calf scan for various reasons, such as:
- Calf or leg injury
- Calf pain that worsens when walking or running.
- Limited mobility
- Calf discomfort
- Inflammation
- Calf lump
- Post-surgical problems such as abscesses or oedema.
- Foreign object detection like glass or metal fragments in soft tissues.
On the other hand, a calf scan can help diagnose different conditions of the calf, including:
- Calf muscle strains. Injuries caused by overuse or sudden movement.
- Calf muscle tears. Partial or complete tears due to overuse, sudden movement or trauma, with ultrasound revealing the severity.
- Soft tissue masses. Detection of abnormalities like hernias, cysts, or tumours in the calf region.
- Inflammation and swelling (bursitis)
- Calf sprains
- Tennis leg
- Calf muscle hernias
- Thickening or degeneration of the tendons.
- Traumatic injury
- Fluid build-up in the calf joint
- Overuse injuries
Procedure Details
The calf scan is a quick, safe, pain-free procedure requiring no specific preparation. It uses ultrasound waves to visualise the calf and examine its elements.
During the procedure, a special water-based gel is applied to the calf, and a transducer is moved over the skin to create real-time images.
The scan normally takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Once it is completed, the results are reviewed and discussed with you. We also provide you with a diagnostic ultrasound report with suggested follow-up.