Private Achilles Tendon Ultrasound Scan
High-resolution ultrasound for Achilles pain, tendon thickening, tendinopathy, suspected partial or complete tear, bursitis and post-injury soft-tissue concerns.
Clinics in Tunbridge Wells, Orpington and Canary Wharf
Choose the clinic most convenient for you and book one Achilles tendon or both sides.
Tunbridge Wells
Focused Achilles tendon ultrasound with dynamic assessment where clinically useful.
36 Monson Road
Tunbridge Wells, Kent
TN1 1LU
Orpington
Private Achilles tendon ultrasound with same-day reporting.
Orpington Health & Wellbeing Centre
19 Homefield Rise
Orpington, BR6 0FE
Canary Wharf
Private Achilles tendon ultrasound in Canary Wharf with same-day reporting.
30 South Colonnade
Canary Wharf Estate
London, E14 5HX
Detailed assessment of tendon structure, tears and surrounding soft tissues
Achilles ultrasound provides high-resolution assessment of tendon thickness, fibre pattern, insertional and mid-portion changes, partial or complete tearing, surrounding fluid and adjacent bursae.
It is particularly useful for persistent Achilles pain, suspected tendinopathy, sudden injury, weakness after push-off and suspected tendon rupture.
Dynamic assessment may be used where tendon continuity or movement needs further evaluation.
What an Achilles tendon ultrasound can assess
The examination is tailored to the location of pain and whether the concern is overuse, tendinopathy or acute injury.
Tendon structure
Assessment of tendon thickness, echotexture and focal or diffuse structural change.
Achilles tendinopathy
Assessment for thickening, hypoechoic change, neovascularity where Doppler is used and degenerative tendon features.
Partial-thickness tears
Assessment for focal fibre disruption, tendon defects and surrounding fluid where present.
Complete rupture
Assessment of tendon continuity, gap and associated soft-tissue change where complete rupture is suspected.
Bursitis
Assessment for retrocalcaneal and superficial bursal fluid around the Achilles insertion.
Dynamic assessment
Real-time tendon movement and continuity can be evaluated where this adds useful information.
Common reasons for Achilles ultrasound
Achilles pain
Persistent pain or tenderness along the tendon during walking, running or activity.
Tendon thickening
Visible or palpable thickening in the mid-portion or insertional Achilles region.
Sudden injury
A sudden snap, sharp pain or loss of push-off strength where a tendon tear is suspected.
Sports injury
Pain following running, jumping, sprinting or explosive movement.
Heel swelling
Posterior heel swelling where insertional tendinopathy or bursitis may be contributing.
Follow-up of known tendinopathy
Review of a known Achilles problem where structural reassessment is clinically useful.
Ultrasound is particularly well suited to the Achilles tendon
It can assess tendon structure in real time, but some associated bone or deeper ankle problems may require additional imaging.
Excellent for tendon structure
Ultrasound can demonstrate tendon thickening, fibre disruption, tears, surrounding fluid and many features of tendinopathy.
Dynamic assessment
Real-time scanning can help assess tendon continuity and movement after injury.
Other imaging may be needed
Associated calcaneal abnormalities, deep ankle pathology or complex injuries may require X-ray or MRI.
What happens during your Achilles ultrasound?
Clinical history
We review the location of pain, duration, injury mechanism and activity-related symptoms.
Focused ultrasound
The Achilles tendon is assessed from the musculotendinous region to its calcaneal insertion.
Dynamic assessment
You may be asked to move the ankle so tendon continuity and movement can be assessed where helpful.
Results & report
The main findings are explained and a formal written report is provided the same day.
No special preparation is required
Wear accessible clothing
Clothing that allows easy access to the heel and lower calf is ideal.
Bring previous results
Bring relevant MRI, X-ray, ultrasound reports or clinic letters if available.
Expect ankle movement
You may be asked to move the foot or ankle during dynamic assessment.
What Our Patients Say
Independent patient feedback from people who have chosen UKSONO Healthcare for private diagnostic ultrasound.
Achilles ultrasound FAQs
Common questions about tendinopathy, suspected tear, bursitis, bilateral scans and results.
How much does an Achilles ultrasound cost?
Do I need a GP referral?
Can ultrasound detect an Achilles tendon tear?
Can ultrasound assess Achilles tendinopathy?
Can ultrasound assess bursitis around the Achilles?
Can both Achilles tendons be scanned?
Do I need any preparation?
How long does the scan take?
Will I receive the report on the same day?
Is Achilles ultrasound safe?
Book your private Achilles tendon ultrasound
Appointments are available in Tunbridge Wells, Orpington and Canary Wharf, with same-day reporting.
