What can an MRI show in the legs?

Your provider may order an MRI of the leg if you have:

A mass that can be felt on a physical exam.
An abnormal finding on an x-ray or bone scan.
Birth defects of the leg, ankle, or foot.
Bone pain and fever.
Broken bone.
Decreased motion of the ankle joint.
Pain, swelling, or redness in a leg.

Can MRI show muscle problems?

An MRI will not show muscle strains or other problems with soft tissues. The pain usually will go away on its own, although it may take several months.

Does your whole body go in for a leg MRI?

During the procedure For most procedures, the patient goes into the MRI machine head-first, and the lower part of the body remains completely outside the machine. If you are having an MRI of your foot, knee or leg, you will go into the machine feet first, and your head and upper body will remain outside the machine.

Can an MRI detect sciatica?

Imaging studies are usually needed to diagnose the cause of sciatic nerve pain. An MRI of the lumbar spine will show many causes of low back pain and sciatica, including disc herniations, facet arthritis, and lumbar spinal stenosis. Digital x-rays and CT scans may also be used to diagnose the cause of sciatica.

What if MRI shows nothing but still in pain?

The bottom line is that not all pain is able to be detected on an x-ray or MRI. That does not mean that there is nothing there that needs to be treated or diagnosed. In fact, it means that it is possibly a precursor to something going really wrong and then eventually needing surgery because it eventually winds up torn.

Can an MRI show sciatica?

An MRI of the lumbar spine will show many causes of low back pain and sciatica, including disc herniations, facet arthritis, and lumbar spinal stenosis. Digital x-rays and CT scans may also be used to diagnose the cause of sciatica.

Can a MRI tell if you have stenosis in your legs?

It shows the effect of stenosis and/or other problems on the muscles and nerves of the legs, arm, fingers, hands, and so on. An MRI will not necessarily reveal whether or not your leg weakness is caused by your stenosis.

What are the symptoms of weakness in both legs?

Weakness of both legs may also be associated with the following symptoms: Paralysis: This means the inability to move the legs. Tingling of the legs. Numbness in your legs. Pain in your legs. Difficulty standing and/or walking. Back pain that may or may not shoot down the back of your legs.

Do you have to lie on your back for an MRI?

In some cases, you may need to wait up to an hour for the dye to work its way through your bloodstream and into your spine. The MRI technician will have you lie on the bench, either on your back, side, or stomach. You may receive a pillow or blanket if you have trouble lying on the bench.

When to see a doctor for leg weakness?

Because weakness of both legs can be a sign of a serious problem, leg weakness should always prompt a visit to a medical provider. However, the urgency with which you should see a medical professional depends on some factors like the duration, severity, and timing of your symptoms.

What can an MRI show in the legs? Your provider may order an MRI of the leg if you have: A mass that can be felt on a physical exam. An abnormal finding on an x-ray or bone scan. Birth defects of the leg, ankle, or foot. Bone pain and fever. Broken bone. Decreased motion…