Should You Get an MRI for Tendonitis?
The symptoms and response to treatment of each patient determine whether or not to order an MRI for tendonitis. While an MRI is a useful diagnostic and therapeutic planning tool, it is not always required in all cases of tendinitis. Our board-certified radiologist, Dr. Eric Feldmann, MD at Mosaic Diagnostic Imaging, will advise you on the best course of action based on your individual circumstances. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We serve patients from Rockville Centre, NY and surrounding areas.


Table of Contents:
What can be mistaken for tendonitis?
Why is an Open MRI used for diagnosing tendonitis?
How long does an Open MRI scan for tendonitis typically take?
At Mosaic Diagnostics, led by Dr. Eric Feldmann, we understand how debilitating tendonitis can be. This painful condition, characterized by the inflammation of a tendon, a fibrous tissue that connects muscle to bone, can affect individuals of various ages and activity levels, not just athletes.
Tendonitis is generally diagnosed based on a physical examination and your medical history. However, we understand that not all cases are straightforward. In certain circumstances, an MRI may be recommended to gain a more comprehensive understanding of your condition.
When An MRI May Be Recommended
An MRI may be suggested if your tendonitis symptoms are severe, or have not improved with treatment, or if a more complex injury like a tendon tear is suspected. An MRI may also be necessary if there is difficulty differentiating tendonitis from other underlying conditions, such as arthritis or nerve compression, or if surgical planning is necessary.
How an MRI Can Benefit Tendonitis Patients
An MRI can provide detailed images of the affected tendon and surrounding areas, giving us a clear picture of the tendon’s thickness and structure, the extent of inflammation, signs of tendon tears, bone involvement, and any abnormalities in the surrounding areas.
Things to Keep in Mind Before an MRI
Before undergoing an MRI at our facility, it’s important to inform our healthcare team about any metallic implants or devices, or other medical conditions that could interfere with the scan. We might also advise you to fast or avoid certain medications before the procedure.
We also want our patients to be aware that while an MRI is a safe, non-invasive procedure that does not expose you to radiation, it can be expensive and may not always be covered by insurance when used for diagnosing conditions like tendonitis. Therefore, we encourage open discussions about potential costs and benefits before you decide to have an MRI.
At Mosaic Diagnostic Imaging, we believe in individualized, patient-focused care. The decision to obtain an MRI for tendonitis is based on each patient’s symptoms and responses to treatment. Although an MRI can be a valuable tool for diagnosing and planning treatment, it’s not always necessary for all cases of tendonitis. Trust in our dedicated and experienced team, led by Dr. Eric Feldmann, to guide you on the best course of action for your specific circumstances.
Tendonitis can often be mistaken for other conditions due to its common symptoms such as pain, swelling, and difficulty in movement, making an accurate diagnosis crucial. Dr. Feldmann’s diagnostic expertise ensures that patients suffering from these symptoms receive the correct diagnosis and the most effective treatment plan.
At Mosaic Diagnostic Imaging, led by Dr. Eric Feldmann, we understand the importance of accurate, comprehensive, and patient-friendly diagnostic techniques. One such technique we heavily rely on is the Open MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). This non-invasive imaging technique uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to generate detailed images of the body’s internal structures, such as the tendons, making it an ideal tool for diagnosing conditions like tendonitis.
Tendonitis involves inflammation and irritation of the tendons, causing pain, swelling, and tenderness at the affected site. The high-resolution images generated by Open MRIs enable us to visualize tendons and surrounding tissues in great detail, allowing for an accurate assessment of tendon thickness, inflammation, and any abnormalities in their structure.
The open design of the Open MRI is a great benefit for our patients as it alleviates feelings of claustrophobia often experienced in traditional enclosed MRI machines. This makes the procedure more tolerable for patients who may already be experiencing discomfort due to their tendonitis. Furthermore, Open MRIs are non-invasive and painless procedures that do not involve radiation or injections, enhancing patient comfort and safety.
A significant advantage of an Open MRI in diagnosing tendonitis is that it allows for a wider range of motion during imaging. This provides a more holistic view of the affected area, enabling us to identify not only the presence of tendonitis but also assess the extent of inflammation, potential tears, or other associated injuries.
Open MRIs have superior soft tissue contrast resolution, making them better suited for visualizing soft tissues like tendons. This superior imaging capability ensures that subtle changes in the tendon due to inflammation or injury can be readily detected, guiding our treatment decisions.
Open MRIs also allow us to monitor the effectiveness of treatment over time. By comparing follow-up scans, we can track the resolution of inflammation and assess the healing process of tendons.
In summary, at Mosaic Diagnostics, we utilize the Open MRI for diagnosing tendonitis due to its numerous benefits, ranging from superior imaging capabilities to patient comfort and accessibility. These factors contribute to our ability to provide accurate diagnosis, effective treatment planning and monitoring for patients with tendonitis.
We understand that tendonitis can cause significant discomfort and interfere with your daily activities. That’s why we offer Open MRI scans as part of our comprehensive diagnostic services to accurately identify the severity and location of your tendonitis.
Our Open MRI scans typically take between 20 to 60 minutes, but in some cases, the procedure can be completed in as little as 15 minutes. The duration of the scan largely depends on several factors, such as the severity and location of your tendonitis, as well as the size of the area being examined. If your case is more severe or located in complex areas, a longer scanning process might be required to ensure a complete and thorough assessment.
One crucial aspect to note is that your ability to remain still during the scan can influence the scan time, as any movement can blur the images and potentially necessitate a retake. At Mosaic Diagnostic Imaging, we leverage our experienced radiologists and advanced MRI machines to ensure efficient and accurate results.
Although the scan is usually completed within an hour, it is important to allow extra time for preparation and for our radiologists to interpret the results. We recommend that patients allocate approximately two to three hours for the entire process, from arrival at our facility to departure. Our Open MRI scans are non-invasive, painless, and require no special preparation, making the process as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
Under the guidance of Dr. Eric Feldmann, we at Mosaic Diagnostic Imaging are committed to providing exceptional care and support throughout your diagnostic journey. For more information, contact our team of professionals at Mosaic Diagnostic Imaging or Book an appointment We serve patients from Rockville Centre, NY Lakeview NY, Baldwin NY, Malverne NY, Lynbrook NY, Hempstead NY, West Hempstead NY, South Hempstead NY, North Lynbrook NY, East Meadow NY, Oceanside NY and surrounding areas.

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