Calf Ultrasound Scan, Cardiff & South Wales
Self-refer. Consultant-led. Immediate results explained at your appointment.
calf ultrasound
What's included
- ✓Consultant Radiologist scan — results explained immediately
- ✓Written report within 24-48 hours
- ✓Digital scan images
- ✓Onward referral if needed
- ✓No GP referral required
Calf structures
Detailed scan of the muscles, tendons and veins of the calf — covers both muscle injury and clot exclusion.
Gastrocnemius muscle
'Tennis leg' tears — common in 40+.
Soleus muscle
Deep calf strains.
Achilles tendon
Mid-portion and insertional pathology. Heel or ankle pain? See our foot & ankle scan.
Plantaris tendon
Often involved in calf strains.
Mass lesion
Assess any lumps.
Superficial veins
Vein assessment.
Baker's cyst
Ruptured cyst tracking down the calf. Originates behind the knee.
Fluid collections
Haematomas, seromas.
Reasons to book a calf scan
What we can identify
Calf ultrasound covers two main groups: muscle/tendon injuries and vascular problems.
Gastrocnemius tear
'Tennis leg' — tear at the muscle-tendon junction.
Soleus injury
Deep calf muscle strain.
Achilles tendinopathy
Mid-portion thickening, tears.
Ruptured Baker's cyst
Fluid tracking down between calf muscles. The cyst itself sits behind the knee, so we may suggest a knee scan too.
Haematoma
Bleed within the muscle from injury.
Plantaris rupture
Common, mimics other tears.
If DVT is the main concern, a dedicated DVT scan may be more appropriate. If the pain is higher up, a thigh scan covers the hamstring and quads. We can advise.
Preparation
How to prepare
No special prep. We scan with you lying prone or on your side.
If you suspect a DVT and are very breathless, please contact your GP or A&E first — this needs urgent assessment.
Your appointment, step by step
Arrive
Free parking at Penarth. 5-minute walk from Penarth railway station.
Meet your consultant
Brief chat about your symptoms, when the pain started and any 'pop' you felt. Ask any questions.
The scan (30 mins)
You lie face down or on your side with the calf exposed. Warm gel is applied and the probe follows the muscles, tendons and deep veins. The consultant explains findings as they scan.
Immediate results
Your consultant explains the findings as they scan and again at the end — you leave knowing what's going on. Written report follows within 24-48 hours.
Had been waiting ages on the NHS to get a scan… so when I saw this service available on the high street I was surprised. Scan was organised for the same week, totally worth it. Actually got a diagnosis for once. Dr Junaid was very thorough and explained everything.
Transparent, all-inclusive
One simple price for a single-area scan. Combine with other scans in the same appointment for better value.
Calf Ultrasound Scan
- ✓One side £260, both sides £360
- ✓Immediate results explained & written report in 24-48 hrs
- ✓Same-week appointment
- ✓No GP referral required
2 area scan
- ✓Two body areas in one appointment
- ✓e.g. calf plus knee, thigh or foot
- ✓Save £160 vs two separate scans
- ✓Same-week appointment
3 area scan
- ✓Three body areas in one appointment
- ✓Add which areas in your booking notes
- ✓Save £381 vs three separate scans
- ✓Same-week appointment
Booking a two or three-area scan? Please add which areas you'd like scanned in your booking notes. Not all practitioners scan every area, so our reception may call to confirm and make sure the right consultant is on for your appointment.
All prices include consultation, scan, written report, digital images and any onward referral if required.
Our Penarth clinic
Patients travel to us from Cardiff, Newport, Bridgend, Barry, Caerphilly, Swansea and the Vale.
Common questions about calf ultrasound scan
How much does a private calf ultrasound cost?
£260 for one calf, £360 for both.
Is this the same as a DVT scan?
Calf ultrasound covers muscle, tendon AND deep veins (which is what DVT scans look at). If your only concern is DVT, our dedicated DVT scan is the specific test. If you have muscle pain plus DVT concern, the calf scan covers both.
What is 'tennis leg'?
A common gastrocnemius muscle tear at the muscle-tendon junction. Causes a sudden 'pop' in the calf — doesn't actually require playing tennis to get it!
Can ultrasound rule out DVT?
Yes — we image the deep veins from groin to ankle in the same visit if DVT is a possibility.
My pain is more in the knee or thigh — is this the right scan?
The calf scan covers the calf muscles, Achilles and deep veins. If your pain sits behind the knee (a Baker's cyst, for instance) the knee scan is the better fit, and for a hamstring or quad strain higher up the leg, choose the thigh scan. All are £260. Not sure? Call us on 029 2199 9300 and we'll point you to the right one.
How long does the scan take?
About 30 minutes per calf.
Do I need a referral?
No — self-refer.
Is the scan painful?
No — gentle probe pressure with gel.
How quickly can I be seen?
Most appointments within 48-72 hours. If DVT is suspected, call us — same-day slots may be available.
Is ultrasound safe?
Yes — no radiation.
Will I get a written report?
Yes — immediate verbal results plus written report in 24-48 hours.
What if I have a clot?
If we find DVT, we contact your GP urgently and you'll need anticoagulation treatment that day. We don't leave you to sort it yourself.
Where do I go?
Acorn Private Clinic at Penarth (CF64 2AD), 10 minutes from Cardiff.
Get the answers you need.
Self-refer for a private calf ultrasound — consultant-led, same-week, with immediate results explained at your appointment and a written report within 24-48 hours. £260 all-inclusive.