Hand and wrist ultrasound scan
Hand and wrist pain can make writing, typing or gripping uncomfortable. An ultrasound scan is a quick way to assess the tendons, ligaments and nerves.
- Price
- £300 one side£450 both sides · £50 deposit
- Appointment
- 20 to 30 minutesIncluding consultation · scan about 15 minutes
- Preparation
- None needed
- Report
- Usually within 24 hours
Who it's for
When a scan can help
This scan is for anyone with pain, stiffness, swelling, numbness or weakness in the hand or wrist that has not gone away.
What it shows
The scan checks for
- Tendon tears or inflammation (tenosynovitis)
- De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Ligament injuries
- Joint fluid or inflammation (effusion and synovitis)
- Ganglion cysts
- Signs of arthritis (osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis)
- Soft tissue masses or lumps
- Nerve entrapment
- Post-injury or post-surgical complications
What to expect
Your appointment
Before
No preparation is needed.
During
You’ll usually be seated. A specialist will apply a small amount of gel and gently move a handheld probe over your hand and wrist. It’s painless and takes about 15 minutes.
After
You can return to your day straight afterwards. Your consultant explains what they have seen before you leave.
Who reads your scan
Consultant radiologists, specialists in this area
Your report
Your consultant talks you through what the scan shows while you are still in the room.
A written report follows, usually within 24 hours. If anything needs a closer look, we can arrange MRI, CT, blood tests or a specialist referral.
Frequently asked questions
Why have a hand and wrist scan?
If you have pain, stiffness, swelling, or weakness in your hand or wrist, a scan can help explain why. It shows soft tissue and joint problems clearly, often before they appear on other scans.
Sometimes further imaging such as MRI is necessary to assess the internal structures of the hand and wrist. Our specialists can help decide whether further imaging is necessary and can arrange this for you at the time of the appointment.
What symptoms are related to hand and wrist issues?
- Pain with gripping or movement
- Swelling around joints or tendons
- Tingling or numbness in fingers
- Weak grip
- Visible lumps or bumps
- Pain that worsens with use
- Clicking or locking of fingers
When should I see a doctor?
See a doctor if symptoms don’t improve with rest or affect your ability to work or function. Get checked if you’ve had a recent injury or if there’s ongoing dysfunction, pain or numbness.
Is it safe?
Ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation, and has no known side effects. A small amount of gel is applied to the skin and a handheld probe is moved gently over the area. You can return to your day straight afterwards.
Enquire or book
Tell us what you would like looked at and we will come back to you with times. You do not need a referral.