Hand and Wrist
A hand and wrist ultrasound scan is an accurate, dynamic, and highly effective way to assess pain, swelling, or reduced function in the hand or wrist. It provides a real-time, high-resolution view of tendons, ligaments, nerves, and soft tissues, allowing rapid diagnosis of conditions that may not be visible on X-ray.
Ultrasound is particularly useful for patients with:
Trigger finger or suspected tendon irritation
Wrist pain during gripping, lifting, or weight-bearing
Thumb or radial-sided wrist pain
Pain after a fall or sudden injury
Suspected tendon or pulley injuries
Swelling, lumps, or persistent stiffness
Numbness, tingling, or nerve irritation
Ongoing symptoms despite physiotherapy
What a Hand & Wrist Ultrasound Can Show
Flexor Tendons
Tendinopathy, partial tears, thickening, and irritation within the tendon sheath.
Trigger Finger / Stenosing Tenosynovitis
Thickening of the A1 pulley, tendon restriction, and dynamic locking during movement.
Extensor Tendons
Tendinopathy, subluxation, friction, or tears across the wrist (including De Quervain’s).
Tendon Sheaths & Tenosynovitis
Fluid, inflammation, and thickening affecting tendon movement.
Ligaments of the Wrist
Assessment of sprains or disruption of key stabilising structures (e.g., scapholunate ligament area superficially).
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
Thickening and inflammation of the first dorsal compartment tendons.
Ganglion Cysts & Soft Tissue Masses
Clear visualisation of ganglions, lipomas, and other superficial lumps around the wrist or fingers.
Carpal Tunnel Area
Median nerve swelling, compression, or structural changes associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Small Joint Effusions & Synovitis
Inflammation, early arthritic changes, and thickened synovium.
Dynamic Assessment
Watching tendons move in real time helps detect subluxation, triggering, pulley restriction, or friction that cannot be seen on static imaging.
Ultrasound provides immediate answers to guide diagnosis and the most appropriate treatment.
Who This Scan Helps
This scan is ideal if you are experiencing:
Finger clicking, locking, or triggering
Pain gripping, lifting, or typing
Swelling or lumps around the wrist or fingers
Sharp pain at the base of the thumb
Pain after a fall onto the hand
Persistent wrist discomfort during exercise or daily tasks
Numbness or tingling in the fingers
Ongoing symptoms despite physiotherapy or rest
Immediate Results + Treatment Options
You will receive:
A verbal explanation of the findings during the scan
A full written report with images
A discussion of treatment options, which may include:
Targeted physiotherapy and hand strengthening
Splinting or load modification advice
Ultrasound-guided steroid injection (especially for trigger finger, De Quervain’s, or ganglion cysts)
Shockwave therapy for suitable tendon conditions
Referral for MRI or specialist hand review when required