It's easy to shrug it off and tell ourselves we just need to wait for it to pass, but persistent or sudden wrist pain is not something you want to ignore.
If you're experiencing heightened discomfort symptoms, certain tests are available that could diagnose your underlying issue — and one such test is an MRI scan of your wrist. To help you, we'll explain why getting an MRI is important if you're dealing with wrist pain, what sort of results you should expect afterwards, along with potential treatment options depending on your diagnosis.
A wrist MRI scan is a type of medical imaging examination that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to provide precise images of your wrist's soft tissues, bones, tendons, and ligaments. It's used to diagnose conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, fractures, and more. The test is non-invasive and doesn't involve radiation, making it a safe and adequate way to diagnose issues.
This type of scan can provide better images than a traditional X-ray, as it can distinguish between the various tissues in your wrist. It uses magnetic fields to align the protons in your body's cells and then sends pulses of radio waves through the area being scanned. This creates detailed pictures that doctors can use to diagnose conditions.
In a wrist MRI scan, you'll be asked to place your wrist in a special scanner. The machine uses magnetic fields and radio waves to take images of the innards of your wrist. Your body will stay still during the procedure so that the machine can capture clear images.
The MRI scan is painless, but you may feel discomfort as your wrist is placed inside the machine. The technician will monitor your comfort level throughout the procedure and adjust the settings if needed.
Once the images are taken, they'll be sent to a doctor or radiologist for review. The specialist will be able to review the images and determine if any damage or disease is present in the wrist. In some cases, they may recommend further testing or treatment based on their findings.
If you possess any of the following indications and symptoms, you should consider having a wrist MRI scan: severe pain or tenderness in one area of your wrist; a restricted range of motion in your wrist; pain that radiates to your fingers; swelling or discolouration around the affected area; instability in your wrist joint; hearing a popping or grinding noise when you move your wrist; pain on the outside of your wrist that worsens with activity; weak grip strength or difficulty gripping objects; a feeling like your wrist is going to give out or become dislocated; or numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation in one area of your wrist.
Preparation for a wrist MRI scan is relatively straightforward and usually does not require any special steps. You should wear comfortable clothing that you can easily remove when necessary. Metal objects, such as jewellery or buttons, may interfere with imaging and should be removed before your scan. Inform your doctor if you have metallic implants like a pacemaker or metal clips on your blood vessels. You may be requested to switch to a hospital gown for the MRI scan.
Sometimes, your doctor may instruct you to stop taking particular medications before the scan, as certain drugs can interfere with MRI scans and the results. It is necessary that you follow your doctor's instructions regarding any necessary medication adjustments carefully.
During a wrist MRI scan, you'll be positioned on the exam table, and your arm will be placed inside an enclosed tunnel that contains the imaging equipment. You may feel pressure as the imaging coil is placed around your wrist, but it should not be uncomfortable. The radiographer will then move away from the room to control the MRI scanner from the next room.
Your wrist will then be scanned, and images of your carpal bones, distal radioulnar joint, ligaments, and tendon sheath will be taken. The technologist may need to move your arm during the scan for different angles or in order to focus on a particular area. You should try to remain still throughout the procedure to make the images clear.
When the scan has ended, you will be able to leave the room. The images from your wrist MRI scan will then be transmitted to a radiologist for interpretation and diagnosis. Depending on what the radiologist finds, they may recommend further tests or treatment options if necessary.
After having a wrist MRI scan, you must follow all of your doctor's or medical staff's directions. This may include wearing a splint or brace to support the wrist and help reduce pain, taking medications, or undergoing physical therapy.
Help to diagnose a wide variety of conditions
This diagnostic imaging tool is effective at finding injuries and diseases like scaphoid waist fractures, tendonitis, transverse carpal ligament tears, and arthritis. It is also reliable when other imaging techniques like ultrasound or X-ray fail to provide a definitive diagnosis.
Non-invasive and does not use ionising radiation
Unlike X-rays or CT scans, a wrist MRI does not use ionising radiation, making it safer for medical imaging. This makes it ideal for imaging patients more frequently, such as athletes who may be at risk of repetitive hand and wrist injuries.
Provides clear images of the bones and soft tissues
The images produced by a wrist MRI scan allow for detailed visualisation of the wrist's bones, ligaments, tendons, nerves and muscles, helping doctors diagnose any conditions or injuries that may be causing discomfort.
Painless and generally well tolerated by patients
Most people regard a wrist MRI as a painless procedure. While some may experience mild discomfort from their arm positioning, this is short-lived and isn't severe enough to require pain medication.
Used in conjunction with other imaging modalities
Doctors may combine a wrist MRI with other scans like an X-ray or CT scan to get a more complete picture of what's happening inside your wrist and find the best ways to treat you.