Q1: My wrist hurts constantly after repetitive tasks or a past injury. Should I get an MRI?
Yes. Chronic wrist pain may indicate ligament tears (like TFCC), tendon injuries, cartilage damage, or early arthritis. X-rays often appear normal, and physical exams cannot confirm the structural cause. MRI provides high-resolution, radiation-free images of bones, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and surrounding soft tissue for accurate diagnosis.

Q2: Can therapy, braces, or rest treat chronic wrist pain without MRI?
While these methods may provide temporary relief, they cannot identify hidden ligament, tendon, or cartilage injuries. Without MRI, serious underlying damage may be missed, prolonging pain and limiting wrist function.

Q3: What are the risks of delaying MRI for chronic wrist pain?
Delaying MRI risks worsening tendon or ligament injuries, joint instability, chronic pain, reduced grip strength, and possible long-term degenerative changes. Early MRI ensures timely, targeted non-surgical treatment.

Q4: Why is MRI better than X-ray, CT, or ultrasound for wrist injuries?
X-rays show only bones and joint alignment, CT has limited soft tissue resolution, and ultrasound may miss deep ligament or cartilage injuries. MRI clearly visualizes all wrist structures without radiation, allowing precise diagnosis and treatment planning.

Q5: Where can I get a fast, affordable MRI for chronic wrist pain?
The Pain Relief Clinic provides insurance and Medisave claimable MRI scans under $1,000, done within 1 working day, along with non-surgical treatments to restore wrist function safely and effectively.