Ongoing Wrist Pain? MRI Can Detect Ligament, Tendon, or Cartilage Injuries
Q1: My wrist still hurts months after a sprain. Should I get an MRI?
Yes. Lingering wrist pain after injury may indicate ligament tears (scapholunate, TFCC), tendon injuries, cartilage damage, or early post-traumatic arthritis. X-rays usually show only fractures and alignment issues, missing soft tissue injuries. MRI provides clear, radiation-free images of all wrist structures for accurate diagnosis.
Q2: Can physiotherapy, braces, or rest fix this pain without MRI?
While these treatments may relieve temporary symptoms, they cannot detect underlying ligament, tendon, or cartilage injuries. Continuing therapy without imaging may prolong pain and delay proper treatment. MRI ensures the true cause is identified for targeted care.
Q3: What are the risks if I delay MRI for wrist pain?
Untreated ligament or tendon injuries can worsen, leading to chronic pain, instability, reduced grip strength, or long-term joint degeneration. Early MRI prevents missed diagnoses and facilitates timely, effective intervention.
Q4: Why is MRI better than X-ray, CT, or ultrasound for wrist injuries?
X-rays detect only bones and joint alignment, CT has limited soft tissue resolution, and ultrasound may miss deep ligament or cartilage injuries. MRI provides high-resolution, radiation-free imaging of ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and bones, allowing precise diagnosis.
Q5: Where can I get a fast, affordable MRI for wrist pain?
The Pain Relief Clinic provides insurance and Medisave claimable MRI scans under $1,000, done within 1 working day, with non-surgical treatments to help restore wrist function safely.