Hand Ultrasound Scan

Hand Ultrasound Scan – MedHealth Ultrasound

Our Hand Ultrasound Scan provides a detailed assessment of the major musculoskeletal structures of the hand, including the fingers and thumb. It is completely safe, painless and offers rapid, accurate information about the source of your symptoms.

What the Hand Scan Includes

• Same-day verbal results at your appointment

• Digital ultrasound report within 24–48 hours

• Performed by experienced, qualified sonographers

• High-resolution imaging to detect issues early

Objective of the Hand Scan

The purpose of the Hand Ultrasound Scan is to provide a clear, real-time evaluation of the soft tissues and joints in the hand, allowing early detection of injuries, inflammation, swelling and structural abnormalities.

The hand is an incredibly complex structure made up of multiple bones, tendons, ligaments, muscles and small joints. Ultrasound allows us to visualise these structures instantly and safely without radiation. Your findings are explained to you immediately after the scan.

What the Hand Scan Can Assess

Our scan can examine:

• Hand and finger injuries

• Thumb joint problems

• Flexor and extensor tendons

• Ligaments

• Joint spaces and synovial fluid

• Areas of swelling or inflammation

• Lumps or masses

• Painful or restricted movement

What Is a Hand Ultrasound Scan?

A hand ultrasound scan uses high-frequency sound waves to produce detailed images of the tendons, ligaments, joints and soft tissues within the hand and fingers. It is especially useful for identifying inflammation, tendon damage, early arthritis and trauma-related injuries.

Hand problems are extremely common and may arise from acute events (falls, sudden strain) or long-term overuse. Ultrasound helps identify the specific source of your symptoms quickly and comfortably.

Common issues that may require a hand scan include:

• Carpal tunnel-related symptoms

• Tendonitis or tendinopathy

• Ligament injuries

• Trigger finger

• Thumb instability

• Osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis

• Ganglion cysts

• Small joint swelling

• Unexplained pain or lumps

Why Might I Need a Hand Scan?

You may be referred or may choose to self-refer if you experience:

• Hand or finger pain

• Thumb pain or instability

• Swelling or stiffness

• Reduced movement

• Numbness or tingling

• Discomfort during gripping or lifting

• Acute injury

• Recurrent over-use symptoms

• Post-operative concerns

A hand ultrasound can pinpoint whether the issue is arising from tendons, joints, ligaments, soft tissues, or nerve-related structures.

Common Reasons for Having a Hand Scan

• Pain or discomfort

• Reduced mobility

• Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis

• Swelling or joint effusion

• Ganglion or soft tissue cyst

• Tendon or ligament injury

• Foreign bodies in the soft tissues

• Post-surgical complications

• Soft tissue masses (e.g., lipomas)

• Monitoring inflammatory conditions

• Trigger finger

• De Quervain’s tenosynovitis

No GP referral is required, and you can book your scan directly if you notice changes in hand function, lumps, swelling or unexplained pain.

What Can the Hand Scan Detect?

Our high-resolution ultrasound can identify:

• Tenosynovitis and synovitis

• Soft tissue inflammation

• Sprains, tears or ruptures

• De Quervain’s disease

• Trigger finger

• Tendon thickening or degeneration

• Thumb ligament injuries (e.g., skier’s thumb)

• Ganglion cysts

• Neuromas

• Joint effusions

• Early arthritic changes

• Over-use injuries

• Infections

• Post-surgical issues

Benefits of a Private Hand Scan at MedHealth

• Rapid access – no long waiting lists

• Same-day results for reassurance

• Advanced imaging equipment for crisp, detailed images

• Professional reports suitable for GPs, physios and consultants

• Targeted assessment to support diagnosis and treatment planning

Ultrasound is ideal for assessing tendons, ligaments, synovial tissue, cartilage surfaces and soft tissue masses, helping guide the next steps in your care.

Hand Scan FAQs

What is a Hand Scan?

A hand scan is a non-invasive ultrasound examination that evaluates the tendons, ligaments, pulleys, small joints and soft tissues of the hand.

How long does the scan take?

Most scans take 15–20 minutes, although detailed rheumatology assessments may take longer.

What does a wrist/hand ultrasound show?

It can show tendon health, ligament injury, swelling, inflammation, cysts, masses, nerve irritation, foreign bodies and early arthritic changes.

Do I need to prepare?

No preparation is required. Please wear loose clothing for easy access to the area.

Can I self-refer?

Yes, anyone aged 16+ can book directly with us.

Why Choose MedHealth Ultrasound?

• Highly experienced MSK sonographers

• Exceptional patient care and clear explanations

• Fast access to appointments

• Trusted by local GPs, physiotherapists and private clinics

• Clinically robust, detailed diagnostic reports

• Safe, regulated practice in CQC-supervised clinical settings

Your scan is performed with care, expertise and attention to detail, ensuring you receive accurate results and personalised guidance.

Price

£149