Diagnostics and Evaluation of Wrist Pain
To determine the cause of your wrist pain, a doctor or orthopedic specialist will conduct a physical examination and may order imaging tests such as an X-ray or MRI. (4)
Physical checkup
When experiencing wrist pain, many individuals do not know where to seek assistance. Some may visit their primary care physician, while others may visit a specialist. To determine the optimal course of action, it is necessary to first identify the root cause of the wrist discomfort. This is frequently determined through a physical examination by a physician.
During a physical examination, the physician will inquire about the nature and severity of the pain, in addition to any other symptoms that may be present. In addition, he will examine the wrist for any abnormalities or inflammation. On the basis of these findings, the physician will be able to diagnose and recommend treatment.
X-ray
Typically, a physical examination is the initial stage in diagnosing wrist pain. Nevertheless, x-rays can also be used to diagnose wrist pain. X-rays can help physicians determine if there is any injury to the bones or cartilage in the wrist and whether surgery or other treatment is required.
If you suspect you have a fractured wrist, go to the emergency room or notify your doctor immediately. A hand x-ray will be taken to corroborate the diagnosis and determine the course of treatment. Fractures of the wrist may be treated with a cast, splint, or brace to hold the bones in position while they heal. Some fractures may also necessitate surgical treatment.
MRI
MRI is a diagnostic procedure that can be used to determine the cause of wrist discomfort. An MRI creates comprehensive images of the inside of the body using radio waves. This imaging exam can help identify problems with the wrist’s bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
EMG
EMG is a diagnostic instrument used to assess the electrical activity of muscles. Measuring the electrical activity of the muscles in the wrist, EMG can be utilized to diagnose wrist pain. EMG may be useful for diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition that causes hand and arm pain, paralysis, and numbness.
NCS
A nerve conduction study (NCS) is frequently used to diagnose individuals with wrist discomfort. This test can help determine the origin of the discomfort. The test employs electrical impulses to evaluate the health of the nerves. This information can assist your orthopaedic surgeon or other healthcare provider in determining the optimal course of treatment.
New research demonstrates that nerve conduction studies (NCS) can be utilized to diagnose wrist pain. In over 80% of cases, the NCS results correctly identified the cause of wrist pain, according to the study. This discovery could lead to NCS becoming a standard diagnostic method for wrist pain.
Concentration of serum uric acid
One of the causes of wrist pain is gout, which can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to those of other types of arthritis. There are several diagnostic methods for gout, including a blood test called the serum uric acid test. It analyzes the blood’s uric acid concentration. Increased uric acid levels are indicative of gout.
Joint fluid analysis
If you have wrist pain, your doctor may prescribe a joint fluid test to determine the cause. During a joint fluid test, a sample of joint fluid is extracted and analyzed for indications of inflammation or infection. The test can help determine whether your wrist pain is caused by carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, or another condition.
