Posted on

Elbow, Wrist & Hand Pain: X-ray Findings Explained and Non-Surgical Treatments

Introduction

Pain or stiffness in the elbow, wrist, or hand is common in daily life, sports, or due to aging. X-rays often reveal changes that may sound technical, but understanding them can clarify the source of pain and guide treatment.

This article explains common X-ray findings, their implications, and non-surgical treatments available in Singapore.

Common X-ray Findings

1. Joint Space Narrowing

  • What it means: Reduced space between bones in elbow, wrist, or finger joints.

  • Implications: Cartilage thinning → pain, stiffness, and difficulty bending or gripping.

  • Treatment: Physiotherapy to strengthen surrounding muscles, Regenerix Gold for cartilage support, HotHeal Therapy for pain relief, MRI if symptoms persist.

2. Osteophytes (Bone Spurs)

  • What it means: Extra bone growth along joint margins.

  • Implications: Can restrict movement and irritate tendons or ligaments.

  • Symptoms: Clicking, locking, or localized joint pain.

  • Treatment: Shockwave therapy, HotHeal Therapy, physiotherapy, MRI if bone spurs affect soft tissue function.

3. Epicondylitis / Tendinosis Changes

  • What it means: Degenerative changes at tendon attachment points (common in tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow).

  • Implications: Pain during gripping, lifting, or twisting activities.

  • Treatment: Physiotherapy for tendon strength and flexibility, shockwave therapy to promote tendon healing, HotHeal Therapy, Regenerix Gold for connective tissue support.

4. Carpal Instability / Subluxation

  • What it means: Partial misalignment or abnormal movement of wrist bones.

  • Implications: Pain, weakness, or snapping/clicking with wrist motion.

  • Treatment: Physiotherapy to strengthen wrist stabilizers, HotHeal Therapy for soft tissue support, MRI to evaluate ligaments and cartilage.

5. Heberden’s / Bouchard’s Nodes

  • What it means: Bony growths at finger joints due to osteoarthritis.

  • Implications: Stiffness, pain, and reduced finger motion.

  • Treatment: Physiotherapy for mobility, splints if needed, Regenerix Gold for joint support.

6. Scaphoid or Carpal Malunion

  • What it means: Improperly healed wrist bone fracture.

  • Implications: Chronic wrist pain, limited movement, risk of arthritis.

  • Treatment: Physiotherapy, HotHeal Therapy for circulation and tissue recovery, MRI for detailed assessment.

7. Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) Degeneration

  • What it means: Damage or wear to cartilage on the wrist’s ulnar side.

  • Implications: Pain during gripping or twisting, feeling of instability.

  • Treatment: Physiotherapy for wrist stabilization, HotHeal Therapy, MRI for precise diagnosis.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

  1. Physiotherapy (The Pain Relief Practice): Strengthens muscles, improves mobility, and stabilizes elbow, wrist, and hand joints.

  2. Shockwave Therapy: Stimulates tendon and joint healing, reduces chronic pain.

  3. HotHeal Therapy: Manual therapy with radiofrequency enhances circulation and tissue recovery.

  4. Regenerix Gold: Nutritional support for tendons, cartilage, and joint health.

  5. MRI (The Pain Relief Clinic): Detailed imaging of bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons when X-rays are insufficient.

When to Consider an MRI

  • Persistent elbow, wrist, or hand pain despite physiotherapy.

  • Limited range of motion, snapping, or weakness.

  • Suspected tendon tears, ligament injury, or cartilage degeneration.

  • Pre-surgical assessment or when X-ray findings do not fully explain symptoms.

Key Takeaway

X-ray findings such as joint space narrowing, osteophytes, epicondylitis, carpal instability, TFCC degeneration, Heberden’s/Bouchard’s nodes, and scaphoid malalignment help explain the cause of elbow, wrist, and hand pain.

Many patients find relief with physiotherapy, shockwave therapy, HotHeal Therapy, and Regenerix Gold, while MRI at The Pain Relief Clinic provides detailed imaging for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.