Evaluation and Diagnosis of Wrist Pain
Evaluation and Diagnosis of Wrist Pain
A doctor or orthopedic specialist will perform a physical examination and may order tests such as an X-ray or MRI to determine the cause of your wrist pain. (4)
Physical exam
When experiencing wrist pain, many people are unsure of where to turn for help. Some might go to their family doctor, others might go to a specialist. In order to determine the best course of action, it is important to first understand the underlying cause of the wrist pain. This can often be accomplished through a physical examination by a doctor.
During a physical exam, the doctor will ask about the nature and severity of the pain, as well as any other symptoms that may be present. He will also examine the wrist, looking for any abnormalities or inflammation. Based on these findings, the doctor will be able to make a diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment.
X-ray
When someone experiences wrist pain, the first step in diagnosing the issue is typically a physical exam. However, xrays can also be helpful in diagnosing wrist pain. Xrays can help doctors see if there is any damage to the bones or cartilage in the wrist, and can help them determine if a person needs surgery or other treatment.
If you think you may have a wrist fracture, go to the emergency room or call your doctor. An x-ray of the hand will be taken to confirm the diagnosis and determine the treatment plan. Treatment for a wrist fracture may include a cast, splint, or brace to keep the bones in place while they heal. Surgery may also be necessary to fix some fractures.
MRI
MRI for wrist pain is a diagnostic procedure that can be used to help identify the source of pain in the wrist. An MRI uses radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of the body. This imaging test can help to identify problems with the bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the wrist.
EMG
EMG is a diagnostic tool used to measure the electrical activity of muscles. EMG can be used to diagnose wrist pain by measuring the electrical activity of the muscles in the wrist. EMG may be helpful in diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition that causes pain, weakness, and numbness in the hand and arm.
NCS
People with wrist pain are often diagnosed with the help of a nerve conduction study (NCS). This is a test that can help identify the source of the pain. The test uses electrical impulses to measure how well the nerves are working. This information can help your orthopaedic surgeon or other healthcare provider determine the best treatment plan.
A new study has shown that nerve conduction studies (NCS) can be used to diagnose wrist pain. The study found that NCS results were able to correctly identify the cause of wrist pain in over 80% of cases. This finding could lead to NCS becoming a common diagnostic tool for wrist pain.
Serum uric acid
Gout is one of the causes of wrist pain and can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to other forms of arthritis. There are several tests that can be used to diagnose gout, including a blood test called serum uric acid test. It measures the level of uric acid in the blood. Increased levels of uric acid are suggestive of gout.
Joint fluid test
If you’re experiencing wrist pain, your doctor may order a joint fluid test to help diagnose the cause. During a joint fluid test, a sample of fluid is taken from the joint to examine for signs of inflammation or infection. The test can help determine if you have carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, or another condition that’s causing your wrist pain.