Trigger finger
Look at the tendon and its pulley for thickening that causes catching or locking.
A private ultrasound of your fingers, thumb and palm — for trigger finger, lumps, swelling, tendon injuries and pain that makes everyday tasks harder.
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Your hand relies on slim tendons, pulleys and ligaments working smoothly. High-resolution ultrasound shows them in detail and while they move.
Look at the tendon and its pulley for thickening that causes catching or locking.
Identify ganglions, cords and other lumps, such as Dupuytren's nodules.
Check flexor and extensor tendons for inflammation, partial tears or ruptures.
Assess joint swelling, fluid and ligament injury, including the thumb.
A Hand Ultrasound Scan is a non-invasive imaging test used to evaluate the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints in the hand and wrist. This dynamic scan provides real-time, detailed images, making it highly effective for diagnosing conditions such as tendonitis, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and soft tissue injuries. Ultrasound is particularly useful for evaluating hand-related issues due to its ability to capture detailed soft tissue images that other imaging methods may not provide.
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A Hand Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the internal structures of the hand, including:
It is commonly used for diagnosing injuries or conditions affecting the hand’s function and mobility.
A Hand Ultrasound is essential for diagnosing a range of hand and wrist conditions, offering:
A Hand Ultrasound is recommended for individuals experiencing:
If you’re experiencing pain, discomfort, or mobility issues in your hand or wrist, a Hand Ultrasound Scan can provide valuable insights for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Schedule your scan today to receive a comprehensive evaluation and take steps toward restoring hand function and comfort.
From getting ready to discussing what comes next, here is a simple guide to your appointment.
A question before you book? Call usAn injury, a gradual ache, swelling, clicking or weakness — and which activities bring it on. Point to exactly where it hurts.
You rest your hand on a pillow. Gel is applied and a small probe is moved over the area while you bend and straighten your fingers. It is painless and takes about 20 minutes for one side.
The sonographer explains what they have seen, and your written report follows within 24 hours — ready to share with your GP, physiotherapist or orthopaedic specialist.
Choose the location that works for you. Confirm your selected clinic in the booking system before completing your appointment.
Need something more personal?
Speak to the team before booking.
No. You can book directly. A referral letter from your GP, physiotherapist or consultant is welcome but not required.
Book one side if only one hand is affected. Choose Two Sides if both are painful, or if your clinician wants a comparison. Combined options are in the booking form.
Ultrasound can show joint swelling, fluid and inflammation that may suggest arthritis. Blood tests and X-rays are often used alongside it to confirm the type.
If your pain or tingling also involves the wrist, the Hand + Wrist option covers both in one appointment.
If you cannot bear weight or move the joint, have a visible deformity, numbness, or think something may be broken, go to an urgent treatment centre or A&E rather than waiting for a scan.
You may need a hand ultrasound scan if you experience one or more of the following signs and symptoms:
• Pain and swelling around the hand or finger joints, affecting movement, daily activities, or sporting activities.
• Pain or discomfort during gripping, pressure, or repetitive movements.
• Limited range of motion, pain, or difficulty fully bending or straightening the fingers.
• Numbness, tingling, or other nerve symptoms (pins and needles, burning pain, electric shock sensation) in the hand or fingers.
• Pain or discomfort after an injury or accident.
• Concerned about lumps, bumps, or changes in the hand or finger region.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, consider booking a hand ultrasound scan at Phoenix Ultrasound to assess the underlying structures and diagnose potential issues. Early detection can lead to timely intervention and better outcomes.
During this ultrasound scan, our specialist sonographer will assess the entire hand region using ultrasound technology.
The appointment encompasses the following:
• Relevant Medical History: We will gather information about your medical history and injuries to ensure a thorough assessment.
• Ultrasound Examination: We will perform a detailed ultrasound scan of the hand, covering joints, finger joints, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and other mechanical or inflammatory issues.
• Explanation of Findings: You will receive clear explanations of all findings during and after the ultrasound scan.
• Official Report: We will provide you with an official report within 24 hours, including relevant images from your scan.
• Further Recommendations: If necessary, we may recommend a follow-up scan, referral to your GP or a specialist, or suggest additional tests such as blood tests or other imaging.
At Phoenix Ultrasound, our goal is to offer a comprehensive and informative service to guide you through the diagnostic process. Your health and well-being are our top priorities.
The most common findings include joint inflammation, tendon problems (such as tenosynovitis, trigger finger), ligament injuries, nerve entrapment (such as carpal tunnel syndrome), arthritis, and other mechanical or inflammatory issues affecting the hand. Ultrasound is a valuable tool for assessing the intricate structures of the fingers, thumb and hand, ensuring a precise and accurate diagnosis.
There is no essential preparation for this scan. However, as the scan involves exposing the hand, we recommend wearing clothing that allows easy access and full mobility.
Our ultrasound specialist will explain the procedure before starting. You will be guided to sit comfortably facing the sonographer and expose the hand.
A small amount of water-based gel will be applied for optimal imaging. Our specialist will move the probe on your skin to produce diagnostic ultrasound images.
You may be asked to move your hand and fingers in various positions, which helps better visualise structures around the hand.
Hand ultrasound scan is safe, non-invasive (external, onto the skin), involves no radiation, and is painless, so you are not expected to feel any discomfort during your ultrasound scan. A hand ultrasound scan is usually completed within 15-20 minutes.
Our sonographer will provide recommendations based on the findings of the ultrasound scan.
You will receive your results verbally immediately after the scan. Following the appointment, the sonographer will review the images and prepare a written report within 24 hours, with any recommended actions.
The report and images will be sent to you, allowing you to discuss the findings with your doctor, physiotherapist, hand therapist or consultant if necessary.
There are no associated risks or side effects with a hand ultrasound scan. Ultrasound, the imaging technique used, does not involve any radiation.
This is one reason why doctors prefer ultrasound for monitoring developing babies in pregnant women.
Use the booking form on this page and follow its Next buttons. Choose one side, two sides or a combined option and your appointment time, enter the requested details, then review the price before completing the booking.
Book your hand ultrasound below. Follow the booking form’s Next buttons to continue, one step at a time.
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Call the teamBooking more than one area, or both sides? Choose the matching option in the booking form. If anything is unclear, call us on 020 3318 1373 before your visit.
If you feel unwell, seek medical advice. This page is general information, not a diagnosis. For urgent concerns, contact your GP or NHS 111; in an emergency call 999.
Further reading: NHS guidance on trigger finger · NHS guidance on Dupuytren's contracture
A hand ultrasound scan can help identify tendonitis, tendon tears, arthritis-related changes, carpal tunnel syndrome, ligament injuries, cysts, and other soft tissue abnormalities in the hand or wrist.
No, a hand ultrasound scan is generally painless and does not use radiation. A specialist moves a handheld probe over the skin to produce real-time images of the hand and wrist structures.
A hand ultrasound scan usually takes around 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the area being examined and the complexity of the symptoms.
Please select Appointment type and Branch location to see time slots for booking- alternatively, please contact us via the chat, call or email, 020-3318-1373
Please check what preparation is needed before your ultrasound scan below:
| All Pelvic scans Kidney and Urinary tract Prostate & Urinary Tract Appendicitis Early Pregnancy Scan | Drink One Liter of still water (2 Pints) One hour before your scan. Do NOT use the toilet so you would arrive with a full bladder. Medication can be taken as normal. |
| Liver scans Upper Abdomen Liver Fibroscan (Liver Elastography) | Do NOT eat for 6 hours prior to scan time. |
| Combination of above scans | Same as respective scan’s preparation. |