Hand Ultrasound Scan

Hand Ultrasound Scan
Price : £215
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FINGERS, PALM AND THUMB

Hand
ultrasound.
Small structures, clearly seen.

A private ultrasound of your fingers, thumb and palm — for trigger finger, lumps, swelling, tendon injuries and pain that makes everyday tasks harder.

Central London Banstead, Surrey
A sonographer performing a hand ultrasound scanEvery tendon, one by one.
YOUR HAND SCANAbout 20 min
£215Published scan price

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PATIENT EXPERIENCES

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01 / UNDERSTANDING YOUR SCAN

Fine movements.
Fine detail.

Your hand relies on slim tendons, pulleys and ligaments working smoothly. High-resolution ultrasound shows them in detail and while they move.

01

Trigger finger

Look at the tendon and its pulley for thickening that causes catching or locking.

02

Lumps & nodules

Identify ganglions, cords and other lumps, such as Dupuytren's nodules.

03

Tendon injury

Check flexor and extensor tendons for inflammation, partial tears or ruptures.

04

Joints & thumb base

Assess joint swelling, fluid and ligament injury, including the thumb.

IN DETAIL

Hand Ultrasound Scan – Precision Imaging for Hand and Wrist Conditions

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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LISTEN TO THE AUDIO SUMMARY
Hand Ultrasound Scan
What is a Hand Ultrasound Scan?

A Hand Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the internal structures of the hand, including:

  1. Tendons (to assess tendonitis or tendon tears)
  2. Ligaments (to check for ligament sprains or tears)
  3. Muscles and soft tissues
  4. Bones and joints (for assessing joint-related conditions such as arthritis)
  5. Nerve conditions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
  6. Cysts, masses, or lumps in the hand or wrist

It is commonly used for diagnosing injuries or conditions affecting the hand’s function and mobility.

Why is a Hand Ultrasound Important?

A Hand Ultrasound is essential for diagnosing a range of hand and wrist conditions, offering:

  1. Real-time, Dynamic Imaging: It allows for the assessment of the hand’s structures during movement, providing a more accurate diagnosis.
  2. Soft Tissue Evaluation: Unlike X-rays that focus on bones, ultrasound provides detailed images of tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues.
  3. Early Detection: It helps detect early signs of conditions like arthritis, tendonitis, or nerve entrapment, allowing for timely intervention and treatment.
Who Should Consider a Hand Ultrasound?

A Hand Ultrasound is recommended for individuals experiencing:

  1. Hand or wrist pain or discomfort.
  2. Limited range of motion or stiffness in the hand.
  3. Swelling or inflammation in the hand or wrist.
  4. Suspected carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, or trigger finger.
  5. Sports injuries or trauma affecting the hand or wrist.
  6. Lumps or masses in the hand, such as cysts or tumors.
  7. Nerve-related conditions like numbness, tingling, or weakness.
Benefits of a Hand Ultrasound Scan
  1. Non-invasive and Painless: The procedure is completely safe and involves no radiation exposure.
  2. Dynamic Imaging: The real-time view of tendons, ligaments, and joints in motion provides a more accurate diagnosis of movement-related conditions.
  3. Soft Tissue Focused: It provides detailed imaging of muscles, tendons, and ligaments that may not be visible on X-rays.
  4. Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment Planning: Helps guide treatment plans, whether conservative management, injections, or surgery.

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.

02 / YOUR VISIT, SIMPLIFIED

Know what to expect.
Feel more prepared.

From getting ready to discussing what comes next, here is a simple guide to your appointment.

A question before you book? Call us
1

Tell us how it started

An injury, a gradual ache, swelling, clicking or weakness — and which activities bring it on. Point to exactly where it hurts.

2

Understand the scan

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.

3

Talk about the next steps

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.

03 / FIND YOUR PHOENIX

Two locations.
One thoughtful choice.

Choose the location that works for you. Confirm your selected clinic in the booking system before completing your appointment.

04 / A FEW THINGS YOU MAY BE WONDERING

Your questions.
Clear answers.

Need something more personal?
Speak to the team before booking.

020 3318 1373
Do I need a GP referral?

No. You can book directly. A referral letter from your GP, physiotherapist or consultant is welcome but not required.

Should I book one side or both?

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.

Can it show arthritis?

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.

Is a hand + wrist scan better for me?

If your pain or tingling also involves the wrist, the Hand + Wrist option covers both in one appointment.

What if it is a new, severe injury?

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.

Why do I need to have a hand ultrasound 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.

What does this scan include?

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.

What is the most common finding of a hand ultrasound scan?

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.

What kind of preparation do I need?

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.

What happens during the hand ultrasound scan?

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.

When will I get the results?

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.

What are the risks of a hand ultrasound?

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.

How do I book and confirm the price?

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.

WHEN YOU’RE READY

Your appointment.
Right here.

Book your hand ultrasound below. Follow the booking form’s Next buttons to continue, one step at a time.

HAND · ONE OR BOTH SIDESNeed a hand? 020 3318 1373
  1. 01
    Your appointmentReview scan options, location and available times.
  2. 02
    Your detailsComplete the information requested in the form.
  3. 03
    Review & completeCheck the price and follow the final booking steps.
PHOENIX ULTRASOUND

Book your hand ultrasound

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BEFORE YOU ARRIVE

Preparation, made clear.

  • No preparation is needed — eat, drink and take your usual medication as normal.
  • Remove rings and bracelets from the hand being scanned if you can.
  • Note what makes it worse — the movements or positions that trigger your pain help the sonographer target the scan.
  • Bring any previous imaging or physiotherapy / GP letters if you have them.

Booking 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

FAQs
1. What conditions can a hand ultrasound scan detect?

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.

2. Is a hand ultrasound scan painful or does it use radiation?

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.

3. How long does a hand ultrasound scan take?

A hand ultrasound scan usually takes around 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the area being examined and the complexity of the symptoms.

Booking

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

Preparing For Scan: Tips And Guidelines

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.