Introduction
Pain in the elbow, wrist, or hand is common, especially with repetitive tasks, sports, or aging. X-rays can reveal degenerative changes that explain discomfort, stiffness, or loss of strength. Understanding these terms helps patients navigate treatment options effectively.
This guide explains common X-ray findings, their implications, and non-surgical treatments in Singapore.
Common X-ray Findings
1. Joint Space Narrowing
Definition: Reduced space between bones in the elbow, wrist, or finger joints.
Implications: Suggests cartilage wear → pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
Management: Physiotherapy to strengthen surrounding muscles, Regenerix Gold for cartilage support, HotHeal Therapy, and MRI if pain persists.
2. Osteophytes (Bone Spurs)
Definition: Extra bone growth along joint edges.
Implications: May limit motion and irritate tendons or ligaments.
Symptoms: Clicking, locking, or localized pain.
Management: Shockwave therapy, HotHeal Therapy, physiotherapy, MRI if function is significantly impaired.
3. Epicondylitis / Tendinosis Changes
Definition: Degenerative changes at tendon attachment sites (common in tennis elbow / golfer’s elbow).
Implications: Pain with gripping, lifting, or twisting movements.
Management: Physiotherapy for tendon strengthening and flexibility, shockwave therapy for tendon healing, HotHeal Therapy, Regenerix Gold for connective tissue support.
4. Carpal Instability / Subluxation
Definition: Misalignment or partial dislocation of wrist bones.
Implications: Pain, weakness, or clicking with wrist motion.
Management: Physiotherapy for wrist stabilizers, HotHeal Therapy for soft tissue health, MRI to evaluate ligament and cartilage status.
5. Heberden’s / Bouchard’s Nodes
Definition: Bony enlargements at finger joints due to osteoarthritis.
Implications: Stiffness, pain, and reduced finger motion.
Management: Physiotherapy for finger mobility, splints if needed, Regenerix Gold for joint support.
6. Scaphoid / Carpal Fracture Healed Malalignment
Definition: Misaligned or improperly healed wrist bone fractures.
Implications: Chronic wrist pain, reduced motion, risk of arthritis.
Management: Physiotherapy, HotHeal Therapy for circulation and tissue recovery, MRI to assess cartilage and soft tissue.
7. Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) Degeneration
Definition: Wear or injury to the cartilage at the wrist’s ulnar side.
Implications: Pain with gripping or twisting, wrist instability.
Management: Physiotherapy for stabilizers, HotHeal Therapy, MRI for precise assessment.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Physiotherapy (The Pain Relief Practice): Improves strength, mobility, and stability of the elbow, wrist, and hand.
Shockwave Therapy: Promotes healing of degenerative tendon and joint conditions.
HotHeal Therapy: Manual therapy combined with radiofrequency enhances circulation and tissue recovery.
Regenerix Gold: Supports joint, tendon, and cartilage health.
MRI (Pain Relief Clinic): Provides detailed imaging of soft tissue, cartilage, ligaments, and bones when X-rays are insufficient.
When to Consider an MRI
Persistent elbow, wrist, or hand pain despite physiotherapy.
Limited range of motion, clicking, 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
Elbow, wrist, and hand X-ray findings such as joint space narrowing, osteophytes, epicondylitis changes, carpal instability, Heberden’s/Bouchard’s nodes, scaphoid malalignment, and TFCC degeneration help explain pain and dysfunction.
Many patients achieve significant relief with physiotherapy, shockwave, HotHeal Therapy, and Regenerix Gold, while MRI at The Pain Relief Clinic ensures accurate diagnosis for ongoing care or planning further treatment.
