Does your shoulder hurt or ache when you get dressed? Or do you feel a dull elbow pain just from lifting a cup of coffee? Many of us ignore this pain for weeks, masking it with pills or creams. But that is the most common mistake. Self-treatment without an accurate diagnosis can lead to chronic tendon damage and prolonged therapy.
If you want to know why a standard X-ray is often insufficient and how one 15-minute examination can save you weeks of uncertainty, read on.
The key to returning to pain-free movement is usually musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSK USG), i.e., an examination of joints and soft tissues.
Why is ultrasound the ideal choice for joint pain?
Unlike X-rays, which primarily show bones, ultrasound excels at imaging soft structures. Thanks to it, a doctor can immediately and thoroughly check what a standard X-ray cannot reveal. It detects irritation, inflammation, or partial and complete tendon or ligament tears. Using sonography, the doctor can determine if there is fluid accumulation in the joint, swelling, or hidden inflammation. It can identify painful bursitis, which is a common cause of limited shoulder mobility.
When should you see a doctor?
An ultrasound examination of joints is advisable when pain does not subside even after several days of rest, worsens with exertion, or limits your daily activities (e.g., dressing, combing hair, or lifting objects). It serves excellently not only for diagnosis but also for monitoring healing after sports injuries.
How does the examination proceed?
There is no need to worry. The examination is non-invasive, painless, and requires no special preparation. The doctor applies contact gel to the area being examined (e.g., around the elbow or shoulder) and moves a special ultrasound probe over the tissue. A benefit is that the doctor can discuss the findings with you in real-time and may even ask you to move your limb slightly to observe how the tendons and joint behave during movement, which other diagnostic devices cannot do.
If musculoskeletal pain bothers you, do not put off dealing with it. With a referral from your general practitioner or specialist, or without a referral based on a physiotherapist’s indication, we will examine you quickly in the modern environment of MediRad s.r.o., without unnecessary waiting and in a pleasant atmosphere.
Book your appointment online today at www.medirad.sk.