MRI shows damage to bones and muscle.
Ultrasound shows active RA.
x ray shows bones
This is a simplified answer to the question, these methods of x ray are used for many diagnoses, but for RA these are the main results. I have had
X rays for changes in bones.
MRI for nerve damage.
USS for active RA in hands.
Thank you, really helpful, I'm never sure.😊
I was told by my drs not allowed to have the MRI in my foot despite the fact I RA has impacted my joints and ability to walk. Was told too expensive over £1000. Despite working all my life paying into the NHS and tax system. I tend to self fund and switch between private using my own savings and NHS. Yet I have women at work who have MRI as if no big deal. That does frustrate me somewhat ... sorry rant over, had to be said 😊
I get ultrasound on hands and feet from time to time.
It clearly shows damage done from RA (deep v shaped pits in bones) and damage from OA, and when RA is active that shows as bright orange-red dots.
RA activity often ‘hides’ under the wrist bones, so my specialist ensured to scan under there and on sides as well as top of hands.
Quite intriguing though it is no fun to find active RA ongoing in joints!
I’m due for an ultrasound on my hands in a couple of weeks. Had pain in several knuckles for a couple of months now. At the rheumy consultant appt he said he couldn’t feel any RA problems in them. Or osteo! Ok then, what is causing the problem then? Errrrr🙄😂. So he tried to book for an nhs ultrasound. suggested I ring to ask them when appt would be. and after two days of phoning and listening to the ‘we’re sorry, that line is engaged at the moment’😡. I finally got through on the third day, only to be told the appointment lists don’t open until the 21st June so it will be several weeks after that before you would get an appt. gave up after that and rang BUPA (thank god, and the company I work for, for private health care). Now booked for week after next😃
That is ridiculous!
NHS Rheumatology Dept here in SW Scotland is equipped with ultrasound in the consultant’s room.
Active RA is quickly detected with that equipment.
Glad you could go private!
So sad that people are being forced into the private medicine route. I’m afraid that the NHS is being slowly dismantled by lack of investment and lack of will to fix it .
We are sleepwalking into an American style system where the poor cannot afford even the basic care.
I hope your pain subsides and that you are feeling better soon .
I have never been allowed ultrasound or MRI for my RA in 22years, as they never offer it as too expensive. I've had CT and sans for different things but not RA.
I have had ultrasound on my hands the other week showed red and orange dots wondered what they were said it was osteo in hand going next time in a few months and having nails scanned next and sent to physio which I have already started Can't complain about my treatment
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