Joint-Specific Conditions

The human body relies on a complex network of major joints to perform everyday activities. These joints act as hinges and levers, allowing for movement and flexibility. 

Unfortunately, these joints are also susceptible to various conditions that can impact your overall well-being. Injuries caused by overuse and strain on joints like the elbow, shoulder, ankle, hip, and wrist can cause pain, stiffness, and limitations in movement.

Imaging tests are often the first-line study for such injuries. We use advanced imaging techniques and can partner with your provider to reach an accurate diagnosis and guide you toward appropriate treatment for your joint pain.

Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential for managing joint conditions effectively.

The elbow joint is a complex combination of the humerus, ulna, and radius bones. This joint makes a wide range of movements possible for your arms. However, it is susceptible to various conditions due to its frequent use. 

Common elbow ailments include:

• Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis): Overuse of the wrist and forearm muscles results in inflammation and pain on the outer side of the elbow.
• Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis): Similar to tennis elbow but affecting the inner side of the elbow due to repetitive forearm motions.
• Olecranon bursitis: Inflammation of the fluid-filled sac (bursa) located at the tip of the elbow, often caused by direct trauma or overuse.
• Ulnar nerve entrapment: Compression of the ulnar nerve as it passes behind the elbow can lead to numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand.
• Osteoarthritis: Degenerative joint disease affecting the cartilage in the elbow joint, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.

The shoulder joint is a ball-and-socket joint offering exceptional mobility but is prone to various injuries and conditions:

• Rotator cuff tears: Damage to the group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint can cause pain, weakness, and limited range of motion.
• Impingement syndrome: Inflammation and irritation of the rotator cuff tendons as they pass through a narrow space in the shoulder joint.
• Shoulder instability: Loose or unstable shoulder joint, often caused by trauma or repetitive overhead activities.
• Arthritis: Degenerative or inflammatory conditions affecting the shoulder joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
• Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis): Stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint due to inflammation and thickening of the joint capsule.

The wrist is a complex joint composed of eight small bones (carpal bones) connecting the hand to the forearm. Common wrist conditions include:

• Wrist sprain: This condition occurs when the ligaments in the wrist are overstretched or torn.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome: This condition occurs due to the compression of the median nerve as it passes through a narrow passageway in the wrist, resulting in numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and fingers.
• Scaphoid fracture: This is a common wrist fracture near the base of your thumb that is often challenging to diagnose due to its location.
• De Quervain's tenosynovitis: This condition is caused by inflammation of the tendons at the base of the thumb. It is usually caused by repetitive hand and wrist movements, such as typing and playing sports, and causes pain and difficulty gripping.
• Wrist Arthritis: Degenerative or inflammatory conditions affecting the joints in the wrist, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
• Kienböck's disease: Avascular necrosis of the lunate bone in the wrist.
• Ganglion cysts: These are fluid-filled sacs that commonly form on the back of the wrist. They are often painless but can cause discomfort or cosmetic concerns.
• Wrist fractures: Other than scaphoid fractures, there are various other bones in the wrist that can fracture, including the radius, ulna, and other carpal bones.
• Gout: Although less common in the wrist compared to other joints, gout can affect the wrist joints, causing sudden severe pain, redness, and swelling.

The ankle joint includes the tibia, fibula, and talus bones and is crucial for weight-bearing, balance, and mobility. This hinge-like joint allows for dorsiflexion (pointing the toes upward) and plantarflexion (pointing the toes downward). 

Common ankle conditions include:

• Ankle sprains: These occur when the ligaments supporting the ankle joint are stretched or torn, often due to sudden inversion or eversion of the foot.
• Ankle fractures: Breaks in one or more of the ankle bones, typically caused by trauma such as a fall or a twisting injury. Common fracture sites include the tibia, fibula, and talus.
• Osteoarthritis: Degenerative joint disease affecting the cartilage in the ankle joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune disease that can affect the ankle joint, causing inflammation, pain, and stiffness.
• Achilles tendinitis: Inflammation of the Achilles tendon, the largest tendon in the body, often due to overuse or sudden increases in activity.
• Plantar fasciitis: Inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes, causing heel pain.
• Ankle instability: Chronic ankle instability occurs when the ankle repeatedly gives way, often due to previous sprains or ligament damage.
• Peroneal tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons on the outer side of the ankle.
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome: Compression of the posterior tibial nerve in the ankle, causing pain, numbness, and tingling in the foot.

The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint between the femur (thighbone) and the pelvis and is crucial for weight-bearing, mobility, and balance. Due to its significant role in supporting the body, the hip joint is susceptible to various conditions:

• Hip dysplasia: This congenital condition occurs when the hip socket is abnormally shallow, leading to instability and potential dislocation of the femoral head.
• Osteoarthritis: Degenerative joint disease affecting the cartilage in the hip joint, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
• Hip fractures: Breaks in the upper part of the femur, commonly occurring in older adults due to falls or osteoporosis.
• Labral tears: Damage to the cartilage rim (labrum) around the hip socket, often causing pain, clicking, and locking sensations.
• Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI): Abnormal bone growth in the hip joint, leading to pain and reduced range of motion.
• Bursitis: Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) around the hip joint, causing pain and tenderness.
• Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons surrounding the hip joint, often due to overuse or repetitive movements.
• Avascular necrosis: Death of bone tissue due to insufficient blood supply, leading to hip pain and stiffness.

The knee joint includes the femur, tibia, and patella bones and is one of the largest and most weight-bearing joints in the human body. Its intricate structure enables a wide range of motion, from walking and running to squatting and kneeling. 

However, this complexity also makes it susceptible to various injuries and conditions.

• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear: The ACL is a crucial ligament preventing the tibia from sliding forward excessively. A tear often occurs during sudden stops, pivoting, or landing awkwardly.
• Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tear: Less common than ACL tears, the PCL prevents the tibia from sliding backward. It's often injured in high-impact collisions or dashboard injuries.
• Medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain: This ligament stabilizes the knee on the inner side. It's commonly injured in blows to the outer side of the knee.
• Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) sprain: Less common than MCL sprains, the LCL stabilizes the outer side of the knee.
• Meniscus tears: The menisci are cartilage pads that act as shock absorbers. Tears can occur due to twisting or rotational forces.
• Patellar tendinitis (jumper's knee): Inflammation of the patellar tendon, often seen in athletes involved in jumping sports.
• Osteoarthritis: Degenerative joint disease affecting the cartilage in the knee, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune disease that can affect the knee joint, causing inflammation, pain, swelling, and stiffness.
• Patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner's knee): Pain around the kneecap, often caused by overuse or misalignment.

Advanced imaging technologies like CT scans and MRIs are essential for accurately diagnosing joint-specific conditions. At Tellica Imaging, we use state-of-the-art equipment to provide clear and detailed images of your affected joints.

We prioritize your comfort throughout the imaging process. Our team of experienced technologists and board-certified radiologists ensure high-quality scans and accurate interpretations. Additionally, we offer flexible scheduling to accommodate your needs and work with most major insurance plans.

We offer advanced imaging services specifically designed to evaluate joint-specific conditions.

Joint pain and dysfunction can significantly impact your quality of life. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and management of joint conditions.

At Tellica Imaging, our commitment to patient care and technological excellence ensures that you receive the highest quality diagnostic imaging for your joint condition.

Our staff is dedicated to creating a comfortable and welcoming environment for every patient. Additionally, our upfront and transparent pricing eliminates surprise bills, ensuring you can focus on your health. 

Visit us at any of our convenient locations and our friendly staff will be glad to answer any questions you may have. Alternatively, call us to schedule an imaging test at any of our locations.