Most joint aches settle with time, rest and sensible movement. A few are worth looking at sooner, and knowing which is which saves both worry and delay.
When to seek assessment
It is worth being assessed if pain is persistent and not improving, wakes you at night, comes with noticeable swelling, or if the joint gives way or locks. Pain that follows a significant injury is also worth checking rather than pushing through.
How imaging helps
Which scan suits depends on the question. X-ray is quick and good for bone and alignment; ultrasound and MRI are better for soft tissue such as tendons, ligaments and cartilage. Part of the value of being assessed is being pointed to the right test rather than every test.
From answer to plan
A scan is only useful if it leads somewhere. Where a problem is found, treatment, from a guided injection to physiotherapy, can be planned by people who have seen the same images. Our joint, bone and muscle pathway explains how that fits together.