Hand and wrist pain is often mistakenly attributed solely to carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), but that’s not always the case. One common misdiagnosis is ESS, which can lead to improper treatment. Let’s explore these conditions further.
Chronic low-grade inflammation can lead to certain cancers and heart diseases. Tendonitis, a familiar issue in the wrist and hand, occurs when tendons—those crucial connectors between muscles and bones—become inflamed. This can happen in the flexor tendons, which bend your fingers, or the extensor tendons, which straighten them.
Tendonitis shares symptoms with CTS, such as pain, tenderness, and weakness, especially during repetitive wrist and hand movements. However, the pain from tendonitis is usually more localized, occurring right where the tendon is inflamed. For example, De Quervain’s tenosynovitis affects the tendons at the base of the thumb, causing significant pain on the thumb side of the wrist. In contrast, CTS typically causes pain and numbness in the thumb, index, middle, and half of the ring finger.
Age can also influence the symptoms of these conditions. CTS often causes nighttime numbness and tingling, disrupting sleep, while tendonitis pain can persist throughout the day and night.
Cervical radiculopathy, despite its complex name, refers to nerve compression in the neck, which can cause pain, numbness, and weakness extending from the neck down the arm to the hand. This condition can mimic CTS but usually includes neck pain or stiffness and sometimes weakness in the arm or shoulder, which are not typical of CTS.
When hand or wrist pain disrupts daily life, it’s crucial to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. They will review your medical history, conduct an examination, and possibly order tests like X-rays or nerve conduction studies. This thorough evaluation ensures you receive the right treatment for your specific condition. While CTS is often suspected, a proper assessment can reveal the true cause of your hand pain.
