Hand and wrist pain is often mistakenly attributed to carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), but it’s not always the culprit. One common misdiagnosis is ESS, which can lead to improper treatment. Let’s explore these conditions further.
Chronic low-grade inflammation can lead to serious health issues like certain cancers and heart diseases. Tendonitis is a frequent problem in the wrist and hand, occurring when tendons, which connect muscles to bones, become inflamed. This can affect 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 hand and wrist activities. However, tendonitis pain is usually more localized, occurring at the site of the inflamed tendon. For example, De Quervain’s tenosynovitis affects the tendons at the base of the thumb, causing 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.
The timing of symptoms can also differ. CTS often causes nighttime numbness and tingling that disrupts sleep, while tendonitis pain can persist throughout the day and night.
Cervical radiculopathy, despite its complex name, refers to nerve compression in the neck. This condition can cause pain, numbness, and weakness that radiates from the neck down the arm to the hand, mimicking CTS. However, it often includes neck pain or stiffness and sometimes weakness in the arm or shoulder, which are not typical of CTS.
If hand or wrist pain is affecting your daily life, it’s crucial to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. They will review your medical history, perform an examination, and may order tests like X-rays or nerve conduction studies. This thorough evaluation ensures you receive the right treatment for your condition. While CTS is often suspected, a proper assessment can identify the true cause of your hand pain.
