Hand and wrist pain is often mistakenly blamed solely on carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), but that’s not the full story. One of the common culprits misdiagnosed as CTS is Tendonitis. Let’s explore these conditions in more detail:
When tendons, which connect muscles and bones, become irritated or swollen, it’s called tendonitis. This inflammation can occur in the tendons that flex (bend) or extend (straighten) your fingers.
Tendonitis and CTS have similar symptoms such as pain, tenderness, and weakness in the hand, especially with repetitive hand and wrist movements. However, tendonitis pain is usually more localized to the specific inflamed tendon area. For example, De Quervain’s tenosynovitis affects 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.
Age can also affect when and how symptoms appear. CTS may cause nighttime numbness and tingling that disrupts sleep, while tendonitis pain can persist throughout the day and disturb you at night.
Another condition often confused with CTS is cervical radiculopathy, which occurs when nerves in the neck get compressed. This can lead to a chain reaction of pain, numbness, and weakness that radiates down the arm and into the hand. Although it can mimic CTS, cervical radiculopathy extends beyond the wrist and may be accompanied by neck pain and arm or shoulder weakness, which are not typical of CTS.
If hand or wrist pain is impacting your daily life, it’s crucial to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis. They will review your medical history, perform an examination, and might use X-rays or nerve conduction tests to pinpoint the real issue. Correct diagnosis ensures you get the treatment that fits your condition. Even though CTS is frequently blamed, identifying the true cause of your discomfort through a thorough assessment is essential for relief.
