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 certain cancers and heart diseases. Tendonitis is a familiar issue in the wrist and hand, occurring when tendons 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 wrist and hand movements. However, tendonitis pain is usually localized to 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.
Age can 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, involves compressed nerves in the neck affecting the arm and hand. A herniated disc or bone spurs can pinch a nerve, causing pain, numbness, and weakness from the neck down 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.
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, conduct an examination, and possibly order tests like X-rays or nerve conduction studies. This thorough approach ensures you receive the right treatment for your specific condition. While CTS is often suspected, a proper evaluation can identify the true cause of your discomfort.
