Hand and wrist pain is often attributed directly to carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), although it’s not always the only culprit. One of the common disorders mistaken for CTS is ESS, which can lead to mismanagement. Let’s dive into these conditions.
Chronic low-grade inflammation can lead to various health issues, including some types of cancer and heart diseases. Tendonitis, a familiar problem in the wrist and hand, occurs when tendons—those crucial fibers connecting muscles and bones—become inflamed. This inflammation may affect tendons responsible for bending the fingers (flexor tendons) or extending them (extensor tendons).
Like CTS, tendonitis symptoms include pain, tenderness, and weakness. These symptoms usually worsen with repetitive wrist and hand movements, much like in CTS. However, there’s a notable difference in the location and spread of pain. Tendonitis pain is more localized, appearing directly at the inflamed tendon. For example, De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, a type of tendonitis, affects tendons at the thumb’s base, causing pain on the wrist’s thumb side. In contrast, CTS generally causes pain and numbness in the thumb, index, middle, and half of the ring finger.
The symptoms may also vary among different age groups. CTS often causes nighttime issues with numbness and tingling, interrupting sleep. Tendonitis pain, on the other hand, tends to persist throughout the day and may disturb sleep as well.
Cervical radiculopathy might sound daunting, but it simply refers to nerve issues in the neck that can cause similar symptoms. The cervical spine involves nerves extending to the arms and hands. If a herniated disc or bone spurs compress these nerves, it can cause pain, numbness, and weakness traveling down the arm to the hand.
Similar to CTS, cervical radiculopathy can result in hand pain, numbness, or weakness. However, unlike CTS, this pain can extend from the wrist all the way up the arm, often accompanied by neck stiffness or shoulder weakness, which are not typical of CTS.
Therefore, if hand or wrist pain is disrupting daily life, it’s crucial to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis. They’ll review your medical history, conduct exams, and may use X-rays or nerve conduction tests. This thorough approach helps identify the real cause of your symptoms, ensuring you receive the right treatment. While CTS is frequently suspected, a detailed assessment can uncover the actual cause of your hand troubles.
