Hand and wrist pain is often mistakenly attributed solely to carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), but there are other conditions that can be misdiagnosed as CTS, such as ESS. 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 common condition affecting the wrist and hand, occurring when tendons, which connect muscles to bones, become inflamed. This can happen to the flexor tendons, which bend the 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 more 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.
The timing of symptoms can also differ. CTS often causes numbness and tingling at night, disrupting sleep, while tendonitis pain can persist throughout the day and night.
Cervical radiculopathy, despite its complex name, involves compressed nerves in the neck that affect the arm and hand. This condition can mimic CTS by causing hand pain, numbness, and weakness, but it also involves pain that travels from the neck down the arm, sometimes accompanied by neck stiffness or weak shoulders, which are not typical of CTS.
When hand or wrist pain interferes with 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 correct treatment for your specific condition. While CTS is often suspected, a proper diagnosis can reveal the true cause of your hand pain.
