Hand and wrist pain is often mistakenly attributed solely to carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), but there are other potential causes. 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 issue in the wrist and hand, occurring when tendons, which connect muscles to bones, become inflamed. This can affect 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 hand and wrist activities. 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 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, affecting the arm and hand. This condition can mimic CTS by causing hand pain, numbness, and weakness, but it also involves pain traveling from the neck down the arm, sometimes accompanied by neck stiffness or shoulder weakness, which are not typical of CTS.
When hand or wrist pain interferes with daily life, it’s crucial to consult 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 correct treatment for your specific condition. While CTS is often suspected, a proper evaluation can identify the true cause of your discomfort.
