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, a familiar issue in the wrist and hand, occurs when tendons become inflamed. These tendons connect muscles to bones and can be either 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 more localized, occurring at the site of 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 symptoms of these conditions can vary with age. 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, refers to nerve compression in the neck. This condition affects the nerves extending from the neck to the arm and hand. If a nerve root is pinched by a herniated disc or bone spurs, it can cause pain, numbness, and weakness that radiates down the arm to the hand.
Cervical radiculopathy can mimic CTS by causing hand pain, numbness, or weakness, but it also involves pain that travels along the affected nerve to the arm, often accompanied by neck pain or stiffness and sometimes weakness in the arm or shoulder—symptoms 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 may perform tests like X-rays or nerve conduction studies. This thorough evaluation ensures you receive the right treatment for your condition. While CTS is often suspected, a proper assessment can identify the true cause of your hand pain.
