Hand and wrist pain is often attributed to carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), but it isn’t always the culprit. One frequently misdiagnosed condition is extensor pollicis syndrome (ESS), which can lead to incorrect treatment. Let’s delve into these conditions further.
Chronic low-grade inflammation is known to contribute to certain cancers and heart diseases. Tendonitis is a common issue that affects the wrist and hand. It’s caused when tendons, which connect muscles to bones, become inflamed. This inflammation can occur in the flexor tendons (which bend your fingers) or the extensor tendons (which straighten them).
Tendonitis shares some symptoms with CTS, such as pain, tenderness, and weakness. These symptoms often worsen with repetitive activities. However, the pain from tendonitis is usually more localized to the inflamed tendon. For example, De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, a type of tendonitis, specifically affects the base of the thumb, leading to pain on the thumb side of the wrist. In contrast, CTS typically causes pain and numbness in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger.
The timing and nature of symptoms can also differ. CTS often causes nighttime numbness and tingling that disrupts sleep, while tendonitis might cause persistent pain that can wake you at night.
Another condition, cervical radiculopathy, occurs when nerves in the neck get compressed. This can result from herniated discs or bone spurs and causes pain, numbness, and weakness that extend from the neck down to the arm and hand. While it can mimic CTS symptoms, cervical radiculopathy often involves additional neck pain or stiffness and weakness in the arm or shoulder.
When experiencing hand or wrist pain, it’s essential to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis. They will review your medical history, perform an examination, and possibly conduct tests like X-rays or nerve conduction studies. Accurate diagnosis is crucial in determining the correct treatment plan and identifying the true cause of your discomfort, rather than assuming CTS is always to blame.
