Hand and wrist pain are often mistakenly blamed solely on carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), but it’s not usually the only reason for these issues. A condition often misdiagnosed as CTS is ESS, which can lead to incorrect treatment. Let’s take a closer look at these common misdiagnoses:
Chronic low-grade inflammation in the body is known to lead to some types of cancer and heart diseases. Tendonitis, a familiar issue in the wrist and hand area, occurs when tendons, the vital connections between muscles and bones, become inflamed. This can affect either the flexor tendon, responsible for bending your fingers, or the extensor tendon, which straightens them.
Symptoms That Resemble CTS: Like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis brings along pain, tenderness, and weakness. These symptoms often worsen with repetitive wrist and hand movements, similar to what CTS patients experience. However, the main difference lies in the location and spread of the pain. Tendonitis pain is usually concentrated at the site of inflammation. For example, De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, a type of tendonitis, targets the tendons at the base of the thumb, causing intense pain on that side of the wrist. In contrast, CTS typically causes pain and numbness in the thumb, index, middle, and half of the ring finger.
Age can also affect how symptoms appear. CTS sometimes flares up at night, causing numbness and tingling that disrupts sleep, whereas tendonitis can cause persistent discomfort throughout the night.
Cervical radiculopathy, although it sounds complex, simply refers to compressed nerves in the neck. These nerves run to your arm and hand, and if they’re pinched by a herniated disc, bone spurs, or other issues, it can result in pain, numbness, and weakness travelling from the arm to the hand.
Symptoms That Resemble CTS: Cervical radiculopathy can mimic CTS with hand pain, numbness, and weakness. However, unlike CTS, this pain extends along the nerve path, up into the arm. It might also be accompanied by neck pain, stiffness, or weakness in the arm or shoulder, which are not typical for CTS.
Therefore, if hand or wrist pain is affecting your daily life, it’s crucial to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis. The doctor will review your medical history, perform a physical examination, and might recommend X-rays or nerve conduction studies. This careful investigation ensures you receive the right treatment for your condition. While CTS might often be suspected, a thorough assessment can help pinpoint the true cause of your hand troubles.
