Pain in the hand and wrist is frequently misattributed to carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), but this isn’t always the truth. An often-misdiagnosed condition resembling CTS is tenosynovitis, which can result in misguided treatment approaches. Let’s delve deeper into these ailments.
Persistent low-level inflammation may contribute to serious medical problems, including particular types of cancer and cardiovascular disease. One prevalent issue affecting the wrist and hand is tendonitis, which occurs when the tendons—that connect muscles to bones—become inflamed. This inflammation can target the flexor tendons, which facilitate finger movement, or the extensor tendons, responsible for straightening the fingers.
Symptoms of tendonitis can overlap with those of CTS, encompassing pain, tenderness, and weakness, particularly following repetitive motions of the wrist and hand. However, tendonitis typically presents pain that is more focused around the affected tendon. For instance, De Quervain’s tenosynovitis impacts the tendons at the thumb’s base, resulting in discomfort on the thumb’s side of the wrist. Conversely, CTS generally induces pain and numbness in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and part of the ring finger.
The timing of these symptoms may also vary significantly. CTS-related numbness and tingling often arise at night, potentially disturbing sleep, whereas tendonitis may cause pain that lingers both day and night.
Cervical radiculopathy, despite its intricate terminology, refers to nerve compression occurring in the neck area. The cervical spine is home to nerves that extend into the arm and hand. If a nerve root is compressed due to a herniated disc or bone spurs, it can lead to pain, numbness, and weakness radiating down the arm toward the hand.
Cervical radiculopathy can imitate the symptoms of CTS by producing hand pain, numbness, or weakness. However, it is also characterized by additional symptoms such as neck pain or stiffness and, in some cases, weakness in the arm or shoulder—symptoms that are not typically associated with CTS.
When pain in the hand or wrist disrupts your daily activities, seeking medical advice for a precise diagnosis is vital. A healthcare professional will review your medical background, execute a physical assessment, and may recommend imaging studies such as X-rays or nerve conduction tests. This comprehensive evaluation is essential in ensuring you receive the appropriate treatment for your specific condition. Although CTS might be the assumed cause, a detailed examination can help uncover the actual reason behind your hand pain.
