Hand and wrist pain are often hastily 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 take a closer look at these conditions.
Chronic low-grade inflammation has been linked to both cancer and heart disease. In the wrist and hand, tendonitis is a familiar issue. This condition arises when tendons, which connect muscles to bones, become inflamed. This can occur in the flexor tendons, which bend your fingers, or the extensor tendons, which straighten them.
Symptoms similar to CTS: Like CTS, tendonitis can cause pain, tenderness, and weakness, especially during repetitive wrist and hand movements. However, tendonitis pain is typically localized to the tendon itself. For example, De Quervain’s tenosynovitis affects tendons at the base of the thumb, causing pain on the thumb side of the wrist. In contrast, CTS usually causes pain and numbness in the thumb, index, middle, and half of the ring finger.
Another difference is how these conditions behave over time. CTS symptoms can be particularly troublesome at night, causing numbness and tingling that disrupt sleep. Tendonitis pain, however, might persist day and night, affecting daily tasks.
Cervical radiculopathy, despite sounding complex, simply means compressed nerves in the neck that cause related issues. The neck’s nerves extend to the arm and hand, and if they get pinched by something like a herniated disc or bone spur, it results in pain, numbness, and weakness from the neck down to the hand.
Symptoms similar to CTS: Cervical radiculopathy can mimic CTS with hand pain, numbness, or weakness, but it also involves pain traveling up the arm, often accompanied by neck pain or stiffness, and weakness in the arm or shoulder—symptoms that are unlike those of CTS.
When hand or wrist pain starts interfering with daily life, it’s crucial to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis. They’ll review your medical history, perform a physical exam, and may carry out tests like X-rays or nerve conduction studies. This thorough evaluation ensures you’re treated for the actual cause of your discomfort, not just what seems most likely on the surface.
