Differential Diagnosis for Sore Fingers and Shoulders
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI): This condition is often caused by repetitive movements or overuse of the fingers and shoulders, leading to inflammation and strain on the muscles and tendons. It is a common diagnosis in individuals who perform repetitive tasks, such as typing or lifting.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Osteoarthritis: A degenerative joint disease that can cause pain and stiffness in the fingers and shoulders, especially in older adults.
- Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons, which can cause pain and soreness in the fingers and shoulders.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion joints and reduce friction, which can cause pain and soreness in the shoulders.
- Fibromyalgia: A chronic condition characterized by widespread muscle pain, including pain in the fingers and shoulders.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation and pain in the joints, including the fingers and shoulders. If left untreated, it can lead to severe joint damage and disability.
- Septic Arthritis: A bacterial infection of the joint, which can cause severe pain, swelling, and redness. If not treated promptly, it can lead to joint destruction and systemic infection.
- Gout: A form of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, which can cause sudden and severe pain, especially in the fingers and shoulders.
Rare Diagnoses
- Scleroderma: A chronic autoimmune disease that can cause thickening and hardening of the skin, as well as inflammation and pain in the joints, including the fingers and shoulders.
- Polymyalgia Rheumatica: A condition characterized by muscle pain and stiffness, especially in the shoulders and hips.
- Mixed Connective Tissue Disease: A rare autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation and pain in the joints, including the fingers and shoulders, as well as other systemic symptoms.