Differential Diagnosis for 57-year-old Female with Left Arm to Wrist Pain for 1 Week
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Tendinitis or Repetitive Strain Injury: This is a common condition in adults, especially in individuals who perform repetitive tasks or have poor posture, leading to inflammation of the tendons in the arm or wrist.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the median nerve in the wrist can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the arm and wrist, especially at night or with repetitive activities.
- Radial or Ulnar Nerve Entrapment: Entrapment of these nerves at the elbow or wrist can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the arm and wrist.
- Osteoarthritis: Wear and tear on the joints in the arm or wrist can cause pain and stiffness, especially with activity.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Acute Coronary Syndrome: Although less common, arm pain can be a referred symptom of a heart attack, especially in women, and is a medical emergency.
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Compression of the nerves or blood vessels between the neck and shoulder can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the arm and wrist.
- Infection or Abscess: Bacterial or fungal infections in the arm or wrist can cause severe pain, redness, and swelling, and require prompt antibiotic treatment.
- Rare diagnoses
- Gout or Pseudogout: Deposition of urate crystals in the joints can cause sudden, severe pain and swelling, although this is less common in the arm or wrist.
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: A rare condition characterized by chronic pain, swelling, and skin changes in the arm or wrist, often after an injury.
- Tumor or Cyst: Although rare, a tumor or cyst in the arm or wrist can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility.