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Differential Diagnosis for Tendon Entrapment in Hands in the Elderly

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • De Quervain's Tenosynovitis: This condition is a common cause of tendon entrapment in the hands, especially in the elderly. It involves inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, leading to pain and tenderness, particularly when forming a fist, grasping, or turning the wrist.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Trigger Finger: A condition where the tendon sheath becomes inflamed, causing the finger to catch or lock when extended or flexed. It's common in the elderly and can be associated with activities that strain the hand.
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Although more commonly associated with median nerve compression, it can also involve tendon entrapment or irritation, leading to symptoms like numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and fingers.
  • Ganglion Cysts: These are non-cancerous lumps that can develop on the wrist or hand, sometimes causing pressure on tendons and leading to discomfort or pain.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Infectious Tenosynovitis: An infection within the tendon sheath, which is a medical emergency requiring prompt treatment to prevent serious complications like tendon rupture or spread of infection.
  • Gout or Pseudogout: These conditions can cause sudden, severe pain and swelling in the hands, including tendon entrapment symptoms, and require specific treatment to manage the underlying cause.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis: While not exclusively a tendon entrapment condition, rheumatoid arthritis can cause inflammation that leads to tendon irritation or entrapment, among other symptoms.
  • Tendon Xanthomas: Deposits of fat that can accumulate on tendons, potentially causing entrapment or irritation, often associated with high cholesterol levels.
  • Amyloidosis: A rare condition where abnormal proteins (amyloid) accumulate in various tissues, including tendons, potentially leading to entrapment or other symptoms.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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