Differential Diagnosis for Thumb Pain
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Osteoarthritis: This is a common condition that affects the joints, including the thumb, causing pain and stiffness. The thumb's basal joint is particularly prone to osteoarthritis due to its high mobility and stress.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Trigger thumb: A condition where the tendon sheath surrounding the tendon of the thumb becomes inflamed, causing pain and stiffness, especially when moving the thumb.
- De Quervain's tenosynovitis: Inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, leading to pain and tenderness, especially when forming a fist or grasping.
- Thumb sprain: A common injury that can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility in the thumb.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Infectious arthritis: A bacterial or fungal infection within the joint, which can lead to severe joint damage and systemic infection if not promptly treated.
- Gout: A form of arthritis characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness, often affecting the joints of the hands, including the thumb.
- Fracture: A break in one of the bones of the thumb, which can be easily overlooked but requires proper treatment to avoid long-term disability.
- Rare diagnoses
- Giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath: A rare, benign tumor that can cause pain and swelling in the thumb.
- Erythromelalgia: A rare disorder characterized by burning pain, heat, and redness in the hands and feet, including the thumbs.
- Sarcoidosis: A rare autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation and pain in various parts of the body, including the joints of the thumb.