Differential Diagnosis for Bilateral Hand Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Osteoarthritis: This is a common condition that affects the joints, leading to pain and stiffness, especially in older adults. The hands are frequently involved, and the symptoms can be bilateral.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI): Also known as work-related upper limb disorder, this condition occurs due to repetitive activities that strain the muscles and tendons of the hands and wrists.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation and pain in the joints, often affecting the hands bilaterally.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the median nerve as it passes through the wrist can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand, and can occur bilaterally.
- Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons in the hands can cause pain and stiffness, especially with movement.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Ganglion Cysts: While not typically life-threatening, these cysts can cause significant pain and nerve compression if they become large or rupture.
- Infections (e.g., Cellulitis, Abscess): Bacterial infections in the hand can lead to severe consequences, including sepsis, if not promptly treated.
- Raynaud's Phenomenon: A condition that affects blood flow to the fingers, causing them to turn white or blue in response to cold or stress, which can lead to tissue damage if not managed.
- Vasculitis: Inflammation of the blood vessels can cause hand pain and is a serious condition that requires early diagnosis and treatment.
Rare Diagnoses
- Scleroderma: A chronic autoimmune disease that affects the skin and connective tissue, leading to thickening and hardening of the skin, which can cause hand pain and limited mobility.
- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A group of genetic disorders that affect the body's connective tissue, leading to joint hypermobility and potential hand pain.
- Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD): A condition characterized by chronic pain, swelling, and changes in the skin, often occurring after an injury or trauma to the hand.
- Sarcoidosis: A disease in which granulomas (abnormal masses of inflamed tissue) form in various parts of the body, including the hands, causing pain and stiffness.