Differential Diagnosis for Crunchy Feeling in Forearm

• Single most likely diagnosis
  • Tendinitis or Tenosynovitis: This condition involves inflammation of the tendons or their surrounding sheaths, which could cause a crunchy or grating sensation, known as crepitus, especially when moving the forearm.
• Other Likely diagnoses
  • Ganglion Cyst: A lump or mass that can develop near joints or tendons, potentially causing a crunchy feeling due to the cyst's movement or pressure on surrounding tissues.
  • Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, fluid-filled sacs that cushion bones, tendons, and muscles near joints, could lead to swelling and a crunchy sensation.
  • Osteoarthritis: Wear and tear of the joint cartilage could result in bone-on-bone contact, leading to a crunchy or grinding feeling in the forearm, especially if the elbow or wrist joints are involved.
• Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
  • Compartment Syndrome: A serious condition resulting from increased pressure within a muscle compartment, which could cause pain, swelling, and a crunchy feeling due to tissue and nerve damage. It requires immediate medical attention.
  • Infection (e.g., Osteomyelitis, Septic Arthritis): Infections of the bone or joint can cause a range of symptoms including pain, swelling, and potentially a crunchy feeling due to the destruction of bone or cartilage.
• Rare diagnoses
  • Amyloidosis: A condition characterized by the deposition of amyloid proteins in various tissues, which could potentially cause a crunchy feeling if deposits occur in the forearm tissues.
  • Tumors (e.g., Soft Tissue Sarcomas): Although rare, tumors of the soft tissues in the forearm could cause a variety of symptoms, including a crunchy feeling, especially if they impinge on nerves or other structures.