Differential Diagnosis for Pain with Hand Grip

• Single most likely diagnosis
  • Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): This condition is characterized by pain on the outer part of the elbow, which can be exacerbated by gripping activities. It's a common issue among individuals who frequently use their wrists and forearms in a gripping motion.
• Other Likely diagnoses
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This condition involves compression of the median nerve as it passes through the wrist, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness in the hand, particularly with activities that involve gripping.
  • Ganglion Cyst: A ganglion cyst is a lump under the skin that can cause pain, especially when gripping, due to its location near joints or tendons in the hand or wrist.
  • De Quervain's Tenosynovitis: This condition affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, causing pain and tenderness, especially when forming a fist, grasping, or turning the wrist.
• Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
  • Infectious Tenosynovitis: Although less common, this is a serious infection of the tendon sheath that requires prompt antibiotic treatment to prevent severe complications, including loss of function or even amputation.
  • Osteonecrosis (Avascular Necrosis) of the Carpal Bones: A condition where the blood supply to the bones in the wrist is interrupted, leading to bone death. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.
• Rare diagnoses
  • Kienböck's Disease: A rare condition characterized by the collapse of the lunate bone in the wrist due to a loss of blood supply, leading to pain and limited wrist motion.
  • Gout or Pseudogout: Although more commonly associated with joint pain in the toes, these conditions can also affect the hands and wrists, causing acute, severe pain and swelling, which might be exacerbated by gripping.