Differential Diagnosis for Wrist Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) or Tendinitis: This is often the most common cause of wrist pain, especially in individuals who perform repetitive tasks with their hands and wrists, such as typing or using a computer mouse. The pain is usually localized to the affected tendon and can be exacerbated by continued use.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A condition that occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and wrist.
- Ganglion Cyst: A noncancerous lump that forms on the wrist, often attached to a tendon or joint. It can cause pain, especially if it presses on a nerve.
- Osteoarthritis: A type of arthritis that can affect any joint, including the wrist, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
- Scaphoid Fracture: A break in one of the small bones of the wrist, which can cause pain and swelling, especially on the thumb side of the wrist.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Infectious Arthritis: A condition where the joint becomes infected, leading to severe pain, swelling, and potential long-term damage if not promptly treated.
- Gout: A form of arthritis characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness, often occurring at the base of the thumb or other joints.
- Ligament Sprain or Tear: Serious injuries to the wrist ligaments that can lead to instability and chronic pain if not properly diagnosed and treated.
- Compartment Syndrome: A condition where pressure within the muscles builds to dangerous levels, cutting off blood flow and potentially leading to permanent damage.
Rare Diagnoses
- Kienböck's Disease: A rare condition where the blood supply to one of the bones in the wrist (the lunate) is interrupted, leading to the bone's death and potential collapse.
- Pisotriquetral Joint Disorders: Problems with the joint between the pisiform and triquetrum bones in the wrist, which can cause pain and discomfort.
- Wrist Tumors: Both benign and malignant tumors can occur in the wrist, though they are rare and often present with a mass or swelling in addition to pain.