Differential Diagnosis for Thumb Pain Extending into Palm
- Single most likely diagnosis
- De Quervain's Tenosynovitis: This condition, which affects the tendons on the thumb side of your wrist, can cause pain that extends into the palm, especially when forming a fist, grasping, or turning the wrist.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Trigger Thumb: Trigger thumb, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, can cause pain in the thumb and palm due to inflammation of the tendon sheath, leading to catching or locking of the thumb.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Although primarily affecting the median nerve, carpal tunnel syndrome can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the thumb and palm, especially at night or with repetitive activities.
- Ganglion Cyst: A ganglion cyst, a noncancerous lump, can develop on the wrist or in the palm, causing pain, especially if it presses on a nerve or tendon, potentially radiating to the thumb.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Infections (e.g., Cellulitis, Abscess): Infections in the hand can spread rapidly and cause severe complications, including sepsis. Pain, redness, swelling, and warmth are key signs.
- Tendon Rupture: A rupture of the tendons in the thumb or wrist can lead to significant disability and requires prompt surgical intervention to restore function.
- Nerve Compression or Damage: Conditions like nerve compression or damage can lead to permanent loss of sensation or motor function if not addressed promptly.
- Rare diagnoses
- Gout or Pseudogout: These conditions can cause sudden, severe pain in the joints, including those in the thumb and wrist, although they are less common in these areas.
- Osteoid Osteoma: A benign bone tumor that can cause nocturnal pain, which is relieved by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and can occur in the bones of the hand or wrist.
- Kienböck's Disease: A rare condition involving the collapse of the lunate bone in the wrist, leading to pain and limited wrist motion, which might radiate to the thumb.