Differential Diagnosis for Wrist Pain Post Excessive Guitar Playing

• Single most likely diagnosis
  • De Quervain's tenosynovitis: This condition is characterized by inflammation of the tendons on the radial side of the wrist, which is consistent with the location of pain described. The crepitus on movement and the association with repetitive activity like guitar playing also support this diagnosis.
• Other Likely diagnoses
  • Wrist tendinitis: Similar to De Quervain's, tendinitis of other wrist tendons could cause pain and crepitus, especially with overuse from activities like guitar playing.
  • Radial styloid tenosynovitis: Inflammation of the tendon sheath surrounding the tendons that attach to the radial styloid process could cause pain on the radial side of the wrist and crepitus.
• Do Not Miss diagnoses
  • Scaphoid fracture: Although less likely given the absence of a specific traumatic event, a scaphoid fracture could present with radial wrist pain and should be considered to avoid missing a potentially serious condition that requires prompt treatment.
  • Ganglion cyst: While often painless, a ganglion cyst on the radial side of the wrist could cause discomfort and should be considered, especially if the pain is persistent or worsening.
• Rare diagnoses
  • Intersection syndrome: A less common condition where the tendons of the extensor pollicis longus and brevis muscles intersect and can become inflamed, causing pain and crepitus on the radial side of the wrist.
  • Radial nerve compression: Compression of the radial nerve could cause pain, numbness, and tingling on the radial side of the wrist and hand, although this would typically be associated with more neurological symptoms.