Differential Diagnosis for Metacarpal Joints Whole Hand Swelling
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): This is a common autoimmune disorder that often presents with symmetric swelling and pain in the metacarpal joints, among other joints. The whole hand swelling is consistent with the diffuse nature of RA.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Osteoarthritis (OA): While OA more commonly affects the distal interphalangeal joints and the base of the thumb, it can also involve the metacarpal joints, leading to swelling and pain.
- Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): This condition can cause swelling, pain, and stiffness in the metacarpal joints, often accompanied by skin and nail changes due to psoriasis.
- Gout: Gouty arthritis can cause sudden, severe swelling and pain in the joints, including the metacarpal joints, especially if there are deposits of urate crystals.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Septic Arthritis: This is a medical emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. Bacterial infection of the joint can cause severe swelling, pain, and systemic symptoms like fever.
- Cellulitis or Abscess: Infection of the skin and soft tissues can spread to involve the metacarpal joints, leading to swelling and potentially serious complications if not treated promptly.
Rare Diagnoses
- Sarcoidosis: This autoimmune disease can cause inflammation and swelling in various parts of the body, including the joints, though it is less common in the metacarpal joints.
- Hemochromatosis: This genetic disorder leads to iron overload and can cause arthritis, including involvement of the metacarpal joints, though it is a rare cause of hand swelling.
- Amyloidosis: The deposition of amyloid proteins can cause joint swelling and pain, including in the hands, but this is a rare condition.