Differential Diagnosis for Bilateral Finger Complaints
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI): This is the most likely diagnosis given the complaint of bilateral finger pain during the day, which could be related to repetitive activities such as typing or other occupational tasks.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A common condition that causes numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and fingers, often due to repetitive motion or fluid retention.
- Arthritis (Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis): Inflammatory or degenerative joint diseases that can cause pain and stiffness in the fingers.
- Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons, which can cause pain and stiffness in the fingers, especially with repetitive motion.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Multiple Myeloma: A type of blood cancer that can cause bone pain, including in the fingers, although it is less common.
- Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland can cause musculoskeletal pain, including in the fingers, and is important not to miss due to its treatable nature.
- Vasculitis: Inflammation of the blood vessels, which can cause pain and other symptoms in the fingers, and is critical to diagnose early to prevent serious complications.
Rare Diagnoses
- Scleroderma: A chronic autoimmune disease that can cause thickening of the skin and connective tissue, leading to finger pain and stiffness.
- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A group of genetic disorders that affect the body's connective tissue, which can cause joint hypermobility and pain, including in the fingers.
- Raynaud's Phenomenon: A condition that affects blood flow to the fingers and toes, causing pain and discoloration in response to cold or stress.