Differential Diagnosis for Burning Pain in Thumb Distraction
- Single most likely diagnosis
- De Quervain's tenosynovitis: This condition, which affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, can cause burning pain, especially when the thumb is moved or distracted. The pain is typically localized to the area where the tendons pass through a narrow tunnel on the wrist.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Trigger thumb: This condition occurs when the tendon that controls the thumb's movement becomes inflamed or irritated, causing pain and stiffness, especially when the thumb is extended or flexed.
- Scaphoid fracture: A fracture of the scaphoid bone in the wrist can cause pain in the thumb, especially with movement or distraction of the thumb.
- Thumb sprain: A sprain of the ligaments surrounding the thumb joint can cause pain, especially with movement or distraction of the thumb.
- Do Not Miss diagnoses
- Ganglion cyst: A ganglion cyst is a lump that forms under the skin, usually on the wrist or finger, and can cause burning pain, especially if it compresses a nerve.
- Radial nerve compression: Compression of the radial nerve can cause burning pain, numbness, and tingling in the thumb and back of the hand.
- Osteonecrosis of the scaphoid: A condition where the blood supply to the scaphoid bone is disrupted, leading to bone death, which can cause severe pain in the wrist and thumb.
- Rare diagnoses
- Tumors (e.g., giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath): Rare tumors that can cause burning pain and swelling in the thumb or wrist.
- Infections (e.g., septic arthritis or osteomyelitis): Infections of the joint or bone can cause severe pain, swelling, and redness in the thumb or wrist.
- Neuroma: A growth of nerve tissue that can cause burning pain, numbness, and tingling in the thumb or fingers.