Differential Diagnosis for Pain in Hands
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Osteoarthritis: This is a common condition characterized by wear and tear of the joints, leading to pain and stiffness, especially in the hands. It's more prevalent in older adults and those with a family history of the condition.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation and pain in the hands and other joints. It often presents with symmetrical joint involvement and morning stiffness.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A condition that arises from compression of the median nerve in the wrist, leading to pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand, particularly at night.
- Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons, which can cause pain and stiffness in the hands, often related to overuse or repetitive strain injuries.
- Gout: A form of arthritis characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in one or more joints, sometimes affecting the hands.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Septic Arthritis: A bacterial infection within a joint, which is a medical emergency requiring prompt antibiotic treatment to prevent joint destruction and systemic complications.
- Ganglion Cyst: A lump under the skin that occurs near joints or tendons, which can cause pain if it presses on a nerve.
- Raynaud's Phenomenon: A condition that affects blood flow to the fingers and toes, and sometimes the ears, nose, and lips, triggered by cold or stress, leading to discoloration and pain.
Rare Diagnoses
- Scleroderma: A chronic autoimmune disease characterized by thickening of the skin and connective tissue, which can lead to hand pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A group of disorders that affect connective tissues supporting the skin, bones, blood vessels, and many other organs and tissues, sometimes causing joint hypermobility and pain.
- Psoriatic Arthritis: A type of arthritis that occurs in some people with psoriasis, leading to joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, including in the hands.
- Sarcoidosis: A disease in which granulomas (abnormal masses of inflamed tissue) form in certain parts of the body, including the hands, causing pain and swelling.