Carpal Tunnel vs Tendonitis: Similarities and Differences

Carpal tunnel syndrome and wrist tendonitis can both cause chronic pain in the hand and wrist, as well as tingling in the fingers. So, if you’re experiencing these symptoms, you may be wondering, which condition might I have?

What’s the Difference: Carpal Tunnel vs Tendonitis

While there may be some shared symptoms, these hand conditions are very different. Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are caused by the compression of a nerve that passes through the wrist, called the median nerve. Symptoms of tendonitis are caused by inflammation of a tendon or tendons.

The location of the pain can help you to determine which condition you may be experiencing. Carpal tunnel syndrome presents as pain on the palm side of the wrist, numbness in the thumb, index and middle fingers is possible, and, tingling. The median nerve, which becomes compressed and causes carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms, does not reach the pinky finger. Pain on the top of the wrist, as well as weakness in nearby muscles, may also be an indication of wrist tendonitis.

Risk Factors

There are some shared risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome and wrist tendonitis. They include:

• Gender: women are more susceptible to developing these conditions
• Age: tendons and nerves are more susceptible to these conditions as we grow older
• Injuries: tendon or nerve injuries can lead to both carpal tunnel and tendonitis

Treatment Options

There are several non-surgical treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome if initiated at the start of onset, like splinting, rest, and occasionally steroid injections. Severe cases may require surgery to release the nerve. Tendonitis treatments include ice, compression, bracing, elevating the affected arm and/or anti-inflammatory medications. It is important to have a hand specialist assess you to accurately diagnose and treat your condition for the best possible outcome.

If you suspect you may have one of these hand conditions, the team at Midwest Hand Surgery is here to help. Request an appointment by calling 630-359-6888 or clicking here.

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