Carpal Tunnel Vs Arthritis: What's the Difference?
Published: 10:27 am, Tue November 5, 2024
If you’re dealing with pain in one or both hands, you may be questioning whether it’s carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) or arthritis. Though both can cause hand discomfort, they affect the hands in different ways.In this post, we’ll show you the differences between carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis.
How Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) Affects Your Hand?
Brian J. Keener, a hand surgeon at Lancaster Orthopedic Group, explains, “Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) occurs when the median nerve — one of the main nerves that runs from the forearm to the palm — becomes compressed. This nerve is responsible for providing sensation to the index, thumb, middle, and part of the ring finger.”The median nerve travels through a narrow passageway in the wrist, known as the carpal tunnel, which is made up of bones and ligaments. If the tendons in this tunnel become swollen or irritated, it can narrow the space, putting pressure on the median nerve.CTS affects about 50 out of every 1,000 people. And women are three times more likely to develop this condition than men, with most people experiencing it between the ages of 45 and 54. Additionally, the risk of developing CTS is doubled for people who are obese.
“Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) occurs when the median nerve — one of the main nerves that runs from the forearm to the palm — becomes compressed. This nerve is responsible for providing sensation to the index, thumb, middle, and part of the ring finger.”
Brian J. Keener (Hand Surgeon at Lancaster Orthopedic Group).
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
If you have carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), you might notice symptoms that develop gradually in your thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers. These symptoms can disturb your sleep at night and may also happen during the day. Dr. Keener says the most common symptoms include:
Tingling or burning: You may feel a tingling, burning sensation, or numbness that goes up your arm.
Pain: You might experience discomfort, which can range from mild to severe.
Weakness or clumsiness: You may find it hard to hold objects or perform certain tasks, leading to dropping things more often.
Loss of temperature sensation: You might not be able to feel hot or cold temperatures when you touch something.
Shock-like sensations: Occasionally, you may feel shock-like sensations in your thumb and fingers.
Noticing these symptoms early can help you get the right treatment and avoid more problems later on.
What Is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a condition that damages the joints. And as you age, it's normal for some joints to wear down, leading to arthritis. Certain types of arthritis can also develop after injuries that affect a joint.In 2022, Arthritis affected 18.9% of adults in the U.S. You might be surprised to learn that women are more likely to have arthritis than men, with rates of 21.5% for women compared to 16.1% for men. The risk of developing arthritis increases as you get older, rising from 3.6% in adults aged 18–34 to 53.9% in those aged 75 and older.Certain health conditions can also lead to arthritis. While it can affect any joint in your body, it most commonly impacts the:
Feet and ankles
Shoulders
Lower back (lumbar spine)
Hands and wrists
Knees
Hips
Types of Arthritis
There are over 100 different types of arthritis, each with its own characteristics and causes. Here are some of the most common types you should know about:
Osteoarthritis: Often referred to as wear-and-tear arthritis, this type happens when the protective cartilage that cushions your joints gradually breaks down.
Rheumatoid arthritis: This autoimmune condition happens when the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, leading to inflammation and damage.
Gout: This type of arthritis is caused when sharp uric acid crystals are formed in the joints, resulting in sudden and severe pain.
Ankylosing spondylitis: This condition primarily affects the joints in the lower back, leading to stiffness and discomfort.
Psoriatic arthritis: This type affects individuals with psoriasis, a skin condition, and can cause inflammation in both the skin and joints.
Juvenile arthritis: This term encompasses various types of arthritis that occur in children and teens under 16.
Depending on the type of arthritis you have, it may cause degeneration of the joint tissue or lead to inflammation. Some types result in inflammation that can ultimately cause degeneration.
Symptoms and Causes
According to Dr. Keener, “There are many types of arthritis, and they often share common signs and symptoms.” The most typical ones you might experience are:
Joint Pain: Persistent pain in the affected joints.
Stiffness: Reduced range of motion, making it hard to move your joints freely.
Swelling: Inflammation around the joints.
Skin Discoloration: Changes in skin color near the affected areas.
Tenderness: Sensitivity or pain when touching the affected joint.
Warmth: A feeling of heat in the area surrounding your joints.
The specific symptoms you experience will depend on the type of arthritis and which joints are affected. Some types cause symptoms that come and go, known as flares or flare-ups, while others result in constant pain or stiffness, especially after physical activity.
Carpal Tunnel Vs Arthritis: Key Differences
Understanding the differences between carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and arthritis can help you identify your symptoms and seek appropriate treatment. Here are six key differences:
Cause of Symptoms
CTS: Caused by compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, often due to swelling or irritation of tendons.
Arthritis: Involves inflammation or degeneration of the joints, which can result from wear and tear, autoimmune responses, or other health conditions.
Location of Pain
CTS: Primarily affects the wrist and hand, leading to pain, numbness, and tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger.
Arthritis: Can affect any joint in the body, including the hands, knees, hips, and spine, resulting in pain and stiffness in those areas.
Onset and Progression
CTS: Symptoms usually develop gradually and may worsen with repetitive wrist movements or prolonged pressure on the wrist.
Arthritis: Symptoms can also develop gradually but may flare up suddenly, especially in inflammatory types like rheumatoid arthritis.
Age and Risk Factors
CTS: More common in individuals aged 30-60, with a higher incidence in women and those with repetitive hand movements, diabetes, or obesity.
Arthritis: Risk increases with age, and factors like gender (more common in women), genetics, and previous joint injuries can influence susceptibility.
Treatment
According to Dr. Keener, “A careful history and exam are critical to identify the cause of the symptoms. Then we can create a tailored treatment plan that may or may not include surgery.”
CTS: Treatment may involve wrist splints, physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, or surgery to relieve pressure on the median nerve.
Arthritis: Treatment often includes anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and sometimes joint replacement surgery for severe cases.
Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist, and Hand Care at Lancaster Orthopedic Group
At Lancaster Orthopedic Group (LOG), our upper extremity specialists are dedicated to providing comprehensive care for a wide range of conditions affecting the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand.Whether you have carpal tunnel syndrome or arthritis from sports, work, overuse, or traumatic injuries, our expert team is here to help.
Common Conditions We Treat
Some of the common conditions we treat include:
Rotator Cuff Repair
Shoulder Replacement
Tennis Elbow
Fractures
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Tenosynovitis
Nerve Entrapments
Arthritis
Our Advanced Techniques for Optimal Care
Our clinical team consists of surgical and non-surgical specialists, sports medicine rehabilitation experts, and certified hand therapists. We utilize advanced imaging technologies, including MRI, to accurately diagnose your condition.Our state-of-the-art Lancaster Orthopedic Group Surgery Center is equipped to perform surgeries using the latest techniques, ensuring the best possible outcomes.We also use advanced pain management protocols to enhance your recovery. We’ve designed our treatment process to help you regain function and return to work, sports, and daily life as quickly as possible.If you're experiencing discomfort or limitations in moving your shoulder, elbow, wrist, or hand, don't hesitate to reach out to us.Contact Lancaster Orthopedic Group today to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward a healthier, more active life!
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