Living with hand or wrist pain can interfere with nearly every aspect of your life, like typing, cooking, driving, and even sleeping. But before you can find relief, it’s important to understand what’s causing the pain. Two common culprits are arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Although both affect the hands, their causes, symptoms, and treatments are very different.
At Dr. Neil Singh’s orthopedic practice in New Castle, PA, we specialize in treating upper extremity conditions, including wrist and hand pain. Whether you’re experiencing early signs of arthritis or symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, we offer diagnostic support and a range of solutions, from conservative treatments to advanced surgical care.
Let’s take a closer look at how to tell the difference between arthritis and carpal tunnel, and what steps you can take to feel better.
What Is Arthritis? Understanding the Joint Condition
Arthritis is a chronic joint condition marked by inflammation, stiffness, and gradual breakdown of cartilage and bone. When it affects the hands, arthritis can interfere with everyday tasks like gripping, writing, or opening jars. Most cases involve either osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, both of which commonly lead to arthritis hand pain.
Where Symptoms Appear and What They Feel Like
- Pain, stiffness, or swelling in the base of the thumb or finger joints
- Morning stiffness or pain after periods of rest
- Weak grip strength or limited finger motion
- Warmth around the joints or visible deformities (like bony nodules)
These symptoms often begin subtly and worsen over time, especially with frequent hand use.
What Causes Arthritis in the Hands?
- Osteoarthritis: Caused by long-term wear and tear that erodes joint cartilage
- Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune condition that leads to joint tissue inflammation and damage
How Arthritis Progresses Over Time
Arthritis typically develops gradually. Early signs may include occasional soreness after activity, but over time, joint pain can become more constant and lead to deformity or loss of function if left untreated.
How Arthritis Is Diagnosed
- X-rays: Detect cartilage loss, bone changes, and joint space narrowing
- Blood work: Helps confirm autoimmune types like rheumatoid arthritis
- Physical exam: Evaluates range of motion, swelling, joint stability, and grip strength
If your symptoms suggest arthritis hand pain, it’s important to confirm the diagnosis early to protect joint function.
Treatment Options for Hand Arthritis
- Anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroid injections
- Bracing or splinting to support painful joints
- Occupational therapy for strength and mobility
- Surgical procedures (e.g., joint fusion or replacement) in advanced cases
At Dr. Neil Singh’s orthopedic practice, we tailor each treatment plan based on the severity of your symptoms and lifestyle needs. Whether you’re exploring conservative care or need surgical relief, our team is here to help you move with less pain.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) develops when the median nerve – which runs through the wrist into the hand – becomes compressed inside the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway in the wrist. This pressure disrupts nerve signals and causes pain, numbness, or weakness, especially in the thumb, index, and middle fingers.
Common Symptoms and Where They Occur
- Numbness, tingling, or a burning feeling in the fingers, especially at night
- Hand weakness or frequent dropping of objects
- Pain that travels from the wrist into the forearm or up the arm
- Discomfort that worsens with repetitive motions like typing or gripping
Unlike arthritis hand pain, which affects the joints, carpal tunnel syndrome stems from nerve compression and often feels more like tingling or loss of sensation.
What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
- Repetitive hand or wrist use (e.g., typing, factory work)
- Wrist injuries or previous fractures
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy
- Chronic health conditions such as diabetes or hypothyroidism
How the Condition Progresses
Carpal tunnel symptoms may start intermittently but often become more constant over time. Without treatment, the median nerve may suffer long-term damage, leading to permanent numbness or loss of hand function.
How Carpal Tunnel Is Diagnosed
- Nerve conduction studies: Measure the speed and strength of electrical impulses in the median nerve
- Electromyography (EMG): Evaluates how muscles respond to nerve signals
- Ultrasound or MRI: Sometimes used to visualize swelling or compression around the nerve
If you suspect carpal tunnel syndrome, an accurate carpal tunnel diagnosis is crucial. At Dr. Neil Singh’s practice, we perform detailed assessments to confirm the diagnosis and recommend appropriate care.
Treatment Options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Nighttime wrist splints to reduce pressure while sleeping
- Anti-inflammatory medications or steroid injections for short-term relief
- Ergonomic modifications to reduce repetitive strain
- Minimally invasive carpal tunnel release surgery for long-term resolution
If conservative measures don’t improve symptoms, surgery is often highly effective at relieving nerve compression and restoring hand function. We’ll help you decide the best treatment path based on your symptoms and lifestyle.
How to Tell the Difference: Arthritis vs. Carpal Tunnel
It’s easy to confuse arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome, especially when hand pain makes daily tasks difficult. However, these two conditions affect the body in different ways, and recognizing the differences is key to getting the right treatment.
Key Differences at a Glance:
Pain Location
- Arthritis affects the joints, most commonly the knuckles, finger joints, or base of the thumb.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome affects the palm side of the hand, especially the thumb, index, and middle fingers.
Type of Pain
- Arthritis pain feels achy, stiff, and sometimes visibly inflamed.
- Carpal tunnel symptoms include numbness, tingling, or burning, often described as “pins and needles.”
When It Hurts
- Arthritis symptoms worsen after periods of rest or in the early morning.
- Carpal tunnel pain tends to flare during or after repetitive wrist movements and often disrupts sleep at night.
How Each Condition Progresses
Arthritis typically develops slowly. At first, the pain might come and go, especially after using your hands for tasks like writing, cooking, or opening jars. Over time, the joint may become visibly swollen or misaligned, leading to long-term mobility issues.
Carpal tunnel syndrome may start subtly with occasional tingling but can progress quickly without treatment. As the median nerve becomes more compressed, symptoms can become constant and may even lead to muscle weakness or hand clumsiness.
Diagnosing the Root Cause
To confirm arthritis, providers may use:
- X-rays to evaluate joint damage or cartilage loss
- Blood tests to check for autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis
- Physical exams to assess grip strength, swelling, and flexibility
To confirm carpal tunnel syndrome, diagnosis typically involves:
- Nerve conduction studies to assess how well electrical signals pass through the median nerve
- Electromyography (EMG) to measure nerve and muscle activity
- Physical exams focused on wrist positioning and sensory function
Treatment Paths Look Different
For arthritis hand pain, your doctor may recommend:
- Anti-inflammatory medications or steroid injections
- Splints or braces to support weakened joints
- Activity modification and hand therapy
- Joint fusion or replacement surgery in severe cases
For carpal tunnel syndrome, treatment may include:
- Wrist splinting, especially during sleep
- Ergonomic tools or adjustments to reduce repetitive strain
- Anti-inflammatory medications or injections
- Minimally invasive carpal tunnel release surgery if conservative care fails
If you're not sure whether you're dealing with arthritis vs. carpal tunnel, getting a clear diagnosis is crucial. Both conditions can cause long-term damage if left untreated, but with expert care, relief is possible. Dr. Neil Singh specializes in evaluating hand pain causes and providing precise, effective treatment near Pittsburgh.
Why Patients Trust Dr. Neil Singh with Hand and Wrist Pain
Dr. Neil Singh is a fellowship-trained upper extremity orthopedic specialist based in New Castle, PA, just outside Pittsburgh. He provides expert care for patients with hand pain caused ranging from arthritis to nerve compression disorders like carpal tunnel syndrome.
At Singh Orthopedics, we offer:
- Comprehensive physical exams and diagnostic testing
- Personalized treatment plans for arthritis and carpal tunnel
- On-site physical therapy for targeted hand and wrist rehab
- Surgical expertise in nerve release and joint repair
When needed, Dr. Singh also offers advanced joint replacement surgeries using Exactech GPS technology to ensure precision, faster recovery, and lasting outcomes.
We care for the full range of upper extremity conditions from shoulder to fingertip.
Get Relief from Hand Pain with Expert Help
Whether your hand pain stems from arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome, identifying the cause is the first step to effective relief. With the right diagnosis and care plan, better hand function and reduced pain are within reach.
Ready to get started? Schedule an appointment or call our office at 724-656-0086 to meet with Dr. Neil Singh and take the next step toward better hand health.
