What is the Difference Between Arthritis and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome are two distinct conditions that can cause pain and discomfort in the hands and wrists. However, they have different causes and symptoms:

Arthritis:

• Caused by inflammation and damage to the joints.
• Can occur in any joint, but usually affects larger joints, including wrists.
• Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints.
• Treatments include anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

• Caused by compression of the median nerve running through the wrist and hand.
• Affects the wrists, may be in one or both wrists.
• Symptoms include tingling, numbness, pain, and hand weakness.
• Treatments include anti-inflammatory medications, rest, bracing, and in some cases, surgery.

While both conditions can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty performing daily activities, they target different parts of the hands and generally have different symptoms. Arthritis affects the joints, while carpal tunnel syndrome is a nerve disorder. In some cases, arthritis can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, as the inflammation and damage to the joints can increase the risk of nerve compression.

Comparative Table: Arthritis vs Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Here is a table comparing the differences between arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome:

Arthritis is a disease affecting the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Carpal tunnel syndrome, on the other hand, refers to the compression of the median nerve running through the wrist and hand, leading to tingling, numbness, pain, and hand weakness. While both conditions can cause discomfort and loss of function in the hands and wrists, they have distinct differences in terms of affected areas, causes, symptoms, and treatments.