What is the Difference Between Tendonitis and Arthritis in Thumb?

The main difference between tendonitis and arthritis in the thumb lies in the affected part of the body and the cause of the inflammation. Here are the key differences:

Tendonitis:

Tendonitis affects the tendons, which are tissues that connect muscle to bone.
It is caused by factors such as sports injuries, repetitive movements, poor posture, and arthritis.
Common types of tendonitis that affect the fingers include DeQuervain's tenosynovitis (thumb) and trigger finger (or thumb).
Symptoms of tendonitis in the wrist may include a cracking or grating sensation when moving the wrist, dull, achy pain that increases when moving the wrist, and swelling.

Arthritis:

Arthritis involves joint inflammation, which can occur most commonly due to natural wear and tear that comes with aging.
It is caused by factors such as age, genetics, obesity, overuse, past trauma to the wrist, and repetitive strain injuries (RSIs).
There are two types of arthritis that frequently impact the wrists: osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis.
Symptoms of arthritis in the wrist may include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and difficulty moving the wrist.

In summary, tendonitis affects the tendons and is often caused by factors such as repetitive movements and poor posture, while arthritis involves joint inflammation and is commonly caused by factors like aging, genetics, and obesity. It is essential to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan if experiencing pain in or around the joints.

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What is the Difference Between Tendonitis and Arthritis in Thumb?

Comparative Table: Tendonitis vs Arthritis in Thumb

Tendonitis and arthritis in the thumb are two distinct conditions that affect different parts of the thumb. Here is a table comparing the differences between the two:

Feature	Tendonitis	Arthritis
Definition	Tendonitis is the inflammation of a tendon, which is a connective tissue band that connects a muscle to a bone.	Arthritis is a condition that occurs due to the inflammation of a joint, which is the point where two bones meet.
Causes	Main causes include sports injuries, repetitive movements, poor posture, arthritis, diabetes, infections, congenital joint or bone abnormalities, kidney disease, and older age.	The exact causes are not known, but it is characterized by damage in and around the joints that cannot fully repair.
Symptoms	Pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected area.	Pain, stiffness, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected joint.
Treatment	Treatment depends on the severity and cause of the condition. It may include rest, ice, compression, elevation, medications to reduce pain and inflammation, physical therapy, and splinting.	Treatment may involve activity modification, splintage, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroid injections, and surgery in more severe cases.

It is essential to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan if you are experiencing symptoms of either tendonitis or arthritis in your thumb.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.