What condition might 'snuff box tenderness' be associated with other than fractures?

'Snuff box tenderness' refers to tenderness in the anatomical "snuffbox" area of the wrist, which is located at the base of the thumb and is bordered by the extensor tendons of the thumb. While it is commonly associated with scaphoid fractures, it can also indicate other conditions.

Arthritis in the wrist is a chronic inflammatory condition that can cause pain, swelling, and tenderness around the joints, including the wrist and the snuff box area. This tenderness occurs because the inflammation can spread to the surrounding tissues, affecting the anatomy of the wrist and leading to pain during palpation of the snuffbox region.

In contrast to the options related to acute injuries or other specific conditions like tendinitis or wrist sprains, arthritis typically presents with more persistent pain and tenderness due to the nature of the disease being chronic and affecting joint integrity over time. Carpal tunnel syndrome, while leading to wrist pain, primarily affects the median nerve and does not typically manifest as tenderness in the snuffbox region. Thus, arthritis is a relevant condition that can lead to snuff box tenderness in addition to a fracture.