Tests for carpal tunnel syndrome The human hand is indispensable to perform the majority of everyday activities. Numerous jobs are associated with repeated movements of the joints within the hand. Office work is a type of job that loads the hand joints more than other professional activities. Office work requires the continuous use of the computer keyboard and mouse. The most common ailment associated with such a work is carpal tunnel syndrome. One of the causes of this disease is the incorrect position of the hand or a lack of support for the wrist. These conditions result in pressure put on the medial nerve in the carpal tunnel and in pain, parenthesis and numbness. These ailments may become more intense at night or while bending the wrist. The following tests are used to diagnose this syndrome, including the Phalen test and the Tinel sign.
 |  | | Phalen tes | Reverse Phalen test |
The Phalen test: the forearm is put vertically in the air in order to achieve full palmar flexion (caused by the hand’s weight). At the same time all the fingers are allowed to hang loosely. The test is positive if, after 60 seconds in this position, numbness and parenthesis occur. In the case of a negative result, the reverse Phalen test is also performed. The examined person joins both hands together, with the elbows raised to the sides, which causes the dorsal flexion of the wrists. During this test the medial nerve, which causes pain in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, is stretched. Tinel sign: the wrist is gently tapped along the medial nerve. The test is positive if it triggers pain and parenthesis. he above tests are the most effective and the most commonly used tests in diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome. References: Boscheinen-Morrin J., Conolly W.: The hand-fundamentals of therapy. Elipsa-Jaim s.c. Kraków. 2003. Prepared for the help service www.zdrowebiuro.pl
By Grzegorz Orlof from the help service www.aktywnaprzerwa.pl | 
