Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a disorder in which the median nerve is compressed at the wrist causing symptoms like tingling, pain, coldness, and sometimes weakness in parts of the hand. It is the best known of a class of disorders called repetitive strain injuries.

Diagnosis

There are two easy methods to test for carpal tunnel syndrome. One is squeezing or clenching the hand and noticing a lack of strength.

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A second test, known as Phalen's maneuver, is grab the fingers and pull back the hand back, up towards yourself, approaching but not reaching a 90 degree angle. If this position hurts, tingles or burns within the first 10 seconds then carpal tunnel syndrome exists. The quicker the pain starts, the more advanced the condition.

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A classic, though less effective method, Tinel's sign, is a way to detect irritated nerves. It is performed by lightly banging (percussing) over the nerve to elicit a sensation of tingling or "pins and needles" in the distribution of the nerve.

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In a person with carpal tunnel syndrome where the median nerve is compressed at the wrist, Tinel's sign is often "positive" and causes tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers.

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Tinel's sign is sometimes referred to as "distal tingling on percussion" or DTP.

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