Have you ever tried self-diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome? Symptoms, stretches, and treatments at a glance.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Self-Diagnosis: Easily Check at Home

 

These days, the number of people using smartphones and computers for long periods of time is increasing rapidly.
Many people complain of symptoms such as 'numbness' and 'tingling' in their hands.

Did you know that these symptoms may not be simple fatigue, but a precursor to carpal tunnel syndrome?

Today, we will talk about self-diagnosis methods for carpal tunnel syndrome, which many people are curious about.
I will explain it clearly and simply.

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

 

Medically, it is called Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
In the carpal tunnel, a small tunnel structure on the inside of the wrist
It is a nerve disease that occurs when the median nerve is compressed.

 

The main symptoms are:

• 
  - Numbness and loss of sensation in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and part of the ring finger
  - Loss of strength in hands and frequent dropping of objects
  - Pain tends to get worse, especially at night
  - In severe cases, discomfort may occur in the elbows, shoulders, and neck.

 

 

3 Ways to Self-Diagnose Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

 

There are some representative simple examination methods used in orthopedics and neurology.
Anyone can easily try the methods below at home.

 

1. Phalen Test

 

Hold the backs of your hands together, wrists bent downward, for 30 to 60 seconds.
If you experience numbness or pain in your fingers at this time, it is a positive test result.

 

 

2. Tinel's Sign Test

 

Tap the center of your wrist with your fingers.
If you feel a tingling or numbness, it is also positive.

 

 

3. Durkan test (compression test)

 

Press the inside of your wrist with your thumb for 30 seconds.
If you feel numbness or pain at this time, it may be carpal tunnel syndrome.

 

 

Is self-diagnosis enough?

 

Self-diagnosis is a helpful first step.
But for an accurate diagnosis
Examination and consultation at a medical institution are absolutely necessary.

 

In hospitals, a diagnosis is made in the following ways:

• 
  - Electromyography (EMG)
  - Ultrasound examination
  - Physical examination and medical history check by a doctor, etc.
•  

In particular, carpal tunnel syndrome can be confused with other tunnel syndromes such as cubital tunnel syndrome and tarsal tunnel syndrome.
A specialist's differential diagnosis is important.

 

If you suspect symptoms, do this:

 

If you have early symptoms, you can reduce your pain by:

 

• - Wrist Stretches: Improves blood flow and relieves tension
  - Wear a wrist guard: Prevent wrist twisting while sleeping.
  - Reduce excessive movement: Be careful when lifting a mouse, smartphone, or heavy objects.
  - Cold or hot compresses: Helps reduce inflammation
•  

But if the discomfort persists despite these measures,
It is recommended that you visit a hospital and receive a diagnosis.

 

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Self-Diagnosis Summary

item	detail
Self-diagnosis method	Phalen's test, Tinel's sign test, Durkan's compression test
Positive reaction criteria	Suspect if you experience numbness, tingling, or pain in your fingers
Limitations of self-diagnosis	Limited sensitivity and specificity → Visit to hospital recommended for accurate diagnosis
Precision inspection method	Electromyography (EMG), ultrasound, examination, etc.
Adjuvant therapy	Wrist stretching, wrist braces, and hot packs, etc.
Related diseases	Cubital tunnel syndrome, tarsal tunnel syndrome, etc.

 

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome FAQs

 

 

Q. What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?

A. Typical symptoms include numbness in the fingers, decreased sensation, and pain that worsens at night.

 

Q. Is it possible to self-diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome at home?

A. Simple confirmation is possible with the Phalen test, Tinel test, and Durkan test, but confirmation is only possible at a hospital.

 

Q. What tests are used at the hospital to diagnose it?

A. Diagnosis is made through nerve conduction studies (EMG), ultrasound, and physical examination.

 

Q. Can carpal tunnel syndrome improve naturally?

A. Initially, it can be alleviated with stretching, braces, and improved usage habits, but if left untreated, surgery may be required.

 

Q. How can it be distinguished from other tunnel syndromes?

A. It is classified according to the symptom site and location of occurrence, and accurate differentiation is possible through a specialist diagnosis.

 

 

 

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