One minute test can tell you if you have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common condition that can cause discomfort but is highly treatable. Recognising symptoms is crucial to knowing when to seek help.

Dr Myro Figura, an anaesthesiologist and medical school educator from California, recently shared a quick 60-second test on TikTok that you can do at home to check for the condition. He starts his video by placing the back of his hands together.

"This is actually a medical test called the Phalen's test and it's the number one way to diagnose Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). Hold the back of your hands together and within 60 seconds if you have symptoms of numbness, tingling, pain in any of these three fingers [thumb, index and middle] you probably have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

"The reason why that works is because Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is impingement of median nerve at the wrist. This motion puts pressure on the nerve and that nerve innovates these three fingers."

You're more likely to develop CTS if you:

• are overweight

• are pregnant

• engage in work or hobbies that require repeated wrist bending or hard gripping, such as using vibrating tools

• have certain other conditions - like arthritis or diabetes

• have a parent, sibling with CTS

• have previously injured your wrist

CTS is a common issue, often triggered by work-related activities like typing and other repetitive movements. In some instances, it may be linked to arthritis of the wrist, thyroid disease and pregnancy.

The symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome are often more severe at night and can disrupt your sleep, but you may feel them most acutely upon waking up in the morning. According to the NHS website, it's a condition that can often be self-managed, although recovery can take several months.

CTS can sometimes resolve on its own, especially if it's related to pregnancy. However, there are methods to quicken the healing process and prevent further pain.

Wearing a wrist splint:

A wrist splint, available online or at pharmacies, is worn on the hand to maintain the wrist in a straight position. This helps alleviate pressure on the nerve. The splint is typically worn during sleep, and it may take up to six weeks of use before improvements are felt.

If CTS persists despite using a wrist splint, your GP may suggest a steroid injection into your wrist. This reduces swelling around the nerve, thereby easing CTS symptoms.

Avoid or reduce certain activities:

It might seem straightforward, but try to avoid or limit any activities that require frequent wrist bending or strong gripping. These could include using vibrating tools, writing, DIY tasks, housework, or playing a musical instrument.

Hand exercises:

There's a small batch of evidence suggesting that hand exercises can alleviate the symptoms of CTS. The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy has suggested a few simple activities you could incorporate into your daily routine, such as wrist flexing, finger bending, and hand squeezing.

For those seeking relief, it's recommended to stick with these exercises for a minimum of six to eight weeks to help stave off the return of symptoms.