What is a common test used to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome?

The Phalen test is commonly used to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome. This test involves flexing the wrists by placing the backs of both hands together and allowing them to hang down for about 60 seconds. If this maneuver reproduces symptoms such as tingling, numbness, or pain in the fingers or hands, it suggests the presence of carpal tunnel syndrome. This test is based on the premise that flexing the wrist increases pressure on the median nerve, which is compressed in carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Tinel test, while also a test for carpal tunnel syndrome, assesses for the presence of symptoms when tapping over the median nerve at the wrist and is not as straightforward as the Phalen test in terms of diagnostic sensitivity. The straight leg raise test is unrelated to carpal tunnel syndrome, as it is primarily used to assess for lumbar disk herniation and nerve root irritation. The Finkelstein test is used primarily to diagnose de Quervain's tenosynovitis, which involves pain with thumb motion and is not specific to carpal tunnel syndrome. Therefore, the Phalen test is the most pertinent assessment for diagnosing this specific condition.