Carpal Tunnel syndrome: How Do Doctors Diagnose It?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is something you definitely know you have if you’re experiencing its painful symptoms. Tingling, numbness and extreme, radiating pain throughout the fingers, hands, wrists and forearms is common with this condition. Often, sufferers have to stop using their computers at work because the repetitive use of their mouses and keyboards caused the condition and the pain is now so extreme that they can’t perform computer tasks anymore.

Sometimes, the only remedy for carpal tunnel syndrome is to stop using a keyboard and take some much-needed rest from work. However, in order to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits to pay for this time away from work and any associated medical care, those with carpal tunnel will need to obtain a positive diagnosis from their physicians. Here is how doctors diagnose carpal tunnel:

A review of your symptoms: Your doctor will review your medical records and ask you questions to establish your pattern of symptoms. One easy clue that you’re suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, for example, is tingling and numbness in particular fingers of the hand. Also, victims of carpal tunnel will usually suffer from symptoms while using their computers, holding their phones or holding a steering wheel.

Physical exams: Your doctor will test the feeling and strength in your you fingers and hands to test for pain and other symptoms.

X-rays: X-rays will rule out whether the wrist pain is caused by a fracture or arthritis.

Electromyograms and nerve conduction tests: The electromyogram uses a tiny needle to measure the way electricity discharges through your muscles. Never conduction tests use electrodes on the skin to measure median nerve conductivity.

If you have the painful symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome at work, seek medical help and assistance immediately. You may also want to find out whether you can qualify for workers’ compensation benefits to cover the costs related to your medical condition.