Carpal Tunnel Self‑Assessment

Tests included in this carpal tunnel self-assessment

1. Phalen's Test. Press the backs of your hands together with your wrists bent at 90°, fingers pointing down. Hold the position for the full 60 seconds. Question: Did you feel tingling, numbness, or pain in your fingers?
2. Tinel's Sign. A tap test over the median nerve at the wrist. Tingling or an electric‑shock feeling can be an early sign of nerve compression. Question: Did tapping cause tingling or electric shock sensations in your fingers?
3. Durkan's Test. Direct pressure over the carpal tunnel. If steady pressure reproduces symptoms, it can suggest median nerve compression. Question: Did the pressure cause tingling, numbness, or discomfort?
4. Night Symptoms. Many people with carpal tunnel syndrome wake up with numbness or pain in their hands, or notice symptoms are worse in the morning. Question: Do you wake up with numbness, tingling, or pain in your hands?
5. Grip Weakness. Carpal tunnel can affect grip strength and make it hard to hold small objects or perform fine movements. Question: Do you have difficulty gripping objects or frequently drop things?