We are excited to announce that our clinic has relocated to:
9600 SW Barnes Road, Suite 150
Portland, OR 97225
PDX Monthly has named Dr. David Westerdahl one of Portland’s Top Sports Medicine Doctors!
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, or CTS, is a condition of the median nerve, can cause extreme pain in the wrist when this nerve becomes squeezed by movement. A staggering 50 per 1,000 people is affected by this condition each year in the United States (Sevy, 2023). Given its prevalence, it is no surprise that CTS affects more than just professional athletes, anyone from any background can suffer from this condition. Interestingly, the rates of CTS have significantly increased within the past few decades as the use of technology has increased. At our sports medicine practice in Portland, Oregon, patients with CTS commonly present with symptoms such as numbness and tingling in the hand that interferes with their
quality of sleep.
Given the prevalence of CTS, it can actually be more difficult to diagnose and treat. Due to such a large and diverse population suffering from the syndrome, its symptoms can manifest in very different combinations and severities. For example, CTS can be caused by “high-energy” trauma in young patients or “low-energy trauma” in elderly patients (Joshi et al., 2022). Despite the contrast in trauma, CTS can still onset in different populations. Other preexisting conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), may also increase the likelihood of developing CTS.
In order to accurately diagnose CTS, a physician may utilize one of two techniques: Phalen's Test or Durkan’s test (Durkan, 1992). Phalen’s Test utilizes a series of movements and positions to diagnose the presence of CTS. Such movements are intended to place mild pressure on the carpal tunnel, eliciting
some discomfort or tingling. However, one should not experience any intense pain during this process.
The second technique, Durkan’s Test, also known as the Carpal Compression Test, works similarly to Phalen’s Test. Under this process, the physician will apply pressure directly onto an area of the wrist for 30 seconds. If the patient develops pain, paresthesia, or numbness in the relevant areas, then a positive diagnosis for CTS is likely. While treatment for CTS can be difficult due to its complex manifestation of symptoms, those who suspect they may have CTS should rest assured that their physicians have the proper training and techniques to accurately and effectively diagnose it with minimal pain or discomfort.
If you're experiencing wrist pain, numbness, tingling, or discomfort that interferes with your sleep or daily activities, don't wait to seek help. At Sports Health Northwest in Portland, Oregon, our experienced sports medicine team provides comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment options to help you find relief and regain function.
Take the first step toward healthier, pain-free hands. Call us at 503-747-6376 to schedule your appointment today!
References
Durkan, J A. “A new diagnostic test for carpal tunnel syndrome.” The Journal of bone and joint surgery.
American volume vol. 73,4 (1991): 535-8.
Joshi, Aditya et al. “Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Pathophysiology and Comprehensive Guidelines for
Clinical Evaluation and Treatment.” Cureus vol. 14,7 e27053. 20 Jul. 2022,
doi:10.7759/cureus.27053
"Phalen’s Test." The Cleveland Clinic, The Cleveland Clinic, 18 July 2023,
my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/25133-phalens-test.
Sevy, Justin O., et al. “Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.” StatPearls, StatPearls Publishing, 29 October 2023.
