Anybody know any carpal tunnel layman's tests?

When I went to see a neurologist for my Bell's Palsy, he tested my nerves and said he thought I might have carpal tunnel in my left hand (wrist, whateva!). He said come back in 6 months. That was January 2006. It is December 2007 and my right hand really hurts later on in the day. Anybody know any tests? I know I should go back to my neurologist to really be able to tell, but someone please help. I am taking Motrin, but I have Crohn's disease also and I have bleeding when I do number 2 and it is not good-they say that the medicine causes stomach bleeding, so I'm scared with that too.

Stand with your arms in front of you with your elbows bent and your forearms parallel to each other and pointed toward the ceiling (kind of like you're praying but without your hands touching). Bend your wrists so that your fingers are pointing at each other. Hold that position for a few seconds. If this causes you pain in your wrists, you probably have carpal tunnel syndrome.

It would probably be wise, however, to return to the neurologist if this pain is really bothersome and interfering with your work or your enjoyment of life in general. There is treatment available including surgery. Also, try acetaminophen for pain instead--it doesn't cause bleeding. Good luck and feel better.

if you haven't already tried a wrist brace, try one; it helps keep the nerves from being squished........

take the SAT or the ACT

There are two main tests for Carpal Tunnel (which BTW is one of the most overdiagnosed ailments). Instead of trying to describe them, here is a link with pictures for you to try them yourself:

http://www.turner-white.com/pdf/hp_jul00...

Even if you 'pass' these two tests, you may still be diagnosed with CT. There are many things that can contribute to the symptoms you may be having... anything from vitamin deficiency to pregnancy to spinal misalignment. I'm not telling you to doubt your doctor, simply to not be afraid to discuss it with your doctor so the two of you can come to the most effective resolution possible. Good luck!

Since your hand hurts anyway, it wouldn't hurt to wear a wrist brace (can buy at the drugstore) when you are sleeping. Typically people with advance CTS have numbness/tingling in the middle of the palm, or tingling when the palm/wrist/lower forearm are hit gently with your opposite fingers (like gentle hammering). Weakness in the hand is also in advanced CTS. If it is only pain, the brace or using cold packs to the wrist for 10 min can help.