Free Carpal Tunnel Screening

Pain, numbness or tingling in one or both hands may be a sign of carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition that is estimated will affect as many as 6 percent of adults in the U.S. at some point in their lives.

King’s Daughters is offering a free carpal tunnel screening, beginning at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, onboard King’s Daughters blue mobile health unit, parked on the KDMC campus at Central Avenue and 24^th Street.

Appointments are required and may be made by calling 1-888-377-KDMC (5362).

The screening consists of a brief review of symptoms and a screening nerve conduction test, which involves a low-level electrical stimulation of the nerves serving the hands. The nerves’ ability to conduct the stimulation is measured and the results reported as a number.

The exact cause of CTS isn’t known, but risk factors include having had a wrist fracture or dislocation; chronic diseases such as diabetes; pregnancy; menopause; obesity; thyroid disorders; and occupational factors. Women, possibly because of their smaller anatomical features, have a higher incidence of CTS