Wringing test for lateral epicondylitis

Original Editor -Abdul Wajid

Top Contributors - Abdul Wajid, Kim Jackson, Rana Muhammad Tahir Aslam, George Prudden, Claire Knott and Wanda van Niekerk  

Purpose

The Wringing Test is a general screening examination used to detect carpal tunnel syndrome, Lateral epicondylitis or arthropathy.
It is a basic test that can help narrow down the focus of a regional examination.

Technique

• 

The Patient should be awake and cooperative when performing the wringing test.

• The Patient could be seated or standing during the test.
• The Patient wrings a towel or washcloth. With hands on both ends of the towel, the patient twists it in opposite directions.
• The examiner checks for any numbness, tingling or shooting pain on the wrist or over the elbow area.

Interpretation

Positive Wringing Test

1. Paresthesia or the presence of numbness, tingling sensation or shooting electrical pain. This could indicate carpal tunnel syndrome.
2. Elbow Pain could indicate epicondylitis or sprain or strain along the elbow area.
3. Wrist Pain could indicate arthropathy or sprain or strain along the wrist area.