Wringing test for lateral epicondylitis

Original Editor -Abdul Wajid

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

Purpose[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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

  • Patient could be seated or standing during the test.
  • Patient wrings a towel or wash cloth. 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[edit | edit source]

Positive Wringing Test[edit | edit source]
  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.[1]
  3. Wrist Pain could indicate arthropathy or sprain or strain along the wrist area.

References[edit | edit source]

  1. Warren, RF. Tennis elbow (epicondylitis): epidemiology and conservative treatment, in AAOS Symposium and Upper Extremity Injuries in Athletes, Pettrone, F.A., Ed. St. Louis: C.V. Mosby, 1986; 233-243. Level of Evidence: 1B