To test for ulnar deviation, a healthcare professional will typically assess the patient's wrist and hand movement. They may ask the patient to perform specific actions, such as:
- Ulnar Deviation: The patient is asked to bend their wrist towards their pinky finger (ulnar side). The healthcare professional will observe the range of motion and any limitations or pain experienced.
- Finkelstein's Test: This test is used to diagnose De Quervain's tenosynovitis, which involves inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. The patient is asked to make a fist with their thumb tucked inside and then bend their wrist towards their pinky finger. This movement should cause pain if De Quervain's tenosynovitis is present.
The healthcare professional may also use a goniometer to measure the specific angle of ulnar deviation. This is a tool used to measure joint angles and is helpful for determining the severity of the deviation.
Additionally, they may examine the patient's hand for signs of ulnar drift, which is a long-term consequence of conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Ulnar drift is a condition where the fingers, especially the middle finger, deviate towards the little finger (ulnar side) due to joint deterioration.
Remember: If you are experiencing pain or difficulty with ulnar deviation, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
