If you look at an x-ray from an suspected carpel tunnel patient, should you be able to see some sort of swelling? what do you look for to confirm?

X-rays help if. . .: If there is uncertainty about the diagnosis then an X-ray can help. If nothing on x-ray and history and exam suggest carpal tunnel syndrome, then splints may be recommended at first. Later, maybe an EMG-NCS study can be done. (Electromyograpm and Nerve -conduction study. Avoid repetitive motion of the wrist, and salt for starters, while waiting.