Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Treatment Starts Here
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) happens when the median nerve is compressed at the wrist, often causing numbness, tingling, or pain in the hand - especially the thumb, index, and middle fingers. Symptoms may worsen with repetitive hand use or at night. At Mountain View Pain Center, we help evaluate your symptom pattern and build a plan to reduce nerve irritation and improve hand function.
Common Causes and Contributing factors
Repetitive wrist/hand use (work, tools, hobbies, sports)
Prolonged wrist flexion/extension (sleeping posture, typing)
Swelling or inflammation around the wrist structures
Diabetes can increase risk
Pregnancy-related swelling
Wrist mechanics and posture issues that increase nerve pressure
Prior wrist injury (sometimes)
Common Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers
Hand symptoms that worsen at night or wake you up
Wrist pain or aching in the hand/forearm
Hand weakness or dropping objects (sometimes)
Difficulty gripping, pinching, or fine motor tasks
Symptoms triggered by typing, mouse use, driving, or repetitive hand work
“Shaking out” the hand helps temporarily (common)
Symptoms that may radiate into the forearm (sometimes)
How We Evaluate Carpal Tunnel
We start by reviewing when symptoms occur, which finger/thumb is affected, and what activities trigger clicking or locking. Your visit may include evaluation of tendon movement, range of motion, tenderness at the base of the finger, and grip function. We also screen for other hand/wrist conditions when symptoms overlap. If imaging or referral is appropriate based on findings, we’ll guide next steps.
When to Seek Urgent Care
Seek prompt evaluation if you have sudden severe pain after injury, rapidly worsening weakness, significant loss of hand function, severe swelling, fever/chills, or rapidly worsening numbness/tingling.
How We Treat Carpal Tunnel
Treatment is tailored to symptom severity and how much it impacts daily function.
Pain Management
Options when appropriate to help manage nerve-related pain and guide next steps if symptoms are persistent or severe.
Physical Therapy
Wrist/hand mobility and strengthening, tendon/nerve-friendly strategies, and ergonomic coaching to reduce nerve irritation.
Chiropractic Care
Hands-on care to support mobility and reduce contributing tension patterns (wrist/forearm/upper extremity), tailored to your symptoms and comfort.
Acupuncture
A supportive option that may help reduce discomfort and support relaxation as part of a broader plan.
Treatments We Commonly Recommend
Ergonomic changes (keyboard/mouse, tool grips, task setup)
Wrist/forearm mobility and strengthening program
Nerve-friendly movement strategies when appropriate
Activity modification during flare-ups (reduce repetitive strain)
Manual therapy to reduce stiffness and soft tissue irritation
Home program to build consistency and prevent flare-ups
Home Care & Quick Relief
Ice for 10–15 minutes at a time during flare-ups
Avoid prolonged wrist bending during sleep; keep the wrist neutral when possible
Take short breaks during repetitive tasks (typing, tools, driving)
Reduce high-grip/high-repetition activity temporarily during flare-ups
Gentle wrist/hand mobility as tolerated
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Symptoms most commonly affect the thumb, index, and middle fingers (and sometimes part of the ring finger).
-
Wrist positioning during sleep can increase pressure on the median nerve, making symptoms more noticeable.
-
Sometimes. If symptoms are persistent, severe, or unclear, nerve testing may help confirm diagnosis and guide next steps.
-
Yes. Cervical radiculopathy can cause similar symptoms. We evaluate patterns to help determine the source.
-
Many people improve with a plan that reduces strain and improves mechanics—often including therapy strategies, ergonomics, and supportive modalities.
-
Often, no. Some insurance plans require a referral or authorization - if you’re unsure, we can help verify.