Carpal Tunnel
Carpal tunnel syndrome is pressure on the median nerve where it passes through the wrist. It causes numbness and tingling in the thumb, index and middle fingers, and physical therapy can help many mild to moderate cases and rehab after surgery. We treat carpal tunnel in Chubbuck and Pocatello, Idaho.
Numb fingers, tingling hands and dropping things
The median nerve gives feeling to your thumb, index finger, middle finger and part of the ring finger. When it is squeezed at the wrist, you can feel tingling hands, burning, pain, a weak grip and dropping things.
Hand numbness at night is the classic pattern, because wrists curl while you sleep and the nerve has less room. Shaking the hand out often brings relief for a moment. If numbness stays, see your doctor.
What brings it on
Repetitive work
Typing and other repeated hand motions are a classic cause, and wrist pain from typing often comes first.
Arthritis and swelling
Arthritis and swelling in the wrist can narrow the tunnel.
Other conditions
Pregnancy and diabetes make carpal tunnel more likely. Pregnancy is on prenatal and postpartum care.
Carpal tunnel without surgery, and what we try first
Therapy can often ease carpal tunnel in mild and moderate cases, and some people need a surgeon to decide. Your therapist can tell you where yours falls after an exam of the wrist, hand, forearm and neck.
Treatment can include nerve and tendon gliding exercises, manual therapy, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, deep tissue laser therapy, grip strengthening, and advice on posture and work setup. We may suggest a splint worn at night.
Tingling that starts elsewhere
Not every tingling hand is carpal tunnel.
From the neck
A pinched nerve in the neck can send tingling into the hand. See Neck Pain.
Both hands and feet
Numbness in both hands and feet from diabetes is on Peripheral Neuropathy.
General wrist pain
Pain without numbness is on Hand & Wrist Pain.
Job-related
Repetitive strain at work is on Work Injuries & Workers' Comp.
Recovery after carpal tunnel release
Carpal tunnel release recovery is where therapy helps with swelling, scar tissue, motion and strength as the hand heals. Your surgeon sets the timeline, and we work within it.
Idaho allows direct access to physical therapy, so you do not need a referral from a doctor to begin. Some insurance plans, and Medicare typically, may still require one. If you are unsure, call us and we will check your plan. We accept most insurance plans and verify your benefits before you arrive. Auto injury liens, Medpay and workers compensation are accepted, and there is a self-pay option. Call the office to confirm your plan.
Carpal tunnel care in Chubbuck, Idaho
Call or request an appointment at our Chubbuck clinic. We see patients from Chubbuck, Pocatello and the surrounding area.
We see patients at our Chubbuck clinic from Chubbuck and Pocatello, Idaho.