Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common nerve compression conditions in the body. It occurs when the median nerve – which travels from the forearm into the hand through a narrow passageway at the wrist called the carpal tunnel – becomes compressed or irritated. The result is pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness that can make everyday tasks like typing, driving, or holding a cup of coffee genuinely difficult.

At our clinic in Bellevue, WA, Dr. Attaman offers a range of minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome. Rather than defaulting to surgery, he evaluates each patient individually and applies the most effective, conservative approach first, using image-guided techniques to target the exact source of the problem.

Book a clinic appointment or schedule a telemedicine consultation to discuss your carpal tunnel symptoms with Dr. Attaman.

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?

The carpal tunnel is a narrow channel formed by bones and ligaments on the underside of the wrist. When tissues inside the tunnel swell – whether from repetitive hand and wrist use, fluid retention, inflammation, or underlying health conditions – pressure builds on the median nerve and symptoms develop.

Common contributing factors include repetitive hand motions (especially with vibrating tools), prolonged flexed or extended wrist positions, pregnancy, rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism, and diabetes. Women are roughly three times more likely to be diagnosed with CTS than men, and risk increases with age. In some patients, no clear cause is identified.

What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?

Symptoms typically involve the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger — the area of the hand supplied by the median nerve. Many patients notice that symptoms are worse at night or first thing in the morning. Common symptoms include:

• Numbness and tingling (“pins and needles”) in the thumb, index, and middle fingers
• Aching or burning pain in the wrist and palm, sometimes radiating up the forearm
• Weakness or difficulty gripping objects, or a tendency to drop things
• Intermittent electric shock sensations traveling into the fingers
• The urge to shake the hand to relieve numbness – a classic hallmark of CTS
• Difficulty with fine motor tasks such as buttoning a shirt, writing, or using a phone

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, early treatment tends to produce the best outcomes. Prolonged compression of the median nerve can lead to lasting weakness and reduced sensation if left untreated.

Treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome

Dr. Attaman is a double-board-certified pain management specialist with extensive training in peripheral nerve interventions. All procedures are performed under ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance for precision, safety, and the best possible results. Depending on your specific situation, he may recommend one or more of the following treatments.

Median nerve hydrodissection for carpal tunnel syndrome

Using ultrasound guidance, Dr. Attaman precisely injects a fluid solution around the compressed median nerve to free it from surrounding scar tissue and adhesions. This minimally invasive procedure can provide significant, lasting relief without surgery, and is one of the most targeted non-surgical options available for carpal tunnel syndrome.

Pulsed radiofrequency treatment (PRF) for carpal tunnel syndrome

Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) applies brief, controlled pulses of radiofrequency energy to calm overactive nerve signals without destroying nerve tissue. It can be highly effective for the chronic pain and nerve irritation associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, and preserves normal nerve function while interrupting the pain cycle.

Shockwave therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome

Shockwave therapy, formally known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), uses focused sound waves delivered through the skin to promote tissue healing, reduce inflammation, and stimulate blood flow around the compressed nerve. It is a completely needle-free option, with no injections, no anesthesia, and no downtime. Most patients can return to normal activities immediately. A typical treatment course involves 5-6 sessions spaced approximately one week apart.

Prolotherapy for carpal tunnel syndrome

Prolotherapy involves injecting a regenerative solution into weakened or damaged connective tissue to stimulate the body’s natural healing and repair processes. It may help stabilize the wrist and reduce the mechanical strain contributing to nerve compression, and is often combined with other treatments for a more comprehensive result.

Peripheral nerve block for carpal tunnel syndrome

An ultrasound-guided median nerve block can provide targeted pain relief and also serve as a diagnostic tool to confirm that the median nerve is the primary source of your carpal tunnel symptoms. This precision approach is a hallmark of Dr. Attaman’s interventional practice.

Non-interventional treatments

Depending on the severity of your condition and your prior treatment history, Dr. Attaman may also recommend MLS laser therapy, physical therapy, activity modification, wrist splinting, or non-opioid medications as part of a complete, individualized treatment plan. Conservative measures are always explored first. We do not prescribe opioid or narcotic medications.

FAQs

Do I need surgery to treat carpal tunnel syndrome?

Not necessarily. Many patients achieve significant and long-lasting relief through non-surgical interventions. Surgery may ultimately be necessary in severe or long-standing cases where there is significant nerve damage, but the majority of patients can be managed effectively without an operation. If surgery is the right choice for you, Dr. Attaman will refer you to a trusted surgical specialist in the Puget Sound area.

How is carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed?

Diagnosis is typically based on symptoms, physical examination findings (such as Tinel’s sign and Phalen’s test), and nerve conduction studies (NCS) or electromyography (EMG) to assess the degree of nerve impairment. Dr. Attaman may also use diagnostic nerve blocks and ultrasound imaging as part of his evaluation to confirm the diagnosis before recommending a treatment approach.

How soon will I feel better after treatment?

This depends on which treatment is used and how long the nerve has been compressed. After nerve hydrodissection, many patients notice improvement within days to a few weeks. Shockwave therapy typically produces some pain relief after the first session, with full tissue healing developing over the complete 5-6 session course. Pulsed radiofrequency often provides relief that builds over several weeks. Dr. Attaman will give you a realistic timeline based on your individual case at your consultation.

Does Dr. Attaman accept insurance?

Dr. Attaman accepts many insurance plans. Some procedures, including shockwave therapy, may be billed out of pocket. His office can provide detailed information about your coverage. Financing through HelloRates is also available for self-pay patients.

Book an appointment for carpal tunnel syndrome treatment

Dr. Attaman personally evaluates every patient and personally performs every procedure at our Bellevue, WA clinic. We are open Tuesday through Saturday, including Saturdays, which makes us unique among pain management clinics in Washington. If your schedule makes weekday appointments difficult, we can accommodate you.

Click here to request a clinic appointment or a telemedicine consultation. You can also call us at (425) 247-3359 or (206) 395-4422.