Carpal Tunnel And Wrist Pain Treatment in West Des Moines, IA
Content Reviewed by: Dr. Josiah Fitzsimmons, DC, BCN on November 10, 2026
Iowa Chiropractic License #085940 (NPI: 1568993574)
Carpal Tunnel And Wrist Pain Treatment At A Glance
Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most commonly diagnosed peripheral nerve entrapment and one of the most frequently referred conditions we evaluate at Vero Health Center. Many patients who come in with wrist and hand symptoms have been told they need surgery. Conservative care is often highly effective, particularly when the condition is identified and treated before significant nerve damage has occurred.
It is also important to recognize that wrist and hand symptoms are not always coming from the wrist itself. Cervical radiculopathy from the C6 or C7 nerve roots produces hand and finger symptoms that closely resemble carpal tunnel syndrome. Our evaluation always includes the cervical spine to confirm the actual source before any treatment is recommended.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a peripheral nerve entrapment condition in which the median nerve is compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel, a narrow passage in the wrist formed by the carpal bones on three sides and the transverse carpal ligament on the fourth. The median nerve supplies sensation to the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger, and it controls several muscles at the base of the thumb (thenar muscles).
When the carpal tunnel becomes narrowed or its contents become inflamed, pressure on the median nerve produces the characteristic symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome: numbness, tingling, and pain in the median nerve distribution, often worse at night and with repetitive hand use. In advanced cases, thenar muscle wasting and grip weakness develop.
Common Symptoms Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome And Wrist Pain
Carpal tunnel syndrome produces a recognizable symptom pattern that most patients can describe immediately.
The classic symptoms include numbness, tingling, and pain in the thumb, index, middle, and radial half of the ring finger. Many patients describe waking at night with their hand asleep and needing to shake it to restore sensation. Symptoms often worsen during activities involving sustained wrist positions such as driving, using a keyboard, or reading a book.
As carpal tunnel syndrome progresses, weakness in the thumb muscles and difficulty with grip and pinch activities develop. Some patients report dropping objects or difficulty with fine motor tasks such as buttoning a shirt.
Other causes of wrist pain include tendinopathy of the wrist flexors or extensors, De Quervain’s tenosynovitis (pain over the thumb side of the wrist with thumb use), triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears producing ulnar-sided wrist pain, and ganglion cysts.
What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome develops when the median nerve is subjected to sustained or repetitive compression within the carpal tunnel. Several factors contribute.
Repetitive hand and wrist use in positions that place the wrist in sustained flexion or extension is the most common occupational contributor. Assembly line workers, keyboard users, and patients who operate vibrating tools are at elevated risk.
Anatomical factors including smaller carpal tunnel dimensions, wrist anatomy, and congenital narrowing of the tunnel predispose some individuals to developing symptoms with minimal additional loading.
Systemic conditions including thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, pregnancy (due to fluid retention), and rheumatoid arthritis are associated with elevated risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Conditions That Can Mimic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Cervical radiculopathy at C6 or C7 produces numbness and tingling in the hand and fingers in a distribution that overlaps significantly with carpal tunnel syndrome. Both conditions can coexist, a presentation called double crush syndrome. Pronator teres syndrome is compression of the median nerve at the elbow rather than the wrist, producing a similar but more proximal symptom distribution. Ulnar nerve entrapment produces numbness in the ring and small finger, which can be confused with ulnar-sided wrist pain conditions. Distinguishing these conditions through clinical evaluation is essential before recommending any treatment.
When To Seek Urgent Care For Wrist Or Hand Pain
Seek urgent medical attention for wrist pain following a fall onto an outstretched hand, particularly if there is localized tenderness over the anatomical snuffbox or scaphoid bone, as this may indicate a scaphoid fracture. Significant hand weakness with rapid onset, or carpal tunnel symptoms that are rapidly worsening, warrants prompt evaluation.
What Our Patients Are Saying
How We Diagnose Carpal Tunnel Syndrome At Vero Health Center
Our evaluation of wrist and hand symptoms begins with a detailed history of the symptom distribution, provocative activities, and prior treatments. Cervical assessment is included to identify or exclude a spinal contributor. Specific carpal tunnel provocation tests including Phalen’s test, Tinel’s sign, and the carpal compression test are performed. Grip and pinch strength testing assesses thenar muscle function. We review any available nerve conduction study results and may recommend referral for electrodiagnostic testing where it would add useful information.
How Vero Health Center Treats Carpal Tunnel And Wrist Pain
Conservative treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome and related wrist conditions is often highly effective, particularly when initiated before significant nerve damage has occurred.
Cervical And Thoracic Chiropractic Care
When cervical radiculopathy is identified as a primary or contributing source of hand symptoms, chiropractic adjustments address the spinal cause directly. In double crush presentations, treating the cervical component often reduces the sensitivity of the peripheral nerve at the wrist.
Shockwave Therapy For Soft Tissue And Tendon Involvement
For wrist tendinopathy and related soft tissue conditions around the wrist and forearm, shockwave therapy targets damaged tendon tissue and supports the repair response.
Wrist And Forearm Rehabilitation
Specific exercises address the wrist flexor and extensor balance, forearm pronation and supination strength, and the ergonomic contributors to carpal tunnel syndrome. Activity modification guidance reduces the loading patterns that maintain nerve irritation between treatment sessions.
Why Early Treatment Matters For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The median nerve can sustain permanent damage if compression is prolonged. Early conservative care reduces nerve irritation before significant demyelination or axonal damage occurs. Patients who address carpal tunnel syndrome in its earlier stages typically achieve better outcomes with conservative care and are less likely to require surgical decompression.
Meet The Experts Behind Your Care
Dr. Josiah Fitzsimmons, D.C.
Dr. Josiah Fitzsimmons is originally from Ames, IA. He played college football at South Dakota State and graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and a master’s degree in Nutrition, Exercise and Food Sciences in a five-year span. He then attended the fountainhead, Palmer College of Chiropractic.
Dr. Logan Dabney, D.C.
Dr. Logan Dabney is originally from Centerville, IA. He attended Centerville High School, where he discovered his passion for health and science as a frequent visitor to his hometown chiropractor. He then attended the University of Northern Iowa, where he majored in Pre-Med/Chiropractic Biology, before completing his graduate studies at Palmer College of Chiropractic. During his time at Palmer, Dr. Logan was heavily involved in Torque Release Technique and earned Advanced Proficiency Certification in it.
Dr. Scott Coyle, D.C.
Dr. E. Scott Coyle is originally from Waterloo, IA. He graduated from Pepperdine University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Medicine and then attended Palmer College of Chiropractic-West. After practicing in California for several years, he returned to Knoxville, IA, in 1997, where he practiced until 2016. Dr. Coyle then worked in robotic spine and brain surgery for two years with Mazor Robotics, and practiced in Lawrence, KS, for two years before returning home to join the Vero Health Center team. He works with patients dealing with chronic neck, mid-back, and low-back pain, headaches, and arthritis-related discomfort.
Dr. Austin Seitsinger, D.C.
Dr. Austin Seitsinger is originally from Sumner, Iowa. He studied Biology at the University of Northern Iowa, and then attended Palmer College of Chiropractic. He chose to pursue chiropractic at a young age as he has always had a passion for helping others.
Dr. Nate Halverson, D.C.
Dr. Nate Halverson is originally from Fort Dodge, IA, where he was a multi-sport athlete at Fort Dodge Senior High and placed 5th at the Iowa High School wrestling tournament. He found his passion for holistic health care through his background in athletics. After receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Northern Iowa, he graduated with honors from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, IA, in 2015. He then worked as the lead chiropractor for a chiropractic and sports injury practice in Chicago before moving back to the Des Moines area with his wife, Leah, to be closer to family. They welcomed their daughter, Hayes, in April 2022 and their son, Steele, in June 2024.
Dr. Colby Nelson, D.C.
Dr. Colby Nelson is originally from Audubon, Iowa. He attended Iowa State University, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, and then attended Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, where he received his Doctorate of Chiropractic degree. During his time at Palmer, he was a leader of the Sports Injury Club and participated in a clinic abroad program in Brazil. Before joining the team at Vero, Dr. Colby operated his own chiropractic clinic for 12 years.
Dr. Taylor Vanden Wynboom, D.C.
Dr. Taylor Vanden Wynboom is originally from Britt, IA. He received his BS degree from Central College and his Doctorate degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic. Before joining the team at Vero Health Center, he owned his own practice in both Ames and Ankeny. In his free time, he enjoys coaching football, exercising, and spending time with his wife Amanda and their four kids, Tate, Harper, Holland, and Harlow.
Dr. Darrius Poe, D.C.
Dr. Darrius Poe is originally from Fort Dodge, Iowa. He attended the University of Northern Iowa where he earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. While in undergrad, he discovered his passion for chiropractic after being treated for a sports injury in a chiropractic clinic. Not only did the chiropractic treatments help with his shoulder injury, he was also educated on the intricacies of the central nervous system and how chiropractic care can help the body heal and function better as a whole. Dr. Darrius’ experience as a chiropractic patient motivated him to pursue a career in chiropractic. He attended Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, IA, where he received his doctorate in 2018. Prior to joining the Vero team, Dr. Darrius served as an associate and clinic director for six years in the Des Moines metro area.
Dr. Toby Thepsoumphone, D.C.
Dr. Toby Thepsoumphone is originally from Smyrna, Delaware. He graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with a concentration in Exercise Physiology. He then pursued a doctorate degree in chiropractic and graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport. Dr. Toby also attended Harris School of Business in Dover, Delaware, where he earned a degree in Massage Therapy. He has worked as a Licensed Massage Therapist since 2016. He specializes in sports massage, deep tissue, and gua sha. His passion is to help others to achieve optimal health and wellness. He has certifications in the Webster’s Technique and acupuncture.
Dr. Scott Jacobson, D.C.
Dr. Scott Jacobson grew up in Cherokee, Iowa, and has spent more than 17 years in practice across Iowa, Minnesota, Texas, California, and South America. While living in South America, he helped grow a clinic into one of the largest on the continent and became bilingual in Spanish along the way. He is Board Certified in Neuropathy (BCN) through the American College of Physical Medicine (ACoPM) and previously served in the United States Air Force and worked with the Department of Defense. Dr. Scott Jacobson has also been a black belt in Taekwondo for 40 years. He and his wife have two sons—so apparently he enjoys a challenge both professionally and at home.
Serving West Des Moines And Nearby Iowa Communities
Vero Health Center is located at 630 S 50th St in West Des Moines, Iowa, and serves patients from West Des Moines, Clive, Windsor Heights, Urbandale, Des Moines, Johnston, Norwalk, Waukee, Grimes, Saylorville, Van Meter, Pleasant Hill, Ankeny, Dallas Center, Granger, Polk City, De Soto, Carlisle, Adel, Altoona, Bondurant, Indianola, Cumming, and the surrounding area.
Sources And Clinical References
Frequently Asked Questions
Can carpal tunnel syndrome be treated without surgery?
Yes. Conservative care is the appropriate first-line approach for most carpal tunnel syndrome patients and is highly effective when the condition is identified and treated before significant nerve damage has occurred. Surgery is typically considered when conservative care has not produced adequate improvement after a reasonable trial or when significant thenar weakness and muscle wasting are present.
How do I know if my hand numbness is carpal tunnel or my neck?
The distribution of symptoms is the primary distinguishing feature. Carpal tunnel syndrome involves the thumb, index, middle, and radial ring finger. Cervical radiculopathy from C7 involves the middle finger and back of the forearm. Cervical radiculopathy from C6 involves the thumb, index finger, and radial forearm in a pattern that overlaps significantly with carpal tunnel. The clinical evaluation differentiates these through provocation testing and cervical assessment.
Is wearing a wrist splint helpful for carpal tunnel?
A wrist splint worn at night can reduce carpal tunnel symptoms by keeping the wrist in a neutral position that minimizes nerve compression during sleep. It is a useful adjunct to treatment but does not address the underlying cause of the nerve compression. We will guide you on its appropriate use as part of the overall care plan.
Helpful Articles
The Source:A Vero Health Center Newsletter – Volume 107
The Source: A Vero Health Center Newsletter - Volume 107 A Vero Health Center Newsletter - Volume 107 Voting is open for CityView’s Best of Des Moines 2027, and we’d...
Read This ArticleBook Carpal Tunnel And Wrist Pain Treatment in West Des Moines
Wrist pain, hand numbness, and grip weakness do not have to lead straight to surgery. Vero Health Center evaluates the full picture, including the cervical spine, to identify the source of your symptoms and build conservative care around what we find. Contact us to schedule your evaluation.