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Contents
  • What Causes Those Nighttime Symptoms?
  • Daytime Signs and Symptoms
  • Who's at Risk?
  • When to See a Doctor

Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Keeping You Up at Night?

Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Keeping You Up at Night?

The Nighttime Nuisance

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that causes pain and numbness in the hand and wrist. Many people first notice symptoms at night, when the pain wakes them from sleep.
Contents
  • What Causes Those Nighttime Symptoms?
  • Daytime Signs and Symptoms
  • Who's at Risk?
  • When to See a Doctor

What Causes Those Nighttime Symptoms?

CTS occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes compressed within the carpal tunnel in the wrist. At night, fluid can build up around the wrist, increasing pressure on the nerve. Additionally, many people sleep with their wrists bent, which can worsen compression. This combination often leads to increased pain and numbness at night.

Daytime Signs and Symptoms

While nighttime pain is common, CTS symptoms can occur anytime. Typical signs include tingling or numbness in the thumb, index, middle and ring fingers. Many people report hand weakness, dropping objects easily, or difficulty with fine motor tasks like buttoning shirts. Pain may radiate up the arm to the shoulder. Symptoms often worsen with activities that involve repetitive hand motions or wrist flexion.
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition characterized by pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm, caused by a compressed median nerve in the wrist.

Who's at Risk?

CTS is more common in women and typically affects adults aged 30-60. Certain medical conditions increase risk, including diabetes, thyroid disorders, and rheumatoid arthritis. Occupations involving repetitive hand motions or use of vibrating tools also raise the likelihood of developing CTS. Pregnancy can cause temporary CTS due to fluid retention.

When to See a Doctor

If symptoms persist for weeks or interfere with daily activities and sleep, it's time to see a doctor. They can perform tests to diagnose CTS and rule out other conditions. Early diagnosis allows for more conservative treatments like wrist splints or steroid injections. Severe cases may require surgery to relieve pressure on the nerve.

FAQs

Is CTS permanent?

With proper treatment, symptoms often improve significantly or resolve completely.

Can I prevent CTS?

Ergonomic workspace adjustments and hand/wrist exercises may help reduce risk.

How common is CTS?

It affects 1-5% of the general population.

Will I need surgery?

Many cases improve with conservative treatment, but severe CTS may require surgery.

Can CTS affect both hands?

Yes, up to 65% of patients have bilateral CTS.

Don't Ignore the Signs

While CTS can significantly impact quality of life, proper diagnosis and treatment can provide relief for most patients.
Wondering if your hand pain could be CTS? Chat with Doctronic to learn more about your symptoms and treatment options.
Additional References
  1. Bland JD. Carpal tunnel syndrome. BMJ 2007; 335:343.
  2. American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Fact Sheet.
  3. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Fact Sheet.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.