CarpalTunnelMD

If your hands fall asleep at night, feel numb, or start tingling, it may not just be how you’re sleeping. These symptoms are often one of the earliest signs of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when the median nerve becomes compressed as it travels through the wrist. Over time, this pressure can lead to worsening numbness, tingling, and even weakness in the hand.

Many people first notice symptoms at night. You may wake up needing to shake your hands out, or feel like your fingers are “asleep.” Some patients also notice they are dropping things more often or losing grip strength.

Common symptoms include:

• Numbness or tingling in the fingers
• Hand weakness
• Pain that may travel up the arm
• Difficulty gripping objects
• Symptoms that worsen at night

If these symptoms are ignored, they can gradually get worse. Early evaluation can help determine if it is truly carpal tunnel syndrome or another type of nerve compression.

Treatment depends on how severe the condition is. Some patients improve with conservative care, while others may benefit from a simple outpatient surgical procedure to relieve pressure on the nerve.

If your hands are not feeling normal, it is worth getting evaluated before symptoms progress.