Ever wake up with your hands feeling numb or tingly, like they've 'fallen asleep' overnight? While it may seem like a minor inconvenience at first, persistent numbness could be a sign of something more serious—like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Here’s what you need to know about this condition and when it's time for professional care.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Explained: A Common Culprit Behind Numb Hands
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) occurs when the median nerve—responsible for sensation in your thumb, index, and middle fingers—is compressed as it travels through the wrist. This narrow passageway, called the carpal tunnel, can become inflamed due to repetitive movements, wrist injuries, or conditions like diabetes and arthritis. As a result, you may experience numbness, tingling, or weakness, especially at night.
Why Do My Hands Go Numb While I Sleep?
Many people notice symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome most strongly during sleep. This happens because we often bend our wrists unconsciously while resting, which further compresses the median nerve. Poor sleep posture, fluid retention, or existing wrist inflammation can exacerbate this, causing nighttime numbness or pain that may even wake you up.
Signs It’s Time to See an Upper Extremity Specialist
If you experience any of the following, it’s time to consult an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in upper extremity care:
- Numbness or tingling that doesn’t go away after waking up
- Weakness in the hand or trouble gripping objects
- Pain radiating from the wrist into the forearm or shoulder
- Symptoms worsening despite rest and home care
Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing long-term nerve damage and loss of function.
What You Can Do About Carpal Tunnel—Treatment Options That Work
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can often be managed with non-surgical treatments such as:
- Wrist splints, especially at night
- Activity modification and ergonomic adjustments
- Anti-inflammatory medications or steroid injections
In more severe cases, carpal tunnel release surgery may be recommended to relieve pressure on the median nerve. At our practice, we perform this procedure endoscopically, using a minimally invasive approach that typically results in less pain and a faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.
Persistent numbness in your hands isn't something to brush off. If you’re experiencing symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, schedule a consultation with Dr. Shrouder-Henry.
AUTHOR: Dr. Jason Shrouder-Henry is a Board Certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder throughout Chicagoland.