Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when a nerve in the carpal tunnel that controls sensation and hand movement becomes compressed.
What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
Tingling and numbness in the thumb
Index and middle finger
Occasional thumb muscle wasting
Pain that is worse at night or wakes you from your sleep
Why does pain worsen at night?
You may be wake from your sleep with numbness, tingling and pain in your hand, wrist and fingers as lying still during the night can lead to a build up of fluid which can compress the nerve in your wrist.
How to help reduce pain at night?
- Wear a wrist splint at night to support and hold your wrist straight as flexing of the wrist can put pressure on the nerve.
- Propping your wrist on a pillow may help to prop your arm up and reduce swelling
- Try to avoid sleeping on your side as this can put pressure on the nerve
- Take anti-inflammatory medicine to help reduce inflammation
- What are the treatment options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
- Steroid injections to reduce the inflammation
- Carpal tunnel decompression surgery to free the nerve from the tunnel
