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What is carpal tunnel syndrome? Signs you shouldn’t ignore

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Carpal tunnel syndrome is an extremely common hand and wrist condition that can affect anyone. Catching carpal tunnel syndrome early offers a better chance of a permanent cure, which means you shouldn’t ignore the telltale signs of this condition.  

John Erickson, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at Atlantic Health, shares more about this condition and what symptoms to look out for.    

What is carpal tunnel syndrome? 

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful condition caused by compression or pressure on your median nerve when it goes through a narrow part of your wrist called the carpal tunnel.  

It is common in both men and women, and people with prediabetes, diabetes and pregnancy may be at higher risk because of the way hormones affect tendons.  

Carpal tunnel symptoms you shouldn’t ignore 

Nighttime waking with painful, numb or tingly hands is one of the earliest and most common signs of carpal tunnel syndrome. However, this symptom is often overlooked since it’s easy to think the pain is from a poor sleeping position. 

“They think they slept on their hands wrong and it’s a blood flow issue, but they might not make the connection to it being a nerve problem,” Dr. Erickson says. “If you’re waking up once every few weeks from wrist or hand pain, it’s likely nothing to worry about. If it’s progressing to be more frequent or is disrupting your life, it’s a good time to see your doctor.” 

Other carpal tunnel symptoms include: 

  • Burning, tingling or numbness, especially between the thumb and ring finger. 
  • Needing to take breaks to rest during daily activities like driving or typing. 
  • Sensation in the fingertips when flexing or extending the wrist. 
  • Less commonly, perceptions of swelling or stiffness in your wrist, hands or fingers. 

“People experience nerve pain differently, and it can be hard to describe, especially when they’re experiencing these feelings at night when it’s harder to recognize,” Dr. Erickson says. “If you’re experiencing worsening pain that is creeping into your daily activities, it’s important to come in to be evaluated.” 

Carpal tunnel syndrome treatment options 

For mild cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, a nighttime splint or brace can help keep the wrist from flexing and ease symptoms. If this splint isn’t enough, carpal tunnel surgery is a reliable and low-risk way to decompress the median nerve and provide immediate relief. Many patients see improvements in sleep within a couple of days.  

This surgery can be performed with a minimally invasive technique and local anesthesia in less than 15 minutes.  

“Carpal tunnel surgery offers a real upside for patients, especially if it’s treated early,” Dr. Erickson says. “It halts the progression of disease and is usually a definitive treatment. Even patients with persistent numbness see improvement over time. We know we’re helping people get back to things sooner with improved sleep quality and less pain, tingling and numbness.”

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Published: March 16, 2026

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