You wake up in the middle of the night and your hand is numb. Maybe your fingers are tingling, your hand feels like it has “fallen asleep,” or you find yourself shaking your hand until the sensation starts to return.
If this happens once after sleeping in an unusual position, it may not seem concerning. But if you regularly wake up with numb or tingling hands, carpal tunnel syndrome could be one possible explanation.
Nighttime hand numbness is a common symptom we see in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. However, not every numb hand is caused by carpal tunnel, which is why understanding where and when you’re experiencing symptoms can provide important clues.
Why Does Carpal Tunnel Cause Numb Hands at Night?
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed as it passes through a narrow space in the wrist called the carpal tunnel.
The median nerve provides sensation to the thumb, index finger, middle finger and part of the ring finger. It also helps control some of the muscles around the thumb.
When pressure builds around this nerve, you may experience symptoms such as:
- Numbness or tingling in the hand
- Swelling in the hand(s)
- A pins-and-needles sensation
- Burning or discomfort
- Symptoms that wake you from sleep
- The urge to “shake out” your hand
- Weakness when gripping or pinching
- Dropping objects more frequently
Symptoms can become particularly noticeable at night because sleeping with the wrist bent can increase pressure on the median nerve.
Is My Nighttime Hand Numbness Carpal Tunnel or Something Else?
The location of your numbness matters.
With carpal tunnel syndrome, symptoms typically involve the thumb, index finger, middle finger and part of the ring finger.
One useful clue is the pinky.
Because the median nerve does not provide sensation to the little finger, numbness that prominently involves your pinky may point toward another source of nerve irritation rather than classic carpal tunnel syndrome.
Other conditions can also cause hand numbness, tingling, weakness or discomfort. For example, compression of the ulnar nerve around the elbow, known as cubital tunnel syndrome, can produce numbness and tingling that commonly affects the ring and little fingers.
Nerves can also become irritated or compressed elsewhere along their path.
This is one reason it’s important not to diagnose yourself based solely on where you feel tingling. A hand specialist can evaluate your symptoms, strength, sensation and medical history to help determine where the problem is actually coming from.
When Should I Be Concerned About Numbness in My Hands?
An occasional hand that “falls asleep” isn’t necessarily a reason for alarm. Recurring symptoms deserve more attention.
Consider scheduling an evaluation if:
- Numbness or tingling regularly wakes you at night
- You wake up most mornings with numb fingers
- Symptoms are becoming more frequent
- Numbness begins occurring during the day
- You notice weakness in your hand or thumb
- You’re dropping objects more frequently
- Your grip doesn’t feel as strong as it once did
- Symptoms are interfering with work, hobbies, sleep or everyday activities
Carpal tunnel symptoms can progress over time. What begins as occasional nighttime tingling can eventually become more persistent.
Can Carpal Tunnel Go Away Without Surgery?
One of the most common concerns patients have when they hear “hand specialist” or “hand surgeon” is that an appointment automatically means surgery.
It doesn’t. Depending on the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome, nonsurgical treatment may be appropriate, particularly when the condition is identified earlier.
Treatment recommendations are individualized, but nonsurgical options may include:
- Activity or ergonomic modifications
- Wearing a wrist splint at night
- Hand therapy in appropriate cases
- Corticosteroid injections
- Addressing contributing medical conditions when applicable
The goal is to reduce symptoms and relieve pressure on the median nerve when possible.
For some patients, however, symptoms may continue despite conservative treatment. Surgery may also be recommended when nerve compression is severe or there are signs that prolonged pressure is affecting hand function.
The important point is that treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all.
An evaluation helps determine how significant the nerve compression may be and which treatment options make the most sense for you. If surgery is determined to be necessary, Dr Arora performs endoscopic surgery which is less invasive.
What Kind of Doctor Should I See for Hands That Go Numb at Night?
If you’re experiencing persistent numbness, tingling or weakness in your hands, a hand specialist can evaluate whether the symptoms are coming from carpal tunnel syndrome or another condition affecting the nerves, hand, wrist or elbow.
Dr. Avery Arora specializes in the treatment of conditions affecting the hand, wrist and elbow, including carpal tunnel syndrome and other nerve compression conditions.
Patients throughout Southeast Michigan visit Arora Hand Surgery at offices in West Bloomfield, Macomb Township and Howell for evaluation and treatment of upper-extremity conditions.
And seeing a hand surgeon doesn’t mean surgery is inevitable. When appropriate, Dr. Arora considers nonsurgical treatment options before determining whether surgery is necessary.
What Happens During an Evaluation for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Diagnosis begins by listening to your symptoms. You may be asked:
- Which fingers become numb?
- Do symptoms wake you at night?
- Does shaking your hand make them feel better?
- Do certain activities trigger symptoms?
- Have you noticed weakness?
- Are you dropping things?
- How long have you experienced the problem?
A physical examination can help evaluate sensation, hand strength and signs of nerve compression. Depending on your symptoms, additional testing such as nerve conduction studies, electromyography or other diagnostic testing may be recommended.
The objective isn’t simply to determine whether you have carpal tunnel syndrome. It’s to determine what is causing your symptoms and how significantly it is affecting the nerve and your hand function.
Frequently Asked Questions About Carpal Tunnel and Hand Numbness
My fingers go numb at night. What type of doctor should I see near West Bloomfield?
A hand specialist can evaluate recurring nighttime numbness and determine whether symptoms may be related to carpal tunnel syndrome or another hand, wrist, elbow or nerve condition. Dr. Avery Arora sees patients with these symptoms at Arora Hand Surgery’s West Bloomfield location.
Who treats carpal tunnel near Macomb Township?
Dr. Avery Arora evaluates and treats carpal tunnel syndrome at Arora Hand Surgery’s Macomb Township office. Treatment may include nonsurgical options or surgical treatment depending on the severity of nerve compression and the individual patient’s needs.
Are there hand surgeons near Macomb who consider nonsurgical treatment first?
Yes. Being evaluated by a hand surgeon does not automatically mean you will need surgery. At Arora Hand Surgery, treatment is based on the diagnosis and severity of the condition, and nonsurgical options may be considered when appropriate.
How do I find a hand specialist near Howell, Michigan?
When choosing a hand specialist, consider the physician’s training and experience treating conditions involving the hand, wrist and elbow, along with convenient access to follow-up care. Dr. Avery Arora sees patients at Arora Hand Surgery’s Howell office for conditions including carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, ganglion cysts, arthritis, fractures and other hand, wrist and elbow problems.
Does a hand specialist only treat carpal tunnel?
No. Hand specialists diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions involving the hand, wrist and often the elbow. At Arora Hand Surgery, patients are evaluated for conditions including carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, thumb arthritis, ganglion cysts, Dupuytren’s contracture, fractures, tendon injuries, cubital tunnel syndrome and other upper-extremity problems.
Don’t Ignore a Hand That Keeps “Falling Asleep”
If you’re regularly waking up and shaking your hand to make the numbness disappear, your body may be telling you something worth investigating.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is one possible cause, but an accurate diagnosis matters, particularly because different nerve conditions can produce similar symptoms.
Dr. Avery Arora provides specialized care for conditions affecting the hand, wrist and elbow at Arora Hand Surgery locations in West Bloomfield, Macomb Township and Howell, Michigan.
If nighttime numbness, tingling, weakness or hand pain keeps returning, schedule an evaluation to find out what’s causing it and which treatment options may be right for you.
