Carpal tunnel syndrome - best way to sleep??

[Snooks1971]

I haven’t been diagnosed officially but had it during pregnancy about 15 years ago and recognise the signs. It went away by itself then.

Fingers are already tingling and slightly numb in my left hand.
Sick of waking up at night...
Is it even worth going to the doctors at the moment??

In the meantime - best way to sleep please?

My GP gives me a steroid injection every 5 or 6 months, works a treat, instant relief! I know the signs of it starting again so usually get it sorted before pain gets bad, however, had to wait recently due to Covid. GPs weren't doing them because it can lower your immune system for a little while and I was shielding too. Therefore tremendous pain and not much sleep for a few months until a couple of weeks ago when GP rang and invited me in for the jab. In the meantime a soft compression glove helped me and dangling arm out of bed. Didn't like tablets I had whilst waiting for jab (those beginning with A others have mentioned) as they made me feel like a zombie tried Naproxen tablets and they did help a bit. Good luck, I feel your pain!

I think it is worth going to the GP.

Mine came on quite suddenly 8 years ago. I tried splints and sleeping position etc but it didn’t work. I got referred for testing, they test the nerves with very mild currents, mine showed I had severe and extremely severe CTS and I had surgery on both wrists on the NHS which completely resolved it.

I had CTS during both pregnancies and then again about 5 years ago out of the blue it started up again when my thyroid packed up. Eventually, when I began to feel better, my hypothyroidism was more under control, the CTS went away and I haven’t had it since.

It’s awful hearing how some of you have to just manage it; but good to hear positive stories too. Thanks for sharing.

I slept pretty well with the splint last night and wore it a bit at work today too.

Splints made a big difference to mine at nighttime - I wore in the daytime too as I was in a lot of pain. They hold your wrists in the optimal position to ease the pressure in your carpal tunnel. I also tried elevating them on pillows but that wasn’t ideal - it definitely easier when awake!