Orthopedic Solutions for Nighttime Tingling in Hands and Upper Extremities

Nothing zaps your sleep quality quite like numbness and tingling in your hands and arms. This sensation, often caused by nerve compression or poor circulation, may indicate an underlying orthopedic issue. 

Fortunately, several treatment options can help relieve nighttime tingling and restore comfortable, restful sleep — and that’s just what our board-certified surgeons at Sequoia Institute for Surgical Services discuss below.

Common causes of nighttime tingling in your hands and upper extremities

Tingling in the hands and upper extremities is often linked to nerve compression or musculoskeletal conditions, such as:

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when your median nerve becomes compressed at your wrist. This compression can cause numbness, tingling, and weakness, especially at night. 

You might suspect that your tingling is related to carpal tunnel syndrome if you have trouble grasping items, if your fingers feel swollen (but aren’t), and if you keep dropping items.

Cubital tunnel syndrome

While carpal tunnel syndrome relates to your median nerve, cubital tunnel syndrome is a type of ulnar nerve entrapment.

If this nerve becomes compressed, you might feel tingling in the pinky and ring fingers — and it’s often worse when your elbow bends during sleep.

Cervical radiculopathy

Cervical radiculopathy — a compressed nerve in your neck — can cause radiating pain, numbness, and tingling in the arms and hands. 

In 75% of cervical radiculopathy cases, C6 and C7 nerve roots are affected — that’s about 50% of pinched nerves in the neck affect the C7 nerve root, and 25% affect the C6 nerve root.

Poor sleeping positions

Sleeping with bent wrists or your arms under your body can put pressure on nerves and lead to temporary numbness and tingling.

You might suspect that your sleeping position is the culprit if your “pins-and-needles” feelings go away when you change positions. 

What to do if you have nighttime tingling

Simple lifestyle changes can prevent nighttime nerve compression:

• Adjust your sleeping position to avoid bending wrists or elbows 
• Use a supportive pillow that keeps your neck in neutral alignment 
• Keep your arms relaxed and elevated to reduce nerve pressure

If tingling and numbness frequently disrupt your sleep, Dr. Jonathan Liu and  Dr. Huey Yuan Tien can help diagnose the root cause and recommend targeted treatments.

Orthopedic solutions for nighttime tingling

Finding the right orthopedic solutions for nighttime tingling depends on the root cause of your symptoms. That’s why Dr. Liu and Dr. Yuan always start with a thorough examination, a review of your symptoms, and a review of diagnostic imaging.

Once we determine the root cause of your nighttime tingling, we can get you started with the right orthopedic solution for you. Your potential options may include:

Wrist and elbow bracing

Wearing a wrist splint for carpal tunnel or an elbow brace for cubital tunnel syndrome keeps your joint in a neutral position and reduces nerve compression while you sleep.

Physical therapy

A structured physical therapy program can improve nerve mobility, strengthen your muscles, and reduce pressure on affected nerves. Stretching exercises also help relieve tension and prevent stiffness.

Anti-inflammatory treatments

Reducing inflammation around compressed nerves can ease symptoms. Dr. Liu and Dr. Tien  may recommend:

• NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
• Corticosteroid injections for long-lasting relief
• Cold and heat therapy to relax muscles and reduce swelling

When possible, our team prioritizes conservative treatments for nighttime tingling, but if these treatments don’t give you the relief you need, our team may recommend surgery.

Minimally invasive orthopedic surgery

If symptoms persist despite conservative treatments, our team may recommend a minimally invasive procedure, such as carpal tunnel release, ulnar nerve decompression, or cervical spine treatments. 

When to seek orthopedic care for nighttime tingling

If your nighttime tingling occurs regularly, worsens over time, or is accompanied by weakness, pain, or loss of function, call us in Visalia, Reedley, or Porterville, California.

You can also book an appointment online.