If you're experiencing tingling in the arms and fingers, especially at night....it could be Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

WHAT IS CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME EXACTLY?
It's a nerve disorder of the hand. It ususally involves the thumb and first three fingers. And there's swollen or inflammed tissue in the wrist presses on the nerves of the hand.

OTHER SIGNS OF CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME? Numbness, burning,or pain especially at night, clumsiness, trouble making a fist, and severe weakness or paralysis in the fingers or entire hand.

WHO'S AT RISK?
Women are at greater risk due to the small size of the carpal tunnel in the wrist.

If it happens on one side, it may be from: doing repetitive wrist action, bending and straightening of the wrist, working on computers, assembly line-workers, cashiers, needle-work, injury, or trauma.

If it occurs on both sides, it may be from: Diabetes, thyroid disease and hormonal changes ( menopause or pregnancy)

HOW TO PREVENT IT OR REDUCE SYMPTOMS:
Take a break at least once an hour when doing repetitve work using the hands, shake your hands or dangle your arms, hang your arms over the side of the bed at night, wear a wrist brace, and be sure the desk, keyboard and chair are at the proper height.

HOW'S IT DIAGNOSED?
Physical exams, nerve test or xrays. Early diagnosis is important since if symptoms are ignored they will become permanent.

HOW DO YOU TREAT IT?
Rest the wrist and wear a split. Take anti-inflammatory medications like Motrin or Advil. Steroid injections, and surgery can relieve a pinched nerve causing unrelieved symptoms for more than 6 months.