Your mother’s symptoms — pain in both hands at night while sleeping + occasional numbness in both hands during work or at night — are very classic for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).
This is one of the most common nerve problems in middle-aged and older women. It happens when the median nerve gets compressed inside the carpal tunnel (a narrow passage in the wrist).
Typical features that match:
• Pain and numbness in both hands (bilateral CTS is common)
• Worse at night (many people wake up with numb/painful hands)
• Numbness or tingling during daytime activities (holding phone, reading book, working with hands)
• Often linked to: repetitive hand use,
diabetes,
thyroid issues, pregnancy (though less likely here), or just age-related changes
Other less likely but possible causes:
• Cervical spondylosis (neck arthritis pressing on nerves)
• Peripheral neuropathy (e.g., from diabetes or
vitamin B12 deficiency)
• Rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory conditions (usually have joint swelling too)
Since it is bilateral and night-dominant, carpal tunnel is the most probable diagnosis.
Next Steps
1. See a doctor soon (within 1–2 weeks):
• Start with general physician or orthopedic doctor (hand/wrist specialist if available).
• They will likely:
• Do a physical exam (Tinel’s sign, Phalen’s test)
• Order nerve conduction study (NCS) / EMG — gold standard to confirm carpal tunnel and see severity
• Blood tests:
sugar (
HbA1c),
thyroid (
TSH),
vitamin B12, if needed
2. Do not ignore if:
• Numbness becomes constant
• Weakness in hands (dropping things)
• Pain spreads to forearms or shoulders
Health Tips
• Night relief (try tonight):
• Wear neutral wrist splints (cock-up splints) at night — keeps wrists straight and reduces pressure on nerve (available in pharmacies)
• Sleep with hands elevated on pillow or not bent under pillow
• During day:
• Avoid repetitive gripping, typing, or vibrating tools
• Take short breaks every 20–30 min when using hands
• Gentle wrist stretches (flexion/extension) 2–3 times/day
• Home remedies:
• Warm compress on wrists 10–15 min twice a day
•
Vitamin B12 + B-complex supplement (if doctor approves)
• Avoid sleeping on hands or with wrists bent
Most cases of carpal tunnel improve a lot with splints + activity modification. If severe or long-standing, steroid injection or minor surgery (carpal tunnel release) gives excellent results (outpatient, quick recovery).
This is usually very treatable — not dangerous.
For more specific advice (her age,
diabetes status, other symptoms, or if you want help preparing questions for doctor), please consult with me online.
Take care of her — she’ll feel much better soon