It is rare for the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome to be felt in the little finger. Occasionally the numbness, tingling and pain are felt in the thumb. It may travel into the forearm and rarely above the elbow. The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome may be triggered by activities involving repetitive motion of the wrist or activities that cause the wrist to be bent for prolonged periods. Knitting, driving a car and typing all are examples of activities that can result in carpal tunnel syndrome.
Night is a common time for carpal tunnel syndrome to flare up.
The bent position of the wrists during sleep puts increased pressure on the carpal tunnel, thus increasing the pinching of the median nerve. Having been awakened by pain and tingling, the person with carpal tunnel syndrome tries to make the symptoms go away by shaking or rubbing the hands. The thenar eminence is the mound of muscle in the palm, just below the thumb. Carpal tunnel syndrome can occur in just one wrist or in both wrists simultaneously. The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome may be constant or may come and go.