I have had carpal tunnel for a few years now, had numerous injections and splinting, physical therapy, the works; didn't want to opt for the surgery though.

When I first started getting symptoms, they came as numbness while sleeping (whole arms) shooting and radiating pains in forearms, sore wrists and ability to break every dish in my house. The pain would also radiate up to my shoulder area. My elbows were also severly affected and painful. My grip was terribly affected and I had trouble holding things. I would see a doctor, take a strong look at what you are doing at work, home, anything that strains the hands, repetitive motion type things.

The braces that are made for this are good to wear at night, at least they helped me. I did have to quit my job and watch my typing for about a long time.

You have to change the way you do a lot of things and stretching really helps. My symptoms are not near as bad as they used to be, I had trouble putting on pants and pulling them up because my hands were so bad.

Hope this helps a little. Everyone is different, so many of these things may not apply to you, but I would just be careful and try to take action before it gets bad.