Sounds like CTS (carpal tunnel syndrome). I have stage 3 left hand and stage 2 right, plus arthritis of the right thumb joint (joint replacement recommended) . . . and I wear splints if I want to get a good night's sleep. Get good rigid ones, because if they are too soft they will not hold your wrists properly, and if you have to, use a light dusting of talc and anti-fungal powder to keep the moisture under control. I wear this one on my right to brace the thumb well http://www.breg.com/files/xl/WRIST-SPLINT.gif , and this one on the left http://www.meostore.com/images/produ...EigInc.JIF.gif .

If your thumb and forefingers are more affected, and go numb, and the pain extends to your elbow when it gets worse, it is very likely CTS. You can get CTS independent of other nervous system disorders, as it is a caused by compression of the median nerve in your wrist. Splinting is one of the best ways to keep it under control and to alleviate the pressure on the nerve by holding your wrist joint in the most neutral position. Waking with numbness, tingling or pain are the classic symptoms of CTS. Dropping things and difficulty grasping and gripping are also affected.

I hope you can avoid surgery and find a therapy that works for you. I know that the splints can be awkward, and the velcro catches on our micro-fleece sheets :eek: (if you haven't tried them, it is like sleeping wrapped in marshmallow foam without the stickiness) . . . but I am less frequently awakened by my hands now that I have splints.