I have PA and have similar symptoms. 2 months ago my right wrist
started getting into the game and when it started swelling it would
send a sharp pain from inside of wrist to palm of hand. Also my
fingers would become numb at times.
When I told my RD about this, his explanation was identical to what
Mary describes.
As a side note he switched me from tablets (MTX) to injections.
Had my first injection last friday and as of the last few days I
havn't had any numbness in my fingers. So I'm keeping my swollen
fingers crossed in the hope that the MTX is finally starting to "kick"
in.
The most important piece of advice that I have received from this NG
and other sources is that to get aggressive in your treatment regime.
Get control of your RA as soon as possible.

Usually CTS is worse at night because we tend to compress the wrist when we
sleep.  Lots of sufferers sleep in splints to keep the wrist straight at
night and that is all they need.  (Others just take the splints off in their
sleep and throw them across the room)

Jo

Interesting.

When I had the nerve conductivity test done, the neurologist made a note at
the bottom of the report indicating that CTS can be present without
conductivity problems 10% (I think) of the time. The Orthopedist said the
Neuro writes that when he thinks there is CTS, even when the nerves conduct
just fine.