Is it a symptom of carpal tunnel?

Is your elblow bent when this happens? Friend did and was diagnosed with cubital tunnel syndrome. You should get checked out.

I am sure my elbow is bent when it happens. I don't know if it is a symptom of carpal tunnel

I've gotten cramps in my fingers and hands since art school. Then my friend would massage my hand until I could move it again. Now if I'm doing a lot of work with my hands I wear compression type gloves. They help a lot. If that doesn't help, I'd check with your doctor. Hands are too precious to lose the use of.
This is the style I use most often.

I get trigger finger and they just lock up and get paralyzed. It happens almost every morning when I wake up, I can't move most of my fingers. Eventually they begin to loosen. You may want to see a rheumatologist and have some testing.

I have 4 trigger fingers (2 thumbs and 2 other fingers on the R hand). They can pop out of joint. that is extremely painful. My neighbor 2 acres away said she knew when it'd happen 'cause she could hear me scream.

I had injections into the R thumb - it popped out a lot. I haven't had that problem with the others - yet.

bengardening, have you tried any of the great topical analgesics? I swear by them for some issues since I don't do well with oral NSAIDS. I use them on my knees, shoulders, and feet. My bout of trigger thumb was treated with an assortment of topical analgesic creams, deep massage and stretching, ice, and time.

I have no idea what your situation is, but the topicals may help.

It is very good

In my friend's case, her Dr diagnosed her in his office with no additional testing. Treatment was changing to an ergonomic mouse and a night brace to prevent bending the arm while sleeping. I have no first hand experience, but getting diagnosed would enable you to choose the best treatment for you.

Arthritis! I usually cut my own hair and keep it short. In the last few years the fingers on my left hand will suddenly cramp up and close as I'm trying to hold a section of hair to trim it. Drives me bonkers! I put the scissors down and patiently pull each finger back to its normal position...straight...and massage it until it calms down. Works like a charm although an annoying loss of time. The more flexible/maluable one can keep those tendons...the better. Massaging does a whole lot more than medications...IMO.

Not carpel tunnel. There's an easy test for that. Hold your hand palm side up...as though you're looking into the palm. Using a finger from your other hand...draw it lightly from the center of the up turned palm to the wrist area. If the fingers on your up turned palm hand curl up as you draw your finger toward your wrist...you're a carpel tunnel candidate. See your doctor.