Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Home Remedies, Causes And Symptoms

Posted on February 9, 2009 by mkr in Bone Joint Muscle Disorders
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is the compression of the median nerve at the wrist by surrounding tissue or excess fluid causes a painful disorder of the hand or wrist.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms

  • No visible swelling, but sensation of swelling in the fingers.
  • The dominant hand and all the fingers are affected with weakness, making it difficult to hold on to the objects or pick them.
  • Symptoms occur usually at night or in the early morning. Tingling, burning and numbness especially in the thumb and first three fingers.

Causes Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Most common cause of the carpal tunnel syndrome is repeated minor injury to the wrist. The injury usually occurs in individuals who perform repetitive strenuous actions (like carpenters), and those who perform repetitive , light movements (like keyboard operators and typists).
  • Electric drillers, dentists, carpenters, pianist, typist or anybody who work with their hands for a long time can get CTS.
  • Repeated movements and wear and tear presses the major nerves in the hand against hard bone. This is called nerve entrapment.
  • Disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and hypothyroidism, which produce a swelling of the tissues in the wrist, are also known to cause carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • CTS can also be caused by fluid retention, fracture or bone dislocation or severe injury.

Home Remedies For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Smoking can aggravate the condition, so give it up.
  • Elevate your arm with pillows when you lie down.
  • To reduce pain and swelling take anti-inflammatory pain relievers.
  • Temporary relief can be sought by icing the wrist for 20 minutes at a time.
  • Enhance the intake of vitamin B6 in the diet. Foods that are a rich source of the vitamin are – brewer’s yeast, sunflower seeds, lentils, soy, walnuts, legumes, brown rice, and banana. Vitamin B6 supplements are also advocated to halt the further deterioration of the symptoms. (recommended dose, twice a day for 8 to10 weeks).
  • Stay away from refined and processed food items.
  • During a flare up, consume pineapple juice. Bromelain present in pineapple reduces swelling and inflammation instantaneously. Read Bromelain side effects also.
  • Also, gingerols present in ginger are powerful anti-inflammatory compounds, which reduce pain and swelling significantly.
  • Curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory agent found in turmeric, is very useful in decreasing inflammation of the median nerve. Turmeric should be taken on an empty stomach for beneficial results.

How To Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

  1. Keep your wrists straight when you are working with your hands.
  2. If your hands are stressed by work, rotate tasks.
  3. Hold the steering wheel gently to reduce the pressure on the wrists.
  4. Whenever your hands hurt, stop the work immediately.
  5. Use both your hands to lift objects.
  6. Type with a soft touch and when you are working with your hands take breaks frequently.
  7. Your computer workstation should be comfortable and when you are typing, do not rest the heels of your hand on the keyboard. Remember your wrists should be higher than your fingers.

Homoeopathy For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Ruta graveolens:  A homoeopathic medicine, Ruta, demonstrates miraculous and speedy results in the management of carpal tunnel syndrome. Ruta acts predominantly on muscles, bones, ligaments, and tendons. It diminishes pain, aching, and burning in the wrist and fingers. The remedy lowers edema and swelling, eliminates tingling numbness, and most importantly, restores normal mobility to the joint, within a short period of time. Repeated doses of a lower potency, are recommended for prompt and complete results to be seen.

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