Ease Carpal Tunnel Syndrome without Surgery

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by the compression of the median nerve which runs from the forearm into the wrist. This is called an ‘entrapment neuropathy’ and can cause mild discomfort to major debilitation.

Before pharmaceutical or medical intervention, ease carpal tunnel syndrome using some of these natural remedies.

Do take note that carpal tunnel syndrome left untreated can cause permanent nerve damage and muscle wasting. Check with your doctor before using these remedies as surgery may be a last resort if symptoms are too serious.

The Carpal Tunnel

The carpal tunnel is a thriving network of nerves, tendons, ligaments and muscles that control the hand and fingers (except for the little finger). When this tunnel becomes repeatedly impinged, inflammation can occur resulting in various symptoms to the hand, fingers and wrist.

These include:

• Pain
• Tingling
• Numbness
• Burning
• Hand feeling “like a block of wood”
• Sleep disruption due to pain
• Significant weakness in the hand, fingers and wrist.

Carpal tunnel syndrome may be caused by trauma, repetitive use syndrome (RUS), congenital disposition (some carpal tunnels are smaller than others), fluid retention, hypothyroidism, an overactive pituitary gland or the presence of a cyst or tumor. Sometime there is no cause that can be identified.

Work it Out

Exercises to relieve the carpal tunnel of inflammation can be applied, however if symptoms are chronic check with your doctor to rule out a cyst, tumor or other serious cause.

These exercises are most beneficial to relieve beginning symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. All of these actions should be held for a count down from eight.

• Stand with your arms extended in front of you.
• Raise palms up with fingers flexing back and hold.
• In the same position, drop wrists letting them hang, relaxing the fingers and hold.
• Keeping the arms extended, make a tight fist with both hands and hold.
• Bend clenched fists toward the floor and hold.
• Open wrists, relax and hold.
• Drop arms to the side and hold.
• Repeat ten times, three to four times per day.

Sleep Tight

During sleep the body tends to redistribute fluids as the body lies horizontal. Some doctors believe these fluids can pool in the ankles and wrists.

In addition, many people sleep with their wrists in a bent position. These two factors can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome.

Therefore, a splint can be helpful to keep the wrist from becoming impinged. It is recommended to see your doctor for a proper fitting splint as many over-the-counter models may not be effective.

Avoid RUS

Repetitive use syndrome (RUS) is a common cause of carpal tunnel. Whether it’s continually working at a computer, machine line or something like massage therapy the carpal can eventually become chronically inflamed.

Avoid RUS by taking breaks to give your hands, wrists and fingers a chance to rebalance. During breaks try running the wrists under cold water; shaking them out; and/or incorporating some of the aforementioned carpal tunnel exercises.

Herbs and Foods for Inflammatory Carpal Relief

Certain foods are notorious for making the body go into inflammation mode. These include processed sugars, alcohol, nightshades, excessive sodium, and bleached foods like white bread and rice.

Avoid a toxic diet and replace with “live,” anti-inflammatory foods that scavenge the system to reduce inflammation.

Some herbs and foods for inflammatory carpal relief are:

• Pineapple – The inner stalk of pineapples contains bromelain a powerful enzyme capable of “eating” inflammatory proteins. Bromelain can also be found in capsule form but must be taken on an empty stomach for an optimal response.

• Capsaicin – This is the compound found in many peppers linked to relieving inflammation.

• White Willow – White willow is from the bark of the white willow tree and contains salicylates, one of the active ingredients in aspirin. This is a natural remedy for pain reduction and inflammation.

• Turmeric – Often used as a spice in Indian food the compound curcumin found in turmeric is considered a potent anti-inflammatory. Must be taken in capsule supplement form.

• Chamomile – This flower remedy contains the anti-inflammatory properties bisabolol, chamazulene and cyclic ethers. Drink as a tea several times per day.

Acupuncture

This age old remedy has the potential to open the flow of what is considered “stuck energy”.

A protocol of one to two times per week for about six weeks can help carpal tunnel syndrome, especially in the beginning stages.

Take care of your hands, fingers and wrists to ease carpal tunnel syndrome without surgery. They are overworked appendages that should not be taken for granted.