From assembly line workers to writers, carpal tunnel syndrome, or CTS, is one of the most common ailments among workers today. It can affect anyone who spends hours a day doing a repetitive motion, such as plucking a guitar or typing on a computer. Women are three times more likely than men to contract carpal tunnel syndrome because their carpal tunnel tends to be smaller, and because of possible fluid retention during pregnancy and menopause. Also, people with square-shaped wrists tend to have a genetic predisposition for CTS. The symptoms for carpal tunnel symptoms range from mild to severe, depending on how long the median nerve has been damaged. Surgery is one solution, and healing carpal tunnel naturally is another.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel is one of several health problems known as entrapment neuropathies, where peripheral nerves become either compressed or damaged. With CTS, the median nerve, which is located from the forearm to the hand, becomes squeezed by the carpal tunnel. This tunnel is a narrow passageway, consisting of bones and ligaments, which surround the median nerve and tendons.
Median nerve entrapment is caused by some form of swelling - usually from the tendons, which can become irritated and inflamed. Because the median nerve controls feeling and some movement in the palm-side of the thumb and the first three fingers, carpal tunnel syndrome first manifests as a tingling and numbing sensation in that area of the hand. Over time, if CTS is left untreated, it can become very painful, and even lead to muscle atrophy. CTS sufferers have trouble picking up and holding objects, and the work that is likely their livelihood, becomes dreadfully uncomfortable, if possible at all.
The symptoms for carpal tunnel syndrome are at first a burning feeling, or the sensation that many people describe as 'pins and needles.' This occurs more and more frequently, and, often at night and in the morning when circulation has slowed. It progresses as weak wrists and severe pain, triggered by almost any action that requires wrist and thumb strength - carrying dishes, sewing, writing. People with CTS tend to open and close their hands or shake them out all the time for relief.
Natural Cures for Carpal Tunnel
There is no absolute cure, whether it be a natural remedy or surgery because once the nerve is damaged, it can't be replaced; it can only be nourished and protected. Surgery involves widening the carpal tunnel, therefore taking pressure off of the median nerve. Natural treatment of carpal tunnel involves reducing inflammation, water retention, and irritation, combined with strengthening the wrist and healing the injury.
There are several ways to start and support the carpal tunnel healing process. The first thing to do is rest. Any action that can negatively affect the carpal tunnel and median nerve should be stopped for at least two weeks. Wearing a splint also helps to stabilize the area.
Nutritional changes for the treatment of carpal tunnel include reducing salt intake - sodium increases water retention, and eating fluid-balancing foods, such as chicken, fish, beans, wheat germ, and celery. A green salad each day will help to balance the body's acidity levels and promote healing. Also, avoid acid-forming drinks - soda, coffee, and hard liquor.
Vitamin supplements greatly enhance the process of healing carpal tunnel naturally. Vitamin B6, which helps to process amino acids, is extremely important. It can be taken along with the other B-complex vitamins, which nourish the nervous system; 250 milligrams of vitamin B6, with 100 milligrams of a B-complex. Green leafy vegetables, potatoes, bananas, lentils, and tuna are all vitamin B6 rich foods. Bromelain, found in high quantities in fresh pineapple, works to reduce inflammation. Take bromelain supplements, 1500 milligrams per day for up to three months.
To help restore the median nerve, take evening primrose oil, at least 500 milligrams a day, and some form of oats, either the whole food, or oat straw tea - a potent nourisher of the nervous system. Oats are also a rich source of both silica and calcium, two nutrients needed to strengthen and rebuild bone and connective tissue.
To assist the carpal tunnel healing process, massage the palm, thumb, forearm, and wrist every day, preferably with a calming essential oil such as chamomile or lavender, diluted in a carrier oil, such as sweet almond. This will help increase the circulation of oxygen-rich blood to the injured area. Ginko biloba, taken in capsule form, or as an extract, also promotes healthy blood flow.
When healing carpal tunnel naturally, be patient; give your body at least six weeks to heal and recover. If herbs, diet, and supplements are not enough, or for a more effective treatment of carpal tunnel, try exercises and stretching. Yoga has proven to successfully eliminate the symptoms for carpal tunnel syndrome. Acupuncture can help as well. Always talk to a health care practitioner about the many options for healing to find what is best for you.
Sources:
Balch, Phyllis A. " Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Fourth Edition (Penguin Books, 2006).
Page, Linda. "Healthy Healing: A Guide to Self-Healing for Everyone." Eleventh Edition (Traditional Wisdom, 2003).
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
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