I came upon this article while searching for some good pain relief remedies for a friend with CTS.
This article takes a look at natural cures for carpal tunnel syndrome - using vitamins, herbs, and other nutritional supplements to help alleviate the numbness in hand and fingers.
Natural Cures For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Natural Cures For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
By Hazel Ketko
Carpal tunnel is a very small, narrow opening just below the base of the wrist, between the arm and the hand. It allows a main nerve (the median nerve) to pass from the bones and the muscles of the forearm to the palm, the thumb, and the fingers. Since it is bound by bones and ligaments, the carpal tunnel protects the median nerve and nine tendons that bend the fingers.
Because the opening of the tunnel is very small, it is vulnerable to pressure and swelling. Pressure placed on the nerve causes pain and numbness in the fingers, resulting in "carpal tunnel syndrome" (CTS).
CTS afflicts people who use their hands in a repetitive motion - musicians, writers, assembly-line workers, etc. In the last decade or so, many people who use computers have CTS. It is estimated that about 10 percent of people who work at computers suffer from this syndrome.
Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The cause of CTS is pressure on the median nerve. Anything that reduces the small space in the tunnel can cause pressure on the nerve. Some common causes are:
- Repetitive Use or Injury
- Hormonal Changes
- Arthritis
CTS typically starts gradually with a mild tingling and vague aching in your wrist that can extend to your hand or forearm. The tingling and painful feeling is usually worse in the morning or the evening. Other common symptoms include:
- Numbness in the thumb and the first three fingers.
- Weakness of the thumb and the first three fingers and a tendency to drop things.
- Pain may radiate and extend from the wrist up the arm to the shoulder or down into the palm or fingers.
- Inability to make a fist.
Natural carpal tunnel cures can help to relieve the pain resulting from CTS. Natural remedies such as herbs, aromatherapy, and nutritional supplements can be used to:
- Alleviate or remove the source of pain if possible
- Improve circulation
- Reduce swelling
Some vitamins and minerals that are effective natural carpal tunnel cures include Vitamin B6; Bromelain; Calcium and Magnesium.
Essential oils that are anti-inflammatory and can be used to massage the affected areas to reduce pain and inflammation. Try the following recipe for CTS:
- 10 drops of Lavender
- 10 drops of Eucalyptus
- 10 drops of Marjoram
Prevention of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The best way to treat carpal tunnel syndrome is to prevent it from happening! If you use your wrist and fingers a lot, take the following precautions:
Exercise your wrists
Try the following exercise:
- Shake out your wrists gently for about 10 seconds.
- Rotate your wrists gently - 5 times clockwise, 5 times counter-clockwise.
- Hold your arm straight in front of you, palm facing outward. Use the other hand to gently pull back your fingertips. Hold for a few seconds and release. Repeat with the other arm.
Take Frequent Breaks
Give your hands and wrists frequent breaks. Alternate tasks when possible. If you use equipment that vibrates or that requires you to exert a great amount of force, taking breaks is even more important.
Use a Wrist Rest
If you work on a computer, maintaining a good posture and using a wrist rest can reduce the risk of developing CTS.
Keep Warm
Try to keep your work environment warm and dry as cool and humid conditions tend to cause hand pain and stiffness to develop.
For more detailed information about using natural cures for carpal tunnel syndrome, visit Natural Carpal Tunnel Cures.
Learn more about how to use herbs and other natural remedies for your health: Natural Health Remedies 4U.com
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