Home remedies for carpal tunnel syndrome can cure this debilitating condition and help a person return to a productive, pain-free life. Being among the top reasons cited for loss of work and income, carpal tunnel syndrome is not life threatening, but does cause a serious negative impact on those who suffer with it. By using natural cures for carpal tunnel syndrome a person can avoid pharmaceutical drugs and surgeries, which are commonly recommended and opted for in the most severe cases.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Definition
Carpal tunnel syndrome, or CTS, is the result of pressure being placed on the median nerve, which is located inside of the wrist’s carpal tunnel. The median nerve is responsible for the activity of the thumb, forefinger, middle finger and the ring finger.
Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Swelling of the tendons in the carpal tunnel, which then applies pressure or compression of the median nerve, causes carpal tunnel syndrome. The most common factors that contribute to this series of events is:
- Injury
- Repetitive movements
- Constant use of vibrating instruments or hand tools
- Arthritis
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Menopause
- Pregnancy (commonly attributed to fluid retention)
- Kidney failure (also involves fluid retention)
- Cigarette smoking (decreases blood flow to the median nerve)
- A cyst in the carpal tunnel
The carpal tunnel is made up of a series of muscles and tendons that surround the median nerve. In some people, this tunnel is naturally narrow, which increases their chance of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome also affects women more than it does men. It is not a common condition in childhood, but adults at middle age and beyond are the most frequent sufferers of CTS.
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The first noticeable symptoms of CTS are almost always pain in the wrist, hands, fingers or forearm. Other notable symptoms include:
- Restricted use of the hands
- Loss of the ability to grasp objects
- Depression caused by pain, loss of work and loss normal hand functions
Home Remedies for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Home Remedies for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Wrist, hand and forearm massage with olive oil, arnica ointment or other herbal oils
- Hand, arm and wrist exercises
- Weight loss
- Increasevitamin B6 intake
- Increase vitamin C intake
- Elevate the wrists above the head as soon as pain is present
- Use ice to reduce swelling
- Yoga exercises
- Acupressure
- Use a splint or a brace to improve hand posture while working
Massage is one of the best home remedies for carpal tunnel syndrome and should be applied several times each day for at least 20 minutes at a time. Massage should include the elbow, forearm, wrist, hands and fingers as pressure and short, kneading strokes should be applied to these areas.
Hand, wrist and arm exercises should involve resistance movements and flexing the muscles in these areas to stimulate blood flow and to strengthen surrounding muscles.
People with carpal tunnel syndrome or who wish to avoid its onset are advised to take frequent breaks when working with their hands or arms. Also, using ergonomically designed office chairs, desks, keyboards and other workplace equipment can also greatly reduce the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome or reduce the risk of re-injuring the median nerve after being healed from it.
Many suffer needlessly or endure painful surgeries because they do not know how to cure CTS naturally. By diligently using natural cures and home remedies for carpal tunnel syndrome, people can help the median nerve decompress and return to its natural functioning. Home remedies for carpal tunnel are safe and effective to use without the risk of harmful side effects.
