What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
The most common cause of developing Carpal tunnel syndrome is typing on the computer keyboard for long periods of time. Carpel tunnel is made up of carpal bones and is situated on the palm side of the wrist. The median nerve and nine other tendons that help move the fingers are protected by this tightly spaced tunnel-like structure. The Carpal Tunnel Syndrome takes place when the tendons and ligament of the carpal tunnel become swollen and cause shrinkage of the space inside the tunnel thereby compressing the median nerve which controls the sensation and movement of the hand. This compression of the median nerve can lead to slowing down of nerve impulses which in turn can cause a loss of feeling in the fingers and a loss of strength and coordination at the base of the thumb.
If it remains untreated for long time, the Carpal tunnel syndrome can become a chronic disease. It can pave way for permanent deterioration of muscle tissue. Taking anti inflammatory drugs can provide some relief from this syndrome but they are injurious to health in the long run. On the other hand, home remedies for Carpal tunnel syndrome are perfectly safe and natural ways to cure this medical condition.
Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Activities that require continuous bending of the wrist for longer periods of time can be held responsible for causing the Carpal tunnel syndrome. Therefore, grocery checkers, carpenters, assembly line workers, mechanics and musicians are the potential candidates for this disease. Taking breaks while doing these jobs is an effective remedy in the treatment as well as prevention of this syndrome.
Wrist injuries and fractures and diseases like Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis or other metabolic conditions like thyroid disorders directly affect the nerves and make them more susceptible to compression. Kidney failure leading to fluid retention in the carpal tunnel may result in the carpal tunnel syndrome. Therefore, people suffering from these diseases are more prone to develop the Carpal tunnel syndrome. Studies have revealed that people with small wrists have a greater probability to develop this syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome tends to run in families. The fairer sex is more likely to develop his syndrome.
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is characterized by numbness in the hand or fingers. Generally, the thumb side of the hand is more affected by this syndrome. So, the numbness could be in the thumb, the middle finger or in the index finger. It is accompanied by a pain extending from the wrist up to the arm and shoulder or down into the palm or fingers, especially after repetitive use of the wrist. These symptoms tend to become worse during the night. It may lead to loss of strength in the thumb and problem in gripping things, even a simple doorknob. The symptoms are erratic in the beginning but they become consistent with the passage of time.
Natural Home Remedies for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Applying an ice pack on the wrist is one of the simplest home remedies for Carpal tunnel syndrome. It provides considerable relief from the sharp pain.
• Foods rich in vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 play a vital role in curing the disease by facilitating the healing process.
• Using St. John’s wort is a tried and tested home remdy that helps reduce pain and inflammation related to Carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Flaxseed oil is yet another valuable natural home remedy with respect to the inflammation causing this syndrome.
• Taking pineapple in any form is one of the highly recommended home remedies for Carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Therapies like acupressure and acupuncture are effective natural treatments for this syndrome.
• Keeping the wrists flat on the mattress while sleeping is an effective home remedy in this regard.
Diet for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Several studies have revealed that a diet rich in vitamin B, especially vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 helps prevent and cure Carpal tunnel syndrome. Avocados, sunflower seeds, bananas, sweet potatoes, chick peas, brown rice, barley and mangoes are excellent sources of vitamin B. Certain hand exercises like rotating the wrists in each direction for at least five times, squeezing a rubber ball tightly in both the hands for some time and holding the right thumb in left hand and the left thumb in right hand make for excellent home remedies for Carpal tunnel syndrome. Tea, coffee, chocolate and other caffeine containing items should be excluded from the diet because caffeine restricts blood vessels and reducing blood flow to the hands thereby worsening the situation.
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