With Reflexologist Nuria Weaver
Home Remedies for Carpal Tunnel
Carpal tunnel is a common syndrome of the nerve especially the median nerve of the hand. This usually occurs when there is a compression in the median nerve that travels via the carpal tunnel. The carpal tunnel syndrome can be quite troublesome and painful. Nevertheless, you can give a try to some of the home remedies for carpal tunnel.
Causes for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:
The condition occurs when the wrist gets some pressure on the median nerve which is a very important nerve of the hand as it sends out sensations to all the fingers. Some of the causes are listed below:
- Bone spurs are one of the most basic and common cause for the syndrome.
- Hormonal disorders
- Diabetes
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Menopause
- Fluid retention which is common during pregnancy
- Repetitive injury
- Thyroid problems
- And narrow carpal tunnel
Symptoms for Carpal Tunnel:
The signs and symptoms usually starts with some frequent tingling, burning, itching and numbness on the fingers especially the index finger and thumb.
Some of the symptoms for the condition are listed below:
- Swelling which may be very little and not be that apparent
- You may observe that the symptoms can occur in only one hand and then gradually develops in both the hands at night.
- As the symptoms gets worse, you may notice the tingling effect during the day time as well.
- The strength of the grip can be reduced considerably
- Finally in the chronic and untreated case, the muscle which is at the thumb base may not feel any sensations and some patients cannot differentiate between any hot and cold touch.
This warning sign can probably become worse with time. It develops with increasing trauma of the wrist and hands. Some of the home based remedies that can help you out immensely to ease away the pain and also aid the other medical treatments associated with it are listed below:
- Ice can make a lot of difference when it comes to carpal tunnel. A lot of people use heating pads which can increase the swelling. Cold packs are the best treatment for swollen hands and wrists.
- Naturopathy is also a perfect treatment for this condition. You simply need to dip your hands and wrists in cold or hot water. This will improve the blood circulation in the wrists and also help to get rid of the waste and make the pain less. The perfect way to do this is immersing the hands in tolerable water for about 3 minutes. Follow this with immersing in cold water for at least 30 seconds. This should be done 3-5 times a day.
- Enzymes such as bromelain and other combination enzymes can help to reduce the swelling tissue. However, this can take a much longer time to see the effective results. Pineapple is a rich source of bromelain and is a good diet for carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Acupressure has showed some very great results in the past in the treatment of carpal tunnel. This is effective because the pressure stimulates the nerves and as a result reduces the swelling.
- Vitamin B12 is also a known for its effectiveness to reduce the syndrome. However, take this with the consent of your doctor.
- Go for some anti-inflammatory tablets or drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen that helps in reducing inflammation and pain which are commonly associated with the condition.
- Massaging the affected area can also your problem. Use some essential oils such as peppermint oil and lavender oil to massage the inflamed nerve. This will cool the area and provide instant relief.
- Herbal treatment such as ointments that contains arnica has some renowned anti-inflammatory properties that can ease aches and pains which are commonly linked with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Preventive measures and tips for carpal tunnel:
- If you too involve with your laptops and PC, then remember to periodically remove your hands from the keyboards and release them into the air so as to release stress and tension. You can also raise your arm above the head and rotate. Make sure to turn your wrist too. This will relax not only your hands and wrists but shoulders and neck as well.
- You can also use a technique to get rid of the tingling sensation on the hands by going for a squeeze motion with the fingers. You simply need to press the fingers on to your palm and then stretch them as far as you can. Hold this position and repeat several times.
- Sleeping in the correct posture will also help to ease and prevent such kind of problem. While sleeping, position the arm as close to the body and keep your wrists straight. The pressure will start to build up, if the hand drops over the side of the bed.
- Exercise your hands regularly to relieve the discomfort the carpal tunnel condition. Go for an uncomplicated circle exercise as soon as you feel a tingling sensation. You can move your hands in gentle circles for a minute or two which will help all the muscles on the wrists to work well. This will prevent the freezing of the wrist and also the uncomfortable bent.
- In the kitchen tools or others, always use fat handles or use a rubber grip to fatten them. These will prevent any kind of pain or tingling effect on the wrists and fingers.
- Never hold a pen or pencil with a tight grip as this may exert pressure on the nerve. You can always use a wrist splint particularly at night to prevent such kind of pain.
Try any of the above home remedies for carpal tunnel and see the effect within a short span of time. However, consult the doctor immediately if the condition persists.
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