Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is often regarded as a modern day condition; however it has been recognized since the late 1800’s. If you suffer from pain that wakes you at night or you feel pins and needles in your hands whilst driving you may be suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpel tunnel syndrome is usually a stress injury induced by repetitive movements of the hands and fingers, for example when someone has been continual clicking a mouse at work over a number of years
What is it?
The bones and ligaments in the wrist are medically known as the carpus and form a pathway called the carpal tunnel. The tunnel channels the median nerve, which controls the movement and feeling of most of the hand, and the tendons that connect the arm and the hand muscles, from the forearm into the hand. It can be narrowed through bones spurs or dislocation, fluid retention or the swelling of the ligaments or tendons. If the narrowing compresses the median nerve, pain, numbness and weakness develop in the thumb and fingers.
Symptoms may become apparent gradually or suddenly, and are usually most painful at night – 95% of patients with this condition report being woken up by the pain. The symptoms may last for a few days and disappear without treatment, or persist for months and require medical treatment.
What Causes Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Prolonged repetitive movements that cause stress to the hands or fingers
- Over working the hands whilst typing or playing a musical instrument for example
- A change in hormone levels associated with birth control, pregnancy or the menopause – this worsens the condition
- Trauma to the wrist
- Diabetes, hypothyroidism, Raynaulds disease or Rheumatoid arthritis may also cause symptoms
What are the Symptoms?
- Numbness & tingling in the thumb & the first three fingers
- Weakness in the hand & difficulty picking up or holding objects
- Shooting pains in the wrist and forearm – this may radiate into the shoulder or neck
- Feeling that the fingers are swollen when no swelling is visible
What Supplements help?
Vitamin B6 – Is important for maintaining healthy nerve tissues, relieving inflammation and improving circulation. It is also thought to increase the brains production of nerve chemicals GABA – which helps to control pain sensations
Bromelain – a powerful enzyme found in pineapple is very effective in counteracting inflammation and any resulting pain
Turmeric – Helps to ease swelling – the herb contains a yellow pigment with anti inflammatory properties
Vitamin E helps to ward off breast, prostate & colon cancer
What else can I do?
Apply ice to your wrists when pain strikes for 10 mins every hour to ease the pain – a bag of peas can do the job
Take frequent breaks when performing any repetitive activity with your hands – stop at least once an hour to ease the pain and reduce the inflammation
Elevate your wrists with a pillow when you lie down
Facts & Tips
An eight week study in 1998 at the University of Pennsylvania showed that the stretching exercises of yoga are more effective than wrist-splinting in relieving the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome
Buy the Recommended Supplements
Add a review: