4 NATURAL HOME REMEDIES FOR CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
4 Natural Home Remedies for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that typically occurs as a result of repetitive wrist/hand movements. It also commonly occurs in pregnant women or can be associated with other medical conditions.
CTS is usually characterized by pain, tingling, burning, and/or numbness in the the wrist, hand, thumb and second and third digits. Symptoms can be very noticeable at night time and when trying to sleep.
Here are 4 things to try when dealing with this condition:
1. Stretch the wrist/hand Flexors: Extend the elbow fully as well as the wrist.. With the opposite hand, grab the fingers of the extended wrist pulling them backwards in the direction of the back of the elbow. There should be a pull pull/stretch sensation along the forearm and across the wrist.
2. Wrist Splint: If the symptoms are very prevalent at night time, purchase a carpal tunnel splint from a drug store. This helps keep the carpal tunnel open while trying to sleep to help reduce irritation to the median nerve and associated night time symptoms. It can also be worn during the day to help with symptomatic relief.
3. Ice therapy: Use ice on the wrist region. Ice should be used in 10-20 minute intervals (10-20 minutes on followed by 10-20 minutes off) keeping something between the ice pack and the skin.
4. Vitamin B6: Consuming Vitamin B6 (100 mg twice daily) has been shown to help alleviate symptoms of CTS when added to other forms of therapy (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1949298/)
Clinically there are non-surgical treatment options including Class IV Laser Therapy, soft tissue and trigger point therapy to the forearm musculature, stretching and ROM exercises, dry needling, and/or anti-inflammatory injections that can help reduce the symptoms of CTS.
As always, this is for informational purposes, always consult with a health care provider versed in treating carpal tunnel syndrome.
Feel free to pass this along.
- Dr. Blood