Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Facts, Relief & Remedies

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Facts
Causes
The relief plan
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Facts

Carpal tunnel is a narrow tunnel created in the wrist by the carpal bones (wrist bones) and wrist ligaments. It contains 9 tendons, blood vessels and the median nerve. This tunnel normally protects the median nerve. The median nerve gives you the abiity to move your hand, receives sensations in your palm, thumb and the first 3 fingers and controls the thumb muscles. The median nerve begins in the neck.
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) results when the media nerve is compressed or damaged. When the space in the tunnel is reduced, pressure increases and therefore it affects the nerve function.
When tissues in the tunnel e.g. the synovium (covering of the tendons) get inflamed, they put pressure on the median nerve.
CTS causes stiffness, numbness and tingling of the arm and hand/fingers. Severe symptoms could also result in sleep disruption due to pain, loss of grip strength and even the use of a hand. It may also lead the pain, numbness and stiffness to other parts of the body, e.g. legs and back.
Electromyography (EMG) and/or a nerve condution test (NCT) is conducted to help diagnose CTS. Both procedures are carried out by placing electrodes in the hand to measure the electrical discharges of the muscles (for EMG) and the function of the median nerve in transmitting electrical signals (for NCT).

Causes

Any action that requires repeated use of hands, wrist and fingers often results in CTS. One such common action is computer keyboard typing where wrists and fingers are not just overused but placed in postitions where tensions can mount on the median nerve.
Actions like those performed by machine operators, musicians, carpenters, writers and hairstylists are linked to CTS.
Other common actions with links to CTS include wringing clothes, scrubbing or even fine needlework.
The reduction of space in the tunnel could also be due to bone diseases, fractures, multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis. Obesity, lack of exercise, pregnancy and the contraceptive pill are also known to bring about the occurence of CTS.
In the case of obesity and pregnancy, when the body weight is on the high side, fluid retention in the body rises. This fluid is said to relocate down to the arms and hands, where it can increase pressure within the tunnel.
Coffee and tea consumption can also lead to fluid retention because they are acid-forming, it becomes acid in the body making the body retain water in order to neutralize it.

The relief plan

A HAND WORKOUT EXERCISE
1. Make a tight fist. Hold for a count of 5.
2. Straighten wrist upright, stretch fingers upright and relax. Keep thumb close to fingers. Hold for a count of 5.
3. Bend wrist backwards (clockwise) whilst keeping your fingers stretched. Keep thumb close to index finger. Hold for a count of 5.
4. Now, extend thumb. Hold for a count of 5.
5. Maintain at position no. 4 then turn palm to face you. Hold for a count of 5.
6. Same position as no. 6 except use the other hand to gently stretch the thumb.
7. Repeat step 1-6 10 times. Then hang arms loosely at the sides and shake the arms and hands for a couple of seconds.
Stop doing the same action for a long period, take regular breaks or change positions frequently.
Get sufficient rest.
Wear supportive splints
Use a cold compress to reduce inflammation when pain is acute. For chronic pain use a hot compress : steam a towel for 5 to 10 mins then wrap within another towel to retain heat. Fold to desired size and place over the painful area.
Surgery involves the cutting of ligaments to create space in the tunnel.
Avoid coffee, tea, alcohol and cigarettes.
VITAMIN B6
This vitamin is associated with a healthy nervous system. According to a study reported in the October 1997 issue of the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, a deficiency in this vitamin may increase the risk of CTS. Since vitamin B6 transforms into pyridoxal-5-phosphate (PLP) in the body, some people may find taking this form to be more effective instead.
Suggested dosage : 100mg twice a day for 3 months then reduce to 100mg. Toxicity occurs with dosage above 300mg which causes nerve damage with symptoms of tingling of the hands and feet and loss of muscle coordination.
BROMELAIN/PROXERONINE
This is a natural potent anti-inflammatory enzyme which reduces swelling and inflammation.
At present the noni fruit is known to be the best source of proxeronine, an active substance found in bromelain, as it contains 40 times more than any other known food, including pineapple.
Ms. Isabelle Navarre-Brown writes in 76 Ways to Use Noni Fruit Juice (Direct Source, 2001) that the use of a noni fruit juice compress directly onto the skin to help with this condition inside the body. Soak a gauge pad into noni fruit juice then apply onto the affected area. Can be used with an ice pack. The compress can be placed for a few hours or overnight.
ARNICA
(Latin name : Arnica montana)
When applied topically helps reduce inflammation of the tendon and reduces stiffness.
BUTCHER'S BROOM
(Latin name : Ruscus aculeatus)
This herb is used to relieve inflammation.
CAPSAICIN
Derived from capsicum has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. It works by preventing the nerve fibers from a protein neurotransmitter responsible for giving pain signals. Applied topically. Try it on a small area of skin to test for skin sensitivity. Discontinue use if skin irritation occurs. Wash hands thoroughly after use.
DEVIL'S CLAW
(Latin name : Harpagophytum procumbens)
Has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
EUCALYPTUS
(Latin name : Eucalyptus globulus)
Use eucalyptus oil to soothe pain and aches. Rub it directly onto the affected area or place a few drops onto a steam towel and place it over the painful area (see hot compress).
FLAXSEEDS
Certain people with arthritis may find relief from using 1 to 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseeds which is rich in omega-3 fatty acid daily.
GINKGO
(Latin name : Ginkgo biloba)
Ginkgo improves blood circulation and reduce inflammation. Ginkgo has a mild blood thinning effect.
HORSE CHESTNUT
(Latin name : Aesculus hippocastanum)
A herb known to reduce pain and swelling.
TURMERIC
(Latin name : Curcuma longa)
A member of the ginger family, turmeric contains curcumin, a yellow pigment with anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric works better when taken with bromelain.
Suggested dosage : 200mg twice daily, taken between meals.
VITAMIN E
Helps improve blood circulation and protects blood vessels from damage.

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