The CTS Relief Plan

• Don’t do 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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