Carpus is a word that is derived from the Greek word "karpos" meaning the "wrist." The wrist is bounded by a band of fibrous tissue that normally functions as a support for the joint. The tight and tunnel shaped space between the fibrous band and the wrist bone is known as the carpal tunnel. The median nerve passes through the carpal tunnel that receives sensations from the thumb, index, and middle fingers of the hand and supplies to the brain.
Any condition that will cause swelling or a change in position of the tissue within the carpal tunnel can alter and irritate the median nerve. Irritation of this median nerve will cause tingling and numbness of the thumb, index, and the middle fingers or in a simple word, the entire palm. This condition is known as "carpal tunnel syndrome."
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful and troublesome condition of the wrist and the hand. This is because here, the tissues in the carpal tunnel, such as ligaments and tendons, get swollen or inflamed, they press against the median nerve. These pressures make part of the hand hurt or feel numb.
Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Acromegaly
- Myxedema
- Pregnancy
- Idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome
- Amyloidosis
- Chronic kidney failure - may cause amyloidosis
- Fluid retention
- Oral contraceptives
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Repetitive motions of the wrist and forearm.
- Work-related repetition
- Certain occupations - e.g. small hand tools, sewing, computers (working over with mouse), cutting, checkouts, assembly lines, typing, accountants, writers, etc.
- Wrist inflammations
- Wrist injuries
- Wrist fractures
- Wrist traumas
- Arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
Home remedies for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Enzyme supplements like bromelain or combination enzyme products can help to reduce tissue swelling present in carpal tunnel syndrome. However, it may take several weeks to see results. The main food source rich in bromelain is pineapple. This is good diet for carpal tunnel syndrome.
Massage will be very helpful and one of the great home remedy for carpal tunnel syndrome. Massage with any herbal oil regularly to the arm, forearm and wrist. This would be helpful treating the condition.
There was a research on Arnica. A double blind randomized study by the Department of Plastic Surgery, Queen Victoria Hospital in West Sussex; England noticed whether arnica can enhance the recovery of hand surgery as compared to placebo or not. People given with homeopathic arnica tablets and arnica ointment had a substantial reduction in pain after 2 week. This is one of good treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome.
Home remedies for carpal tunnel syndrome is Vitamin B12 - A study was conducted knowing the effectiveness of vitamin B12 for people with carpal tunnel syndrome because of overuse of the non-paralyzed arm after the brain stroke. After a couple of years, there was great improvement in the group taking vitamin B12 as compared to the untreated group.
Acupressure has also showed great results in treating carpal tunnel syndrome. It stimulates the nerves and reduces the swelling.
Yoga is effective natural remedy for carpel tunnel syndrome.
Stop over using the wrist or else put a support while typing or using the mouse for computers.
Avoid direct contact of cold onto your hands, forearms and wrists. While riding bike, avoid the vibration due to speed on the handles and accelerator. Wear gloves. This is one of the useful carpel tunnel syndrome cure.
One of the best home remedy for treating carpal tunnel syndrome is taking vitamin C in any form.