Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Home Remedies Solution on 25th, 2008 The most common nerve entrapment syndrome, results from compression of the median nerve in the wrist, where it passes through the carpal tunnel.
It is the median nerve that controls motions in the forearm, wrist, and hand, like turning the wrist toward the body, flexing the index and middle fingers, and many thumb movements. It also supplies sensation to the index, middle, and ring fingers. Compression of this nerve causes loss of movement and sensation in the wrist, hand, and fingers. This syndrome usually affects women ages 30 to 60 and may cause a serious occupational health problem. It may also occur in people who move their wrists continuously, such as computer operators, butchers, and pianists. Any strenuous use of the hand grasping, twisting, or flexing worsens the condition.
Causes
Using the hands in repetitive manner of movement over and over can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. People who require pinching or gripping with the wrist in their respective jobs can commonly develop this syndrome. Tjose who are at risk in developing this kind of syndrome are people who use computers, musicians, meat packers, carpenters, grocery checkers, assembly-line workers, and mechanics. Some personal hobbies like gardening; golfing, needlework and canoing can sometimes bring on the symptoms. Deficiency of Vitamin B6 also causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be linked to other things. It can be caused by an injury to the wrist, like fracture. Or by a disease such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis or thyroid disease. It is also common during the last few months of pregnancy.
Symptoms
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are pain and numbness in the thumb, index, and middle fingers that worsen at night and may radiate to the upper arm. Symptoms usually occur near the palm of the hand. Other symptoms include muscle weakness in the hand and wrist, tingling, and weak reflexes.
Treatment
Initial treatment is splinting the wrist for 1 to 2 weeks.
If vitamin B6 deficiency, daily dose of Vit. B6 is necessary.
Ice Pack:
As cold compress to the affected area, can reduce pain temporarily
Chamomile tea:
Use in frequently, It helps in reducing inflammation.
Dark Green Cabbage Leaves:
Also known as Savoy. It should be wiped clean but not washed. Wrap around the wrists to like a compress; leave them until become wet, repeat with fresh leaves until you feel better.
Eucalyptus oil:
Helps in minimizing pain rub directly onto the affected area or place a few drops onto a small towel and place it over the painful area.
When initial treatment failed, the only alternative is surgical decompression of the nerve by sectioning the entire transverse carpal tunnel ligament. Neurolysis (freeing the nerve fibers) can be necessary.
Prevention
Switch hands during work tasks.
Lose weight if you’re overweight.
Avoid resting your wrists on hard surfaces for long periods.
Get treatment for any disease you have that may cause carpal tunnel syndrome.
If you do tasks with your hands over and over, try not to bend, extend or twist your hands for long period of time.
Don’t work with your arms too close or too far from your body.
| 2.5 |
