The Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, or what is commonly called CTS, is a medical condition which affects our hands and our arms, causing a tingling sensation in them. At the initial stage, you might also feel a certain numbness.
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When the condition progresses, undetected or treated, to the advanced stages, it can cause the nerves in the arms and hands to get damaged. Though it can happen to anyone, the condition is more common among women.
What causes the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is still unknown, but if excessive pressure on the median nerve travels to the carpal tunnel through the wrist, one’s chances of developing this condition increases.
According to Mayo Clinic,
The median nerve runs from your forearm through a passageway in your wrist (carpal tunnel) to your hand. It provides sensation to the palm side of your thumb and fingers, except the little finger. It also provides nerve signals to move the muscles around the base of your thumb (motor function).
Anything that squeezes or irritates the median nerve in the carpal tunnel space may lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. A wrist fracture can narrow the carpal tunnel and irritate the nerve, as can the swelling and inflammation resulting from rheumatoid arthritis.
There is no single cause in many cases. It may be that a combination of risk factors contributes to the development of the condition.
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The risk factors of CTS include,
- The anatomy of your wrist
- Repetitive use of the wrist, an injury
- Workplace factors
- Nutritional deficiencies
If you have certain medical conditions, then you risk of getting CTS increases. These conditions include,
- Diabetes
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Fluid retention
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Kidney failure
- Menopause
- Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis
Though CTS if in the advanced stage can only be treated by proper medical treatment, you can try these home remedies for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome to take care of mild cases of wrist and hand dysfunction.
Home remedies for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Here are the top 10 natural remedies to treat mild cases of carpal tunnel syndrome.
1. Cold Compress
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The first remedy on our list today is cold compress. This treatment will offer quick comfort to your hands and arms. It will help with the inflammation and the numbness, both of which are symptoms associated with CTS.
The cold temperature reduces the pain in the area and also the swelling involved.
For the remedy, you need a plastic bag that is sealable. Now put some ice cubes into this bag, and wrap it in a clean and soft towel. Apply the cold compress on the affected arm and hands for at least 10 minutes.
You can repeat the remedy as and when needed.
Be sure not to apply the ice cubes directly on your skin. You don’t want to add to the numbness.
2. Massage Therapy
The next remedy is of course the massage therapy, which will alleviate the pain in your affected arms and hands, and also treat the other symptoms associated with CTS.
The therapy will relax stiff muscles, improve the flow of blood to the affected arm, and reduce pain.
For the remedy, we suggest you get help from a massage therapist. But if you are planning to do this all by yourself, you can start by heating some coconut or olive oil. Once it is soothingly warm, massage the oil into your arms, hands, wrist, and fingers. Don’t rub hard, but massage with gentle strokes for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Doing this therapy three times a day for a while will treat your mild CTS.
3. Epsom Salt
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The next remedy is Epsom salt, which is both anti-inflammatory as well as a muscle relaxant. It contains magnesium which relaxes the muscles in the affected arm and hand, thus treating the condition.
For the remedy, you need to mix a cup of Epsom salt in a tub of warm water. Now soak the affected arm in it/ After 20 minutes, pat the area dry.
You should repeat the remedy every 4 to 5 hours.
4. Castor Oil
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When it comes to treating CTS, castor oil does a wonderful job. It reduces inflammation and helps control pain. It will also restore the normal functioning of your wrists and fingers.
For the remedy, you need to heat some castor oil first. Now apply it, once it is soothingly warm, on your fingers and wrists. Massage the affected area gently for about 15 minutes, and then if you can, wrap your hands in a clean flannel cloth for about an hour.
Doing this once every day for a week, will help treat the condition effectively.
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5. Acupressure and Acupuncture
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Acupuncture, an age-old practice helps treat CTS. It also restores the normal functioning of the nerve, which will, in turn, alleviate the pain.
However, acupuncture should not be tried by anyone other than an expert. Consult a skilled acupuncturist, and get proper treatment.
6. Blackstrap Molasses
The next remedy is black strap molasses, which due to the magnesium content in it works wonders on the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Blackstrap molasses contains iron, vitamin B, potassium as well as calcium. This will help improve the circulation of blood to your hands and also to the rest of the body.
For the remedy, you can mix two to three teaspoons of blackstrap molasses to your ilk and drink it every night before going to bed.
You should drink this molasses milk once every day for at least a week or until the condition is improved.
7. Flaxseed Oil
To alleviate pain as well as the swelling associated with CTS, try flaxseed oil. What makes flaxseed oil such a great remedy is that it is analgesic, it contains anti-inflammatory properties, and it is also an anti-oxidative. The oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. These acids help reduce inflammation.
A study published in DARU Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2014 suggests that linseed oil helps manage mild as well as moderate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
To use it as a remedy, you can take two to three tablespoons of this oil every day. If taking it just like that is an ordeal, then you can add it to a smoothie, your juice or a glass of milk.
8. Apple Cider Vinegar
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The next remedy on our list is apple cider vinegar that treats the inflammation and pain, symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Also, the vinegar contains magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and calcium. These minerals help in strengthening the muscles and the bones.
To treat your condition, mix two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with a teaspoon of organic honey. Now add the mix to a glass of water. If the water is warm, then the remedy will work better. You should drink this two times a day until you feel better.
Alternatively, you can mix unfiltered apple cider vinegar and olive oil in equal proportions. Now use this mix to massage your affected areas. Doing this three times a day will help you heal acute CTS.
9. Vitamin B6
The last remedy on our list today is vitamin B6. According to a study published in 2007 in Canadian Family Physician, vitamin B6 should be used as complementary treatments to postpone if not prevent hand surgery caused by CTS.
Vitamin B6 plays the role of neurotransmitter synthesis. It also promotes amino acid metabolism. All this will help against CTS.
For the remedy, you need to eat foods like bran, salmon, tuna, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, raw garlic and oatmeal. Also other sources of vitamin B6 include brown rice, wheat germ, hazelnuts, and tuna.
You may also take supplements for vitamin B6. For the correct dosage, do consult a doctor or a primary health care provider.
Additional Tips
- Try to increase your intake of antioxidant rich food. Try blueberries, bell peppers, squash tomatoes and cherries.
- You can take curcumin supplements after consulting the doctor for the correct dosage. Or, you could add turmeric to your diet; whichever is easier for you.
- Try to use healthier oils while baking or even frying.
- You need to stop eating red meat. Instead take more lean meats and also cold water fishes.
- At night, before you hit the bed, wear a wrist splint, so that you don’t do more damage to your condition. Make sure the band is not too tight.
- If your work involves typing or using the mouse for a prolonged period, then wear a wrist pad.
- While sleeping, keep your arms elevated, and do not sleep on your hands.
- Since smoking causes the blockage of blood vessels, you should quit the bad habit immediately.
- For those who work on their computers most of the time, remember to take frequent breaks to give your hands enough rest.
- The activities that increase the numbness or the pain should be stopped immediately.
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That is all we have on today’s post on home remedies for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or CTS. Was this helpful? Will you be recommending it to others too? If you have some remedies that you would like to share with us, then please do so in the comment section below.
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