The Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, or what is commonly called CTS, is really a medical condition which affects our hands and our arms, creating a tingling sensation in them. In the initial stage, you might also feel a certain numbness.
When the condition progresses, undetected or treated, to the advanced stages, it can cause the nerves in the arms and hands to obtain damaged. Though it can happen to anyone, the condition is more common among women.
What causes the Carpal tunnel is still unknown, but if excessive pressure on the median nerve travels towards 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 inside your wrist (carpal tunnel) to your hand. It provides sensation to the palm side of the thumb and fingers, except the little finger. It also provides nerve signals to maneuver 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, just like 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.
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 treatment, you can try these home remedies for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome to take care of mild cases of hand and wrist dysfunction.
Home remedies for Carpal tunnel
Here are the top 10 natural remedies to treat mild cases of carpal tunnel syndrome.
1. Cold Compress
The first remedy on our list today is cold compress. This treatment will offer quick comfort for your hands and arms. It can 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'll need a plastic bag that is sealable. Now put some ice cubes into this bag, and wrap it inside a clean and soft towel. Use the cold compress on the affected arm and hands not less than 10 minutes.
You can repeat the remedy as and when needed.
Be sure not to use the ice cubes directly on your skin. You don't want to add to the numbness.
2. Massage Therapy
The next remedy is obviously the massage therapy, which will alleviate the pain in your affected arms and hands, as well as treat the other symptoms related to CTS.
The therapy will relax stiff muscles, improve the flow of blood to the affected arm, and reduce pain.
For the remedy, we recommend 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 around 10 to 15 minutes.
Doing this therapy 3 times a day for a while will treat your mild CTS.
3. Epsom Salt
The next remedy is Epsom salt, that is both anti-inflammatory as well as a muscle relaxant. It contains magnesium which relaxes the muscles within the affected arm and hand, thus treating the problem.
For the remedy, you need to mix a mug of Epsom salt in a tub of tepid to 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
When it comes to treating CTS, using castor oil does a wonderful job. It reduces inflammation and helps control pain. It will likewise restore the normal functioning of your wrists and fingers.
For the remedy, you need to heat some castor oil first. Now put it on, once it is soothingly warm, on your fingers and wrists. Massage the affected region 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 problem effectively.
5. Acupressure and Acupuncture
Acupuncture, an age-old practice helps treat CTS. Additionally, it restores the normal functioning from the nerve, which will, in turn, alleviate the pain sensation.
However, acupuncture should not be tried by anyone apart from an expert. Consult a skilled acupuncturist, and obtain 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 complex, potassium as well as calcium. This helps improve the circulation of blood to your hands and also to the rest of the body.
For the remedy, you are able to 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 single day for at least a week or until the condition is improved.
7. Flaxseed Oil
To alleviate pain along with the swelling associated with CTS, try flaxseed oil. Why is flaxseed oil such a great remedy is it is analgesic, it contains anti-inflammatory properties, and it is also an anti-oxidative. The oil is really a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. These acids reduce inflammation.
A study published in DARU Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2021 shows that linseed oil helps manage mild as well as moderate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
To use it like a remedy, you can take 2 to 3 tablespoons of this oil every single day. If taking it just like this is an ordeal, then you can combine it with a smoothie, your juice or perhaps a glass of milk.
8. Apple Cider Vinegar
The next remedy on our list is apple cider vinegar treatment that treats the inflammation and pain, the signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Also, the vinegar contains magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and calcium. These minerals help in strengthening the muscles and also 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. Are now using this mix to massage your affected areas. Doing this three times a day can 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 ought to be used as complementary treatments to postpone otherwise prevent hand surgery brought on by CTS.
Vitamin B6 plays the role of neurotransmitter synthesis. Additionally, it promotes amino acid metabolism. All of this will help against CTS.
For the remedy, you have 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 that correct dosage, do consult a physician or a primary health care provider.
Additional Tips
- Try to improve your intake of antioxidant rich food. Try blueberries, peppers, squash tomatoes and cherries.
- You may take curcumin supplements after consulting the doctor for the correct dosage. Or, you could include turmeric to your diet; whichever is easier for you.
- Try to use healthier oils while baking or perhaps frying.
- You need to stop eating steak. Instead take more lean meats and also cold water fishes.
- At night, before you hit the bed, wear a wrist splint, so you don't do more damage to your problem. Make sure the band is not too tight.
- If your projects involves typing or while using 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 arteries, you should quit the bad habit immediately.
- For those who work on their computers more often than not, remember to take frequent breaks to provide your hands enough rest.
- The activities that boost the numbness or the pain should be stopped immediately.
That is all we have on today's post on natural home remedies for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or CTS. Was this beneficial? Will you be recommending it to other people too? If you have some remedies that you'd like to share with us, then please do so in the comment section below.
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