Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be a real pain. The common condition occurs when the median nerve, which controls the sensation we feel in the thumb, palm, and first three fingers, becomes compressed and causes inflammation and pressure, causing numbness, pins and needles, or severe pain. Repetitive action such as typing is typically the cause. Author Chris Zarras shared some simple at-home remedies that sufferers can explore to ease the soreness and stiffness of Carpal Tunnel.
Look for vitamin deficiencies and take extra care regarding nutrition. Go easy on indulgences like rich foods and drinks: “Vitamin B6 and Lipoic Acid can help reduce inflammation or swelling. You should reduce or eliminate saturated fats and fried foods. Large amounts of alcohol, caffeine or tobacco also contribute to risk factors associated with Carpal Tunnel. Avoid foods containing yellow (hydrazine) dyes and boost your intake of whole grains, nuts, seeds and vegetables. ”
Simple and soothing hydrotherapy can reduce inflammation: “Contrasting hot and cold water applications may give Carpal Tunnel patients some relief. Try submerging your wrists fully in hot water for 3 minutes and then in cold water for 1 minute three times in secession. Repeat the whole process 2 or 3 times each day. You can also use hot and warm compresses.”
Yoga practice can improve your overall wellness, including those pesky wrists: “Yoga has proven itself effective in many body ailments and Carpal Tunnel is no exception. The Mayo Clinic staff states “Yoga and other relaxation techniques may help with chronic pain that occurs with some muscle and joint tension. Yoga postures designed for strengthening, stretching and balancing each joint in the upper body as well as the upper body itself, may reduce the pain and improve the grip strength of people with carpal tunnel syndrome.”
Take the temperature of your environment into consideration: “Be cognizant of your environment. Cool damp weather or air agitates Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The Mayo Clinic staff believe hand pain is more likely when you are in a cold environment. “If you can’t control the temperature at work, put on fingerless gloves that keep your hands and wrists warm.”
Keep your wrist’s position in check by securing it with a splint: “A splint can keep your wrists in a neutral position but make sure you get your physician to prescribe you a well-fitting splint. An ill-fitting splint, however, can do more harm than good. Splints should not be worn longer than prescribed.”
Take an inventory of all the small factors that might be contributing to your problem and can provide a solution: “Keeping your weight in check and taking breaks between activities can really help your wrists. Even short one or two minute breaks promote better hand health and make a difference. Keep your wrists as neutral as possible regardless of your activity. Arrange your work station so that your hands are in the best position. Your keyboard should be at elbow high or just below. Keep an eye on how much force you exert in tasks like typing. People often use more strength than is required for typing. Use your whole hand instead of just your thumb and forefingers to open things. Also, utilize your non-writing hand more often.” — Casandra Armour
