| - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - General Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Information
Carpal tunnel syndrome refers to a specific group of symptoms that occur in the hand and forearm. These feelings of tingling, numbness, weakness or pain in the hand, fingers and forearm occur when there is pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. The median nerve extends from the forearm into your hand through a tunnel in the wrist. The bottom and sides of this tunnel are formed by wrist bones and the top of the tunnel is covered by a strong band of connective tissue called a ligament. This tunnel also contains nine tendons that connect muscles to bones for bending the fingers and thumb. These tendons are covered with a lubricating membrane called synovium, which may enlarge and swell under some circumstances. If the swelling is sufficient it may cause the median nerve to be pressed up against this strong ligament which may result in numbness, tingling in your hand, clumsiness or pain. This swelling can reduce the size of the tunnel that carries the median nerve and result in carpal tunnel syndrome.
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Any action that causes swelling, thickening or irritation of the synovial membranes around the tendons in the carpal tunnel can result in pressure on the median nerve. Some common causes and associated conditions include repetitive and forceful grasping with the hands; repetitive bending of the wrist; video game playing; improper resting of the wrists when typing on a keyboard; motorcycle or bicycle riding; broken or dislocated bones in the wrist which produce swelling; arthritis, especially the rheumatoid type; thyroid gland imbalance; sugar diabetes; hormonal changes associated with menopause; and pregnancy. Although any of these factors may be present, in many cases the specific cause cannot be identified.
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Possible symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome may include numbness and tingling in the hands, especially when these symptoms occur at night and after use of the hands; decreased feeling in the thumb, index and middle finger; an electric-like shock or tingling (like hitting your funny bone) in the hand; the ability to reproduce these symptoms by holding the wrists in a bent position for one minute. A doctor may recommend a test for median nerve conduction that will help determine the severity of the pressure on the nerve and may aid in making a diagnosis and forming a treatment plan.
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Carpal tunnel syndrome can be prevented by adjusting hand, finger and thumb movements that may put undue pressure on the nerves; switching hands and changing positions often when performing repeated motion tasks; and eliminating salt intake. The best first treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome is to change or eliminate activities that may be causing the inflammation or pressure on the carpal tunnel. Mild cases of carpal tunnel syndrome may be treated by applying a brace or splint, which is usually worn at night to keeps the wrist from bending. Resting the wrist allows the swollen and inflamed synovial membranes to shrink, thus relieving the pressure on the median nerve. These swollen membranes may also be reduced in size by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory or supplements taken by mouth. In severe cases, a doctor may advise a cortisone injection into the carpal tunnel. This medicine spreads around the swollen synovial membranes surrounding and shrinking the tendons to relieve the pressure on the median nerve, though this may have harmful side effects. The effectiveness of non-surgical treatment is often dependent on early diagnosis and treatment. Patients who do not gain relief from these non-surgical measures may be advised by their doctor to have surgery called a release - cutting the ligament that forms the roof of the carpal tunnel to relieve the pressure on the median nerve.
- - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - In accordance with FDA regulation, we do not make any therapeutic claims for any Dietary Supplements in accordance with the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act.
Beneficial Dietary Supplements
Coenzyme Q10 improves tissue oxygenation.
Lecithin Granules supplies choline and inositol for nerve function.
Vitamin B Complex supplies B vitamins that are essential for nerve function.
Zinc enhances healing.
Grape Seed Extract is a powerful antioxydant and anti-inflammatory.
Kelp is beneficial to nerves.
Manganese helps nerve problems.
Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids is important for healing.
Bromelain and Boswella reduce inflammation and swelling.
Capsicum relieves pain.
Ginkgo Biloba, taken in tea or capsule form, improves circulation and aids nerve function.
Marshmallow Root soothes and softens tissues and promotes healing.
Skullcap relieves muscle spasms and pain.
REFERENCES: Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 3rd Edition, Phyllis Balch, CNC; James F. Balch, M.D. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - -
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