{"id":19615,"date":"2025-09-16T16:46:20","date_gmt":"2025-09-16T20:46:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/valuecare.wpgamma.com\/?p=19615"},"modified":"2025-09-16T16:46:20","modified_gmt":"2025-09-16T20:46:20","slug":"coping-with-carpal-tunnel-syndrome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/valuecare.wpgamma.com\/index.php\/2025\/09\/16\/coping-with-carpal-tunnel-syndrome\/","title":{"rendered":"Coping with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome"},"content":{"rendered":"

Download a free ebook on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome\u00a0HERE<\/strong><\/a>. To save an ebook to your hard drive, simply right-click the linked title and choose \u2019save target as\u2019. I always save them to my desktop so I can find them easily later. You can also click on the link normally and the ebook will open up in your browser, if your browser supports pdf documents (and most do).<\/p>\n

To read ebooks you have saved on your computer, you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed. Don\u2019t worry, it\u2019s free and it\u2019s a safe download. Click\u00a0HERE<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0to get it.<\/p>\n

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when tendons or ligaments in the wrist
\nbecome enlarged, often from inflammation, after being aggravated. The
\nnarrowed tunnel of bones and ligaments in the wrist pinches the
\nnerves that reach the fingers and the muscles at the base of the
\nthumb. The first symptoms usually appear at night. Symptoms range
\nfrom a burning, tingling numbness in the fingers, especially the
\nthumb and the index and middle fingers, to difficulty gripping or
\nmaking a fist, to dropping things.<\/p>\n

Some cases of carpal tunnel syndrome are due to work-related
\nacumulative trauma of the wrist. Diseases or conditions that
\npredispose to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome include
\nPregnancy<\/a>,\u00a0Diabetes<\/a>, and obesity.<\/p>\n

Carpal tunnel syndrome is often the result of a combination of
\nfactors that increase pressure on the median nerve and tendons in the
\ncarpal tunnel, rather than a problem with the nerve itself. Most
\nlikely the disorder is due to a congenital predisposition – the
\ncarpal tunnel is simply smaller in some people than in others. Other
\ncontributing factors include trauma or injury to the wrist that cause
\nswelling, such as sprain or fracture; overactivity of the pituitary
\ngland;\u00a0Hypothyroidism<\/a>; rheumatoid\u00a0Arthritis<\/a>; mechanical problems in
\nthe wrist joint; work\u00a0Stress<\/a>; repeated use of vibrating hand tools;
\nFluid Retention<\/a>\u00a0during\u00a0Pregnancy<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0Menopause<\/a>; or the development of
\na cyst or tumor in the canal. In some cases no cause can be
\nidentified.<\/p>\n

There is some clinical data to prove that repetitive and forceful
\nmovements of the hand and wrist during work or leisure activities can
\ncause carpal tunnel syndrome. Repeated motions performed in the
\ncourse of normal work or other daily activities can result in
\nrepetitive motion disorders such as bursitis and\u00a0Tendonitis<\/a>. Writer\u2019s
\ncramp – a condition in which a lack of fine motor skill coordination
\nand ache and pressure in the fingers, wrist, or forearm is brought on
\nby repetitive activity – is not a symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome.<\/p>\n

Diagnosis<\/p>\n

Early diagnosis and treatment are important to avoid permanent damage
\nto the median nerve. A physical examination of the hands, arms,
\nshoulders, and neck can help determine if the patient\u2019s complaints
\nare related to daily activities or to an underlying disorder, and can
\nrule out other painful conditions that mimic carpal tunnel syndrome.<\/p>\n

The wrist is examined for tenderness, swelling, warmth, and
\ndiscoloration. Each finger should be tested for sensation, and the
\nmuscles at the base of the hand should be examined for strength and
\nsigns of atrophy. Routine laboratory tests and X-rays can reveal
\nDiabetes<\/a>,\u00a0Arthritis<\/a>, and fractures.<\/p>\n

Physicians can use specific tests to try to produce the symptoms of
\ncarpal tunnel syndrome. In the Tinel test, the doctor taps on or
\npresses on the median nerve in the patient\u2019s wrist. The test is
\npositive when tingling in the fingers or a resultant shock-like
\nsensation occurs. The Phalen, or wrist-flexion, test involves having
\nthe patient hold his or her forearms upright by pointing the fingers
\ndown and pressing the backs of the hands together. The presence of
\ncarpal tunnel syndrome is suggested if one or more symptoms, such as
\ntingling or increasing numbness, is felt in the fingers within 1
\nminute. Doctors may also ask patients to try to make a movement that
\nbrings on symptoms.<\/p>\n

Often it is necessary to confirm the diagnosis by use of
\nelectrodiagnostic tests. In a nerve conduction study, electrodes are
\nplaced on the hand and wrist. Small electric shocks are applied and
\nthe speed with which nerves transmit impulses is measured. In
\nelectromyography, a fine needle is inserted into a muscle; electrical
\nactivity viewed on a screen can determine the severity of damage to
\nthe median nerve. Ultrasound imaging can show impaired movement of
\nthe median nerve. Magnetic\u00a0Resonance<\/a>\u00a0imaging (MRI) can show the
\nanatomy of the wrist but to date has not been especially useful in
\ndiagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome.<\/p>\n

Before surgery, you may want to consider other less invasive
\nmeasures:<\/p>\n

Complete recovery can occur and we can avoid reinjury by changing the
\nway we do repetitive movements, the frequency with which we do the
\nmovements, and the amount of time we rest between periods when they
\nperform the movements.<\/p>\n

Exercise – Stretching and strengthening exercises can be helpful in
\npeople whose symptoms have abated. These exercises may be supervised
\nby a physical therapist, who is trained to use exercises to treat
\nphysical impairments, or an occupational therapist, who is trained in
\nevaluating people with physical impairments and helping them build
\nskills to improve their health and well-being.<\/p>\n

Many activities outside of work may contribute to carpal tunnel
\nsyndrome: knitting, sewing, or needlepoint; cooking and housework; TV
\ncomputer games and home computer work; playing sports or cards; and
\nhobbies or projects like carpentry or using power tools for extended
\nperiods of time. You should also take frequent breaks and examine the
\ntools you use at home that could be causing strain on your hands. You
\nmay need to wear a wrist splint at night, while playing sports, or
\nwhen working at home. The wrist splint assists in maintaining the
\nwrist in a neutral or straight position and allows the wrist to rest.<\/p>\n

Consider these exercises:<\/p>\n

1. Place the right palm at the wall, spreading your fingers equally.
\nExtend your elbow and press the palm fully into the wall. Wait a few
\nbreaths and then turn your head to the left, bringing the tip of the
\nright shoulder blade in towards the front of your body. Hold and
\nbreathe.<\/p>\n

2. Bring your palms together in front of your chest in a prayer
\nposition stretching all the fingers fully. Relax your shoulders.
\nSlowly stretch the heel of your palms down until they are the level
\nof your wrists. If you can do this stretch without discomfort you can
\nincrease the stretch by moving the hands over to the right and
\nholding for a few breaths. Repeat to the left. Stretch slowly and
\ncarefully, observing the sensations of your forearm and wrist.<\/p>\n

3. Make fists of your hands and place them, thumb up, on the desk
\ntop . Support your lower arm on the desk. Slowly stretch the fist to
\nthe right, without moving your lower arm, and then to the left. Lift
\nyour arms off the desk top and make slow circles with your wrist,
\nkeeping your hands in closed fists. Circle both directions. Release
\nyour fingers and place them, tips up, on the edge of your desk. Press
\ninto the desk with the fingers. Try this first with the fingers
\ntogether and then spread apart.<\/p>\n

4. Place the index finger on the edge of your desk, keeping your
\nwrists straight. Gently push into the desk and hold for a few
\nbreaths. Repeat with all the fingers except the thumb.<\/p>\n

5. Place your right palm on the desk top with your wrist straight.
\nRelax all your fingers. With your left hand slowly stretch the right
\nthumb away from the forefinger. Hold for a few breaths and then
\nrelease and do the other hand.<\/p>\n

6. Extend and stretch both wrists and fingers acutely as if they are
\nin a hand-stand position. Hold for a count of 5. Straighten both
\nwrists and relax fingers. Make a tight fist with both hands. Then
\nbend both wrists down while keeping the fist. Hold for a count of 5.
\nStraighten both wrists and relax fingers, for a count of 5. The
\nexercise should be repeated 10 times. Then we should let our arms
\nhang loosely at their side and shake them for a couple of seconds.<\/p>\n

Chiropractic – has shown to be effective for carpal tunnel syndrome.<\/p>\n

Accupuncture – has shown great results for those with carpal tunnel
\nin some people.<\/p>\n

Carpal Tunnel and\u00a0Yoga<\/a>\u00a0–\u00a0Yoga<\/a>\u00a0has shown to reduce pain and improve
\ngrip strength among patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.<\/p>\n

Surgery<\/p>\n

Carpal tunnel release is one of the most common surgical procedures
\nin the United States. Generally recommended if symptoms last for 6
\nmonths, surgery involves severing the band of tissue around the wrist
\nto reduce pressure on the median nerve. Surgery is done under local
\nanesthesia and does not require an overnight hospital stay. Many
\npatients require surgery on both hands. The following are types of
\ncarpal tunnel release surgery:<\/p>\n

Open release surgery: the traditional procedure used to correct
\ncarpal tunnel syndrome, consists of making an incision up to 2 inches
\nin the wrist and then cutting the carpal ligament to enlarge the
\ncarpal tunnel. The procedure is generally done under local anesthesia
\non an outpatient basis, unless there are unusual medical
\nconsiderations.<\/p>\n

Endoscopic surgery: may allow faster functional recovery and less
\npostoperative discomfort than traditional open release surgery. The
\nsurgeon makes two incisions (about \u00bd\u201d each) in the wrist and palm,
\ninserts a camera attached to a tube, observes the tissue on a screen,
\nand cuts the carpal ligament (the tissue that holds joints together).
\nThis two-portal endoscopic surgery, generally performed under local
\nanesthesia, is effective and minimizes scarring and\u00a0Scar<\/a>\u00a0tenderness,
\nif any. One-portal endoscopic surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome is
\nalso available.<\/p>\n

Although symptoms may be relieved immediately after surgery, full
\nrecovery from carpal tunnel surgery can take months. Some patients
\nmay have infection, nerve damage, stiffness, and pain at the\u00a0Scar<\/a>.
\nOccasionally the wrist loses strength because the carpal ligament is
\ncut. Patients should undergo physical therapy after surgery to
\nrestore wrist strength. Some patients may need to adjust job duties
\nor even change jobs after recovery from surgery.<\/p>\n

Percutaneous balloon carpal tunnel-plasty: is an experimental
\ntechnique that can ease carpal tunnel pain without cutting the carpal
\nligament. In this procedure, a \u00bc-inch cut is made at the base of the
\npalm. The doctor then inserts a balloon through a catheter under the
\ncarpal ligament and inflates the balloon to stretch the ligament and
\nfree the nerve. Patients in one small study of pertucaneous balloon
\ncarpal tunnel-plasty reported relief of symptoms with no
\npostoperative complications; most of them were back to work within
\ntwo weeks. This experimental technique is not yet widely available.<\/p>\n

Recurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome following treatment is rare. The
\nmajority of patients recover completely.<\/p>\n

To reduce the inflammation associated with CTS, one or more of the
\nfollowing\u00a0Fatty Acids<\/a>\u00a0and herbal extracts may be taken:<\/p>\n

-Super GLA\/DHA contains a balanced blend of essential\u00a0Fatty Acids<\/a>.
\nThree softgels daily contain 450 mg of GLA from borage oil and 500 mg
\nof\u00a0DHA<\/a>\u00a0and 200 mg of EPA from marine lipid extract. Up to 6 softgels
\nmay be taken daily.<\/p>\n

-Mega EPA contains 400 mg of EPA and 300 mg of\u00a0DHA<\/a>\u00a0in each softgel
\ncapsule. Up to 8 softgels may be taken daily for therapeutic
\npurposes.<\/p>\n

-Boswella, one 300-mg capsule daily.<\/p>\n

-Curcumin (from the spice\u00a0Turmeric<\/a>), 900-1800 mg daily.<\/p>\n

–Ginger<\/a>\u00a0extract, 1000 mg daily in capsule form.<\/p>\n

-Inflacin topical cream.<\/p>\n

The proper synergy of\u00a0Vitamins<\/a>\u00a0and minerals controls free-radical
\ndamage that increases pain and inflammation:<\/p>\n

-Gamma E Tocopherol\/Tocotrie nols (Vitamin E<\/a>), 1 softgel daily taken
\nwith food.<\/p>\n

-Vitamin B Complex, 3 capsules daily. This dose should provide at
\nleast 75 mg of vitamin\u00a0B6<\/a>\u00a0in the total daily dose.<\/p>\n

–Vitamin C<\/a>, 2000 mg daily in divided doses.<\/p>\n

-Vitamin A, 10,000-25,000 IU daily. ***Pregnant<\/a>\u00a0women should only
\ntake vitamin A under medical supervision.<\/p>\n

-Vitamin D, 400 IU daily.<\/p>\n

-Selenium, 200 mcg daily.<\/p>\n

Protein<\/a>-digesting enzymes such as protease,\u00a0Bromelain<\/a>, trypsin,
\nlipase, pancreatin, and papain have significant anti-inflammatory
\neffects. One or more of the following nutrients may be considered:<\/p>\n

-Super Digestive Enzymes containing protease, lipase, cellulase, and
\namylase from pancreatin; 2 capsules at the beginning of each meal.<\/p>\n

–Bromelain<\/a>\u00a0Powder enhances\u00a0Protein<\/a>\u00a0absorption and turnover, including
\nProtein<\/a>\u00a0found in joint tissue. The suggested dosage is 1\/8-1\/4 tsp
\nwith each meal.<\/p>\n

-Papain Powder aids in\u00a0Protein<\/a>\u00a0digestion and repair. The suggested
\ndosage is 1\/8-1\/4 tsp with each meal.<\/p>\n

-Magnesium is often deficient from the diet. It is important for
\narterial health and has a relaxing effect.<\/p>\n

-Magnesium also helps regulate calcium uptake in the body. The
\nrecommended dosage is 500 mg of elemental magnesium daily.<\/p>\n

-Phosphatidylserine (PS) improves neurotransmitter functioning and
\nenhances the metabolism of cellular energy throughout the body. One
\n100-mg capsule daily is suggested.<\/p>\n

-D, L-phenylalanine will help boost endorphin levels. Endorphins are
\nour body\u2019s natural painkillers. The suggested dose to achieve
\npainkilling effects is 1500-3000 mg daily.<\/p>\n

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac –\u00a0http:\/\/www.peacefulmind.com<\/a>\u00a0– Therapies for healing mind, body, spirit<\/p>\n

References:<\/em><\/p>\n

Atisook, R., Benjapibal, M., Sunsaneevithayakul, P., Roongpisuthipong, A. Carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy: prevalence and blood level of pyridoxine. J. Med. Assoc. Thai. 1995 Aug; 78(8): 410-4.<\/em><\/p>\n

Branco, K., Naeser, M.A. Carpal tunnel syndrome: clinical outcome after low level laser acupuncture, microamps, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and other alternative therapies?an open protocol study. J. Altern. Complement. Med. 1999 Feb; 5(1): 5-26.<\/em><\/p>\n

Dammers, J.W., Veering, M.M., Vermeulen, M. Injection with methylprednisolone proximal to the carpal tunnel: randomised double blind trial. Br. Med. J. 1999; 319: 884-6.<\/em><\/p>\n

Ellis, J., Folkers, K., Levy, M., Takemura, K., Shizukuishi, S.,Ulrich, R., Harrison, P. Therapy with vitamin\u00a0B6<\/a>\u00a0with and without surgery for treatment of patients having the idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome. Res. Commun. Chem. Pathol. Pharmacol. 1981 Aug; 33(2): 331-44.<\/em><\/p>\n

Ellis, J., Folkers, K., Watanabe, T., Kaji, M., Saji, S., Caldwell, J.W., Temple, C.A., Wood, F.S. Clinical results of a cross over treatment with pyridoxine and placebo of the carpal tunnel syndrome. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 1979 Oct; 32 (10): 2040-6.<\/em><\/p>\n

Folkers, K., Ellis, J. Successful therapy with vitamin\u00a0B6<\/a>\u00a0and vitamin B2 of the carpal tunnel syndrome and the need for determination of the RDAs for\u00a0Vitamins<\/a>\u00a0B6<\/a>\u00a0and B2 for disease states. Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 1990; 585: 295-301.<\/em><\/p>\n

Folkers, K., Wolaniuk, A., Vadhanavikit, S. Enzymology of the response of the carpal tunnel syndrome to riboflavin and to combined riboflavin and pyridoxine. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 1984 Nov; 81 (22): 7076-8.<\/em><\/p>\n

Fuhr, J.E., Farrow, A., Nelson, H.S., Jr. Vitamin\u00a0B6<\/a>\u00a0levels in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Arch. Surg. 1989 Nov; 124 (11):1329-30.<\/em><\/p>\n

Kasdan, M.L., Janes, C. Carpal tunnel syndrome and vitamin B6. Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 1987 March; 79(3): 456 62.<\/em><\/p>\n

Smith, K.J., Kapoor, R., Felts, P.A. Demyelination: the role of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Brain Pathol. 1999 Jan; 9(1): 69-92.<\/em><\/p>\n

Year Book: A New Diagnostic Test for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Durkan-JA 1992 Year Book of Hand Surgery. Article 8-7. Original Article: J Bone Joint Surg. 1991. 73-A. pp 535-538.<\/em><\/p>\n

For Guaranteed, Effective, 100% Natural\u00a0Herbal Remedies<\/a>\u00a0, please visit\u00a0Native Remedies<\/a><\/b><\/i><\/p>\n

For additional support and answers you need to improve your health, we have a qualified team of experts who personally supervise our popular\u00a0Ask Our Experts<\/a><\/b>\u00a0service!<\/i><\/p>\n

Xtend-Life<\/a><\/b>\u00a0– Micro-Nutriments – The elite of natural\u00a0Supplements<\/a>. Love life, Live Longer!<\/i><\/p>\n

Mountain Rose Herbs<\/a><\/b>\u00a0is where NHH recommends you purchase all of your bulk herbs, spices, teas and single oils!<\/i><\/p>\n

Are you looking for quality\u00a0Vitamins<\/a>, diet aids and health\u00a0Supplements<\/a>? Visit the\u00a0<\/b>Health Supplement Shop<\/a><\/i>\u00a0– highly recommended by NHH!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Download a free ebook on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome\u00a0HERE. To save an ebook to your hard drive, simply right-click the linked title and choose \u2019save target as\u2019. I always save them to my desktop so I can find them easily later. You can also click on the link normally and the ebook will open up in […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[39,54],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-19615","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-alternative-therapies","category-joints-bones-muscles"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/valuecare.wpgamma.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19615","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/valuecare.wpgamma.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/valuecare.wpgamma.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/valuecare.wpgamma.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/valuecare.wpgamma.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19615"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/valuecare.wpgamma.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19615\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/valuecare.wpgamma.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19615"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/valuecare.wpgamma.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19615"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/valuecare.wpgamma.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19615"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}