Home Remedies and Herbs for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a nerve disorder that affects the hand, wrist and arm. It produces numbness and tingling usually in the thumb and the index or middle fingers. The condition typically develops gradually over time. It may start out with symptoms that get worse at night.¹ Carpal tunnel may be confused with other conditions that produce similar symptoms. These include tendonitis or arthritis, however carpal tunnel syndrome is much more common than these conditions. It is believed to be the most common nerve disorder, affecting 4-10 million Americans.¹ Carpal tunnel syndrome usually affects middle aged people and it affects more women than men.

What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome causes are due to pressure on the median nerve. This is the nerve that runs from your forearm through a passageway into your wrist. It is responsible for the feelings on the palm of the hand up to your thumb and fingers, except for the little finger. The median nerve is also responsible for motor function of the thumb.² The symptoms are the result of any type of pressure or squeezing placed on the median nerve. There are many possible carpal tunnel causes depending on the individual. Repetitive motions due to type of work are common carpal tunnel causes.² Other possible risk factors that lead to carpal tunnel causes include being overweight, having suffered nerve damage, or other inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms

Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms can affect the wrist and the palm of the hand with symptoms extending up the thumb and fingers. Common carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms include:

• Pins and needles in the fingers
• Numbness and tingling moving from the hand up the wrist and into the arm
• Weakness in the thumb
• Dull aching in the hand and arm
• Needing to shake your hand to make it feel “awake”
• Weakness in your hand and a tendency to drop things

Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms can range from mild to severe. Some people experience an increase in tingling or numb sensations when they are holding a phone, newspaper or steering wheel for an extended period. In severe cases, carpal tunnel syndrome may need corrective surgery. Oftentimes carpal tunnel syndrome natural remedies are enough to prevent symptoms and improve feeling in the hand.

References

1. http://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Carpal-Tunnel-Syndrome
2. http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/endometriosis/Pages/Introduction.aspx