Carpal Tunnel

1. Carpal Tunnel Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common type of repetitive strain injury. It occurs when the median nerve is compressed in the carpal tunnel that is located on the palmer side of the wrist. This nerve supplies the palm, thumb and first three fingers. When the nerve supply is decreased symptoms such as numbness, tingling and pain in the first three fingers and thumb is reported. The muscles may eventually weaken and atrophy causing clumsiness. Carpal tunnel syndrome must be distinguished from nerve entrapment elsewhere in the arm, shoulder or back that may cause similar symptoms. The median nerve can be compressed by physical activity. Computer workers, musicians, athletes, hairstylists, jackhammer operators, assembly line workers and any other individual who performs repeated movements with their wrists and fingers are susceptible to this cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. The nerve can also be compressed by pressure from fluid or other body tissues. This occurs with conditions such as diabetes, bone spurs, inflammatory arthritis and pregnancy. Conventional treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome involves avoidance of aggravating activities, wrist splints and anti-inflammatory medication. Surgery is performed as a last resort; when permanent muscle and nerve damage is threatening. Ergonomic aids for reducing carpal tunnel problems are as follows. Use your whole hand to grip an object. When using a keyboard, keep your elbows bent, wrists and hands in a straight line and your forearms parallel to the floor. Use a “wrist rest” pad to alleviate pressure on the carpal tunnel. Shake out your hands periodically. Perform stretching exercises such as wrist rotations. Strengthen the area with exercises. For example, place a rubber band around your fingers and open and close the fingers in sets of ten. Pay attention to your sleep position to ensure that it does not strain the wrists. There are diet changes that can be made to manage and decrease symptoms of carpal tunnel that focus on decreasing inflammation. Salt causes the body to retain water so avoiding excess salt and processed food, which is typically high in salt, will decrease swelling and water retention. Some foods actually increase joint inflammation and should be minimized to decrease carpal tunnel: dairy, eggs, meat, rhubarb, parsley, asparagus, spinach, beets, chard and cabbage. The following foods should be increased to see a reduction in swelling: pineapple, avocados, bananas, nuts, potatoes, whole grains, sweet potatoes, chicken and nutritional yeast. Weight loss could also benefit carpal tunnel sufferers if the individual is obese which puts a strain on the canal. What you can do to help maintain Carpal Tunnel :  TAKE GLUCOSAMINE  SEE YOUR PRACTITIONER FOR PHYSIOTHERAPY  EAT LOTS OF VEGETABLES  USE WRIST SUPPORTS  USE ERGONOMIC TOOLS (KEYBOARD, MOUSE ETC.)

2. 2 CARPAL TUNNEL QUICK FACTS  C.T. is often misdiagnosed as arthritis  Getting it in one hand sometimes means that you may get it in the other.  Stretching your hands can make a big difference Nutritional Information Supplement Dosage Therapeutic Effect Devil's Claw 1200mg Three Times Daily A Safe, Natural Anti-Inflammatory Herb Vitamin B Complex With B6 100mg Three Times Daily Aids In Nervous System Functioning. Low B6 Is Associated With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Glucosamine Sulfate 500mg, Three Times Daily, On An Empty Stomach Rebuilds Joint Cartilage And Is Anti- Inflammatory. Use Caution If You Have Anaphylactic Shellfish Allergies. Evening Primrose Oil 1000mg, Three Times Daily Contains Gamma-Linolenic Acid That Is Anti- Inflammatory. Bromelain 500mg, Three Times Daily, On An Empty Stomach Can Be Used As A Substitute For Anti- Inflammatory Drugs. Good For Acute Use. Vitamin C With Bioflavanoids 1000mg Three Times Daily A Good Antioxidant. Decreases Inflammation. Homeopathic Remedies – Arnica, Hypericum, Rhus Toxicodendron As Directed. One Or More May Be Used Based On Symptomatology. Helps The Body To Heal The Wrist Joint And Nerve. Also Beneficial For Carpal Tunnel: Multivitamins, Vitamin E, Magnesium, Manganese, Zinc, Kelp, Msm, Coenzyme Q10, Lecithin, Boswelia, Capsicum, Gingko Biloba, St. John’s Wort, Turmeric, And Horse Chestnut. For Informational Purposes Only. Please Consult Your Health Care Practitioner Before Taking Natural Health Care Products. Click Here For Full Disclaimer.