What is carpal tunnel and how do I get relief?
The carpal tunnel is a tunnel through which nerves, ligaments and blood vessels travel from the wrist to the fingers. In a healthy tunnel, there is plenty of space for everything there to flow comfortably. Carpel tunnel syndrome (CTS) occurs when this busy tunnel fills with fluid or inflammation which can be caused by a heavily repetitive use of the hands. When the tissue in the wrist becomes inflamed, an individual is likely to experience weakness, pain when using the hands, tingling, aching, or burning. CTS is a painful condition but there are ways to alleviate the pain.
Tips to Treat and Prevent
One thing CTS sufferers commonly share is a vitamin B6 deficiency. Clinical studies at the University of Texas found that the B6 vitamin was a useful treatment for hundreds of patients with the condition. 100mg three times a day is the recommended dosage in combination with a B-complex to prevent an imbalance. Unfortunately, this treatment does not yield overnight results. It can take as long as three months to feel significant relief.
Since carpal tunnel is caused by inflammation, flaxseed is a good treatment option to remedy the condition. The alpha-linolenic acid inside of flaxseed helps to lower the prostaglandin that contributes to inflammation in the body. The tiny seeds also contain lignans that can help neutralize the free radicals that make inflammation worse. A suggested dose is about 30g of ground flaxseed or approximately two tablespoons of flaxseed oil to experience relief.
According to research from the Portland hand Surgery and Rehabilitation Center, overweight individuals are more likely to develop carpal tunnel than individuals who use their hands extensively. The excess weight tends to produce more fluid in the soft tissues of the body, including the wrist. The more fluid there is in the body means more pressure is put on the nerves while restricting oxygen. Participate in regular exercise because this manages your weight and carpal tunnel symptoms like pain, tightness, and clumsiness.
Supplements to try
Before taking part in any supplemental protocol, always consult a doctor to make sure your supplements don’t cause accidental damage to your health.
- Vitamin C – 500-1000mg three times a day
- Vitamin E – 200-400IU daily
- Vitamin B6 – 50-100mg daily
- Calcium 500mg twice a day
- Magnesium 250mg twice a day
- Flaxseed oil – 1 to 2 tablespoons daily
- A high-potency multi-supplement
Try to Avoid:
- Cold makes pain and stiffness more likely to occur. Avoid the cold and try to keep the hands warm at all times.
- Cutting and slicing with knives can create extra soreness. Avoid this by purchase kitchen devices that can help. Some doctors recommend you relax your grip and use tools with wider grips.
- Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that studies related to the development of CTS symptoms. Stop the intake of the chemical and you should see your symptoms fade within two weeks.
If these treatments don’t bring you relief, schedule a consultation with Dr. Reynolds. He is a board certified plastic surgeon with many years of training and a vast knowledge base. He uses sophisticated surgical techniques and a single port entry for endoscopic carpal tunnel release. For more information about carpel tunnel in Las Vegas, contact 702.410.9800.