30 Home Remedies for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
The condition known as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a condition that is common with adults who have to put their hands to use daily. People who are engaged in driving, typing or other forms of manual mobility-based jobs are most at risk. The incidence of CTS is thought to affect about 4% of the global population.
The wrist is designed with a narrow passage that is called the carpal tunnel. Within the tunnel, a line-up of nine tendons exists and they are responsible for the movement of the fingers. When the human tendons are inflamed as a result of the routine nature of daily use, they will be engorged and put pressure on the nerve. This condition can also result when pregnancy results, the presence of rheumatoid arthritis, when one is overweight, or with the use of birth-control pills.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms associated with CTS:
- The pains are felt mostly around the ring finger, the index as well as the middle finger and thumb.
- Tingling sensation
- Numbness
- Belabored movement of the arm and hand
- Forearm pains
- Shaking sensation (felt in the hand)
- Muscle weakness
- Loose grip
- Troubled mobility
These symptoms worsen over time if no remedy is put to use by the sufferer. Many people feel the throb and swell at night after the symptoms get doused temporarily during the day.
Home Remedies for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
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Horse Chestnut
The presence of anti-inflammatory substances in this remedy is what makes it suitable for CTS treatment. It can be applied directly on the affected parts to get relief. It has a dowsing effect on the inflamed nerves and will boost the circulation of blood.
The leaf and seeds of this herb are applied in many cultures to remedy varicose veins and other swellings due to exertion. While the leaves can be heated and rubbed on the active spots, the seeds are compressed to obtain its active extracts.
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Wintergreen Essential Oil
The analgesic effect associated with this remedy is likened to that of cortisone. This is what makes it suitable to douse irritation and promote blood flow. Part of its remarkable properties is the ease with which it gets absorbed by the skin to draw on its potency.
The leaves of wintergreen herb are soaked in water prior to steaming to extract its oil. Alternatively, the ready oils can be bought from the health store and applied. It can be massaged on the skin directly to get the desired relief as it is rich in that assuaging aroma that soothes effectively.
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Feverfew
Feverfew has a reputation that is attributed to centuries of use in several cultures across the globe. It is well-reviewed for its effect on inflammation and the relief it brings. To use this home remedy, simply drink a cup of feverfew tea a day, every day, until your symptoms are gone.
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Yarrow
This remedy is active in anti-inflammatory as well as antispasmodic applications. It can be used as a painkiller by taking the powdered form or putting its leaves to use. This home remedy is best used as a tea. Drink this tea three times a day to get the best results.
Warning
Do not apply this home remedy during pregnancy.
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Arnica
This remedy is suited for use in view of its anti-inflammatory outcomes. Arnica oil is commonly used for massage and relief of pains. To use this home remedy, rub arnica ointment or oil on your wrist. Massage the oil in any other painful spots (hand, fingers, arm, etc.) Do this each morning and night to get the best results.
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Lose Weight
Excess weight can compress the median nerve in the wrist, so try to keep your weight within five to ten pounds of your ideal weight by eating a smart diet and getting plenty of exercise. Consult your doctor or a registered dietitian if you’re unsure what your ideal weight is or how to achieve it. You can also read this article to learn all about how to lose weight safely.
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Epsom Salt Bath
Epsom salt can also be called magnesium sulfate and it exterminates and reduces irritation, discomfort, and anxiety. It is a boost to enzymes which help in the absorption of vitamin D, potassium, and zinc. These nutrients are vital for excellent nerve and tendon functionalities
To take an Epsom salt bath, mix two cups of Epsom salt in a bathtub filled with warm water. Then, soak in the bath for twenty to thirty minutes. Do this as often as needed (up to three times a week) to treat your carpal tunnel symptoms.
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Hot Compress
The effect of CTS is such that puts pressure on your mobility effectiveness. Since warmth helps to counteract numbness, this remedy comes up for use. In addition, the warmth can also relax your tight muscles and increase the blood flow to provide you with the soothing effect.
To use this home remedy, simply lay a warm compress on the affected area for fifteen to twenty minutes at a time. Use this home remedy as often as needed for temporary relief of carpal tunnel pain and inflammation.
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Butcher’s Broom
This remedy gives you the advantage of better blood flow and circulatory functions. This remedy comes with the added effect of anti-inflammatory properties. Take 300 mg of butcher’s broom supplements a day to get the best results.
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Chamomile Tea
By lowering muscle spasms and relaxing the nerves, chamomile can assist in combating CTS. To use this home remedy, all you need to do is drink between one to three cups of chamomile tea each day until you no longer feel carpal tunnel pains.
11. Garlic
CTS can also be attributable to inflammation effects and eating garlic will prove to be very helpful for you. It comprises of good anti-inflammatory plus antioxidant properties. If you are consuming nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory tablets, garlic can enhance the effectiveness of these tablets due to the selenium inside the garlic.
To use this home remedy, all you need to do is eat a clove or two of garlic each day. You can eat the garlic raw or cook it in your meals. Either way, you are sure to get great results with the consistent use of this home remedy.
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Wear a Splint
At night, the effect of your sleeping position can worsen or aggravate CTS. Some sufferers of the condition are awake at night due to the discomfort of the associated pains. If you get a splint, your fingers will be held in a position that is neutral instead of getting strained underneath your pillow or headboard. A splint can be procured from the pharmacy or your local dispensary.
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Capsaicin Cream
Capsaicin is a multiple that originates in chili peppers in addition to having a painkilling effect. When smeared topically, it assists in lowering numerous types of lingering pain, as well as lower CTS pain. Put on capsaicin cream, four times daily. Firstly, it will give a burning feeling or sting to the body but afterward, you will be pain-free.
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Ginger Tea
The anti-inflammatory mixtures of ginger ease the discomfort. When your wrist is throbbing, have some ginger tea. Simply drink ginger tea two times a day to get results from this home remedy.
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Basil Leaves
Basil is well-reputed for dousing pains and eliminating inflammation symptoms. To use this home remedy, boil ten basil leaves to make a sort of syrupy paste. Add a pinch of salt to this. Eat this paste twice a day to get the best results.
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Ice Compress
This is probably the easiest treatment to find at home for treatment regarding aches. Put on the ice onto the aching part will aid in accelerating irritation and lessen your distress in 24 hours by numbing and decreasing the capability of your mental strain that direct the aching gestures to your brain.
Simply put an ice pack wrapped in a towel on your wrist. Let it stay there for fifteen to twenty minutes, then take it off (to avoid nerve damage). If you still feel pain thirty minutes later, you can try this again.
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Milk
Milk is the best source of calcium. It reinforces the bones and reduces the possibility of osteoporosis and lower CTS aches. Simply drink a cup of milk whenever you feel pain from your carpal tunnel to make your symptoms go away.
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Water
Drink lots of water to improve the stature of your bony structures. Since your body is made primarily of almost water, keeping hydrated will main your liquid and decrease rigidity. When you are dehydrated, your ailments are more likely to act up.
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Turmeric
Turmeric is one another common and effective household treatment for CTS. It is rich in anti-inflammatory properties alongside with curcumin. It is also suggested to add turmeric with minor amounts into your meals. Fresh turmeric paste or ½ to 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder is sufficient daily.
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Careful Equipment Use
If you regularly use a mouse, make sure you get one that is well suited for the grips. When it gets dysfunctional or tricky, replace it early and avoid the strain.
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Eucalyptus Oil and Coconut Oil
Eucalyptus oil comprises anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties making this oil one of another household treatment for CTS aches. You can still use unmixed eucalyptus oil if you have subtle skin, it is also recommended to mix it with additional oils like jojoba oil or coconut oil.
To use this home remedy, mix five drops of melted coconut oil with three drops of eucalyptus oil. Rub this mixture on your affected areas. Do this two or three times a day to get the best results.
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White Willow Bark Mix
If you want to substitute aspirin with a natural constituent, white willow bark is preferable. When consuming an aspirin, it will be rehabilitated into salicylic acid inside your body that is responsible for giving you release from the aching.
Likewise, salicin, which is a usual constituent in the bark of this remedy, is also changed into salicylic acid every time you consume it. Consequently, you can also make tea with herb. To make your own tea, boil two teaspoons of white willow bark in two cups of water for an hour. When the time is up, allow the water to cool and drain out the bark. Add honey to taste. Drink three to four cups of this tea each day to get the best results.
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Massage
This has been in function for ages and it helps to soften stressed muscles of the entire body. Massages also come in handy for CTS pain. Massages expedite blood flow and oxygen distribution stress-free to the muscles. Furthermore, having a massage can moreover reduce the muscles and catalyze endorphins. Endorphins are the substances of your brain that make you feel restored.
It is essential to apply the message to get some relief. Use equally the thumbs so that you can put on a moderate weight of rubbing over the CTS muscles. Let the thumbs interchange in a flow signal going in and subsequent up. Though running the thumbs in spherical hits, specifically concentrating on the area that has knots to remove the stiffness.
On the other hand, it is recommended that you are massaged by people who are familiar with the field.
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Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle is central to some of the ailments in everyday life. Therefore, your lifestyle needs to be different and aligned to aid your health.
- Change sitting positions constantly
- Walk around to release muscle tension
- Quit smoking and avoid worsening inflammatory effects associated with it
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Potato
Potatoes have huge anti-inflammatory properties that put it in good stead to combat CTS symptoms. Cut some uncooked potatoes and cover them with a small cloth. Use it as a compress on your wrist area. Do this for at least an hour to feel results.
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Mobility
The whole body has to be in motion, your wrist inclusive. One of the key reasons of CTS ache is sitting for numerous hours in a repetitive pattern. As a result, you are exposed to inflammation and pains. Use the following tips to improve your mobility.
- Take time off after a long stretch of work
- Allow your wrist some free space and ease
- When you move about and change your position, aches will be doused
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Parched Sock and Raw Rice
This can be applied to the sore wrist and right up to the shoulder blades. Fill a sock with a cup of raw rice. Microwave this sock (with rice in it) for about one minute. Once heated, place the sock on your wrist. This will act much like a warm compress. You can use this home remedy as often as needed.
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Vitamin D
Consume an excess of vitamin D from sun contact every day, as vitamin D aids maintaining your bones. Your wrist and tendons will be aided to enjoy the desired relief with its adequate supply. Dairy products are some of the best sources of this vitamin.
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Cabbage Leaves
Cabbage is rich in anti-inflammatory properties that will ease CTS symptoms. To use this home remedy, put cabbage leaves in sweltering milk. Boil up until a jelly-like paste is molded. Drape in an unsoiled cloth and put it on the affected part.
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Arm Curls
The use of arm curl exercise can greatly relieve your CTS troubles. Take a standing position. Grip weights and position them by the side with the palms forward-facing. Make sure your arms get curled. Your wrist should be straight. Your curls should be ten each with each arm. Steady your moves to 40 curls after a few weeks.
Which home remedy are you most likely to use? Comment with your response below!
References
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/314772.php
http://www.top10homeremedies.com/home-remedies/home-remedies-for-carpal-tunnel-syndrome-cts.html
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/carpal_tunnel_syndrome/page6_em.htm
http://www.prevention.com/health/health-concerns/how-solve-carpal-tunnel-syndrome
http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/carpal-tunnel/carpal-tunnel-syndrome-home-treatment
http://www.motherearthnews.com/natural-health/herbs-for-carpal-tunnel-syndrome-zmaz03fmzgoe
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/5-natural-remedies-for-carpal-tunnel-syndrome.html