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The Alternative Medicine Section |
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Alternative Medicine and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Part 3Getting extra amounts of vitamin C may also be helpful to those with carpal tunnel syndrome. Vitamin C increases the body’s production of collagen, is vital to tissue repair and healing, and can help reduce bodily inflammation.Both grapeseed (Vitis vinifera) and pycnogenol (Pinus pinaster) extracts contain powerful anti-inflammatory bioflavonoids called oligomeric procyanidins (OPCs), which have been shown to help increase collagen levels in the skin and connective tissues, and to inhibit swelling and inflammation. Poultices containing turmeric (Curcuma longa), white willow (Salix alba), or chamomile (Matricaria recutita) may be applied in a warm poultice twice daily for pain relief. Oral supplements containing these herbs may be taken internally for improvement of painful and inflammatory carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms as well. Other herbal options for relief from swelling and inflammation include oral supplements containing bromelain (from Ananas comosus), cumin (Curminum cyminum), butcher’s broom (Ruscus aculeatus), devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens), and ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba). Ginkgo may also provide relief from numbness by increasing blood flow and improving circulation in the fingers and hands of those with carpal tunnel syndrome. In addition, skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) in extract form, take as directed on label, has been used with some success for relief of muscle spasms and pain, and may help relax the tendons surrounding the carpal tunnel. Some herbal formulations may be applied topically for fast, short-term relief of painful carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. Creams containing arnica (Arnica montana) or capsaicin from cayenne (Capsicum annuum) may provide relief from pain and inflammation when applied directly to the affected area; and wintergreen in oil may be massaged into the skin to increase circulation and relieve painful muscles and joints. Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), helps increase vascular circulation by strengthening veins and capillaries, and has used successfully for treatment of some circulatory disorders. It also contains aescin, a phytochemical that is said to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may be helpful for treatment of inflamed tissues surrounding the carpal tunnel, and is available in both topical creams and oral supplements. Most of the herbal remedies for carpal tunnel syndrome act by helping to ease pain and inflammation; however, St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum), may actually help to improve the function of the median nerve itself. St. John’s wort is thought to have a protective and calming effect on the central nervous system, and may be of great benefit both physically and emotionally to those suffering from chronic pain as a result of carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is becoming increasingly common in our society; thousands of carpal tunnel surgeries are performed each year, and advancements in technology can only mean more time spent performing the types of repetitive tasks that can cause this condition to develop. However, by detecting carpal tunnel syndrome in its early stages and making use of the many treatment options available, including prescription medications and natural supplements; as well as other non-invasive options such as immobilization of the affected hand with a splint, and the use of ergonimic personal computer implements such as adjustable keyboard trays, wrist supports, and split keyboards; people with carpal tunnel syndrome may experience significant relief from or even reverse symptoms of this condition before surgery is necessary. Return to Alternative Medicine & Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Part 1 |
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