CTS (carpal tunnel syndrome) is a condition which is affecting the arms and hands and it is causing numbness and tingling sensations at the initial stage. As CTS progresses to advanced stages, it can lead to weakness and severe pain in the hands and even it can cause nerve damage.
Carpal tunnel syndrome can happen in one or both hands and it is generally more common in women than men. In most cases, the cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is not known but usually is happening due to excessive pressure on the median nerve which travels through the wrist at the carpal tunnel. There are many factors which could lead to carpal tunnel syndromes such as nutritional deficiencies, workplace factors, an injury, repetitive use of the wrist, and the anatomy of your wrist. Also, there are some medical conditions which can increase the risk of carpal tunnel syndromes such as menopause, kidney failure, pregnancy, obesity, high blood pressure, fluid retention, thyroid dysfunctions, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Advanced stages of carpal tunnel syndrome may require medical attention. You can use home remedies which can help to reduce the symptoms and help restore wrist and hand function in mild cases of carpal tunnel syndrome. If you have some symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, then talk with your doctor before you start using some of the mentioned home remedies.
12 Home remedies for carpal tunnel syndrome
Stretching exercises
It is good to flex, rotate and stretch your hands, arms and wrists several times per day when you suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome. This can increase blood circulation and it can alleviate some of the symptoms. These types of exercises are easy to do and you can make them while sitting at your desk, waiting in line or whenever you have a few minutes to spare. You should make a fist, release your hand and then shake out your fingers. Repeat this exercise for five to ten minutes. You should put your hands in a prayer position. You should spread your fingers apart and keep the tips touching the fingers of the opposite hand while you open and close your palms. You should do this exercise for five to ten minutes. You should shake your hands as if you are trying to air dry them for five minutes at a time. Also, you can talk with your doctor to tell you more stretching exercises that can increase circulation, movement, and mobility of your wrists and hands. [1,2]
Acupressure and acupuncture
These types of therapies can help in the natural treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. It will provide relief and it helps to restore the normal nerve functioning. This is a good option for people who want to avoid early surgery. There was one study in 2012 in which was found that acupuncture can help to reduce the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome [3]. There are specific acupoints on your wrists and elbows that you can press gently for a few seconds using your forefinger and thumb to promote the flow of energy and restore the range of motion. You need to speak with a skilled acupuncturist for the proper treatment.
Lighten up
If you find yourself forcing or straining tasks such as using a cash register, typing, and writing, then you should relax your grip or reduce the force that you are using. You should try using typing keys or a soft–grip pen more lightly.
Castor oil
This is also a very effective home remedy for carpal tunnel syndrome. It can suppress the pain, reduce inflammation and restore the normal functioning of your wrists. You should warm some castor oil and apply it to your hands and fingers. You should massage your wrists, thumbs, fingers, and the back of your hands for ten to fifteen minutes. Wrap your hands in flannel and let it stay there for an hour. You should do this natural treatment once per day; for a period of a week or until you see improvement in your condition.
Epsom salt
It has anti-inflammatory properties due to magnesium content and it is a natural muscle relaxant [4]. It can effectively relax the tightened muscles in your wrists and hands. You should mix ½ to 1 cup of Epsom salt in a deep tub with warm water. You should soak your hands and wrists in it for about fifteen to twenty minutes. You should use this home remedy two or three times a week until you get relief from the stiffness and pain.
Massage therapy
Another effective way to alleviate some symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome is the massage of your hands and wrists. It will activate the pressure points on your hands, which in turn will help to increase the blood supply, reduce pain, improve mobility and relax stiff muscles. You should rub some olive or coconut oil on your hands and wrists. You should massage your fingers, hands, wrists, and arms with gentle strokes for ten to fifteen minutes. You should do this natural treatment two or three times per day until you see improvements in your condition. Also, you can get help from a massage therapist. You should not massage if your joints feel too painful or tender. [5,6]
Take breaks from repetitive tasks
Whether you are using a hand drill, playing guitar, or typing, you should try setting a timer beforehand for fifteen minutes. When it goes off, you should stop what you are doing and you should wiggle your fingers. Stretch your hands and move your wrist to improve the flood to affected areas.
Cold compress
You can use a cold compress as your natural treatment for temporary and quick relief from numbness and inflammation that are caused by carpal tunnel syndrome. The cold temperature will give you relief from the pain because it can numb the affected area. It can reduce inflammation and swelling. You should put a few ice cubes in plastic and a sealable bag. You should wrap the bag in a towel and then apply it to the affected area. You should let it in place for about ten minutes. You should repeat every hour or so, as much as needed. You should never apply the ice directly to your skin.
Flaxseed oil
This oil is also known as linseed oil. It can help alleviate swelling and numbness in carpal tunnel syndrome which is mainly due to antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects. It is rich in Omega – 3 fatty acids which can reduce inflammation. There was one study in 2014 in which is suggested that flaxseed oil is effective in the management of mild and moderate carpal tunnel syndrome [7]. It can help to improve the functional status and the severity of symptoms. You should consume one to three tablespoons of flaxseed oil on a daily basis. You can add it to your juice, milk, or smoothie.
Blackstrap molasses
This natural cure is a very good source of magnesium that aids muscle relaxation. It has nutrients like potassium, calcium, B Vitamins, and iron which can help to maintain good blood flow throughout the body in which are included your hands. You should mix one to two tablespoons of blackstrap molasses in one cup of warm milk. You should drink it once or twice per day until you see improvements in your condition.
Vitamin B6
There was one study which was done in 2007 and it was said that is recommended the usage of Vitamin B6 as part of the complementary treatments postpones hand surgery in people who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome [8]. Vitamin B6 plays a key role in neurotransmitter synthesis and amino acid metabolism and this is a reason why you need to include more foods that are rich in Vitamin B6 in your diet. Some foods that are rich in Vitamin B6 are brown rice, wheat germ, oatmeal, raw garlic, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, tuna, salmon, pistachios, and bran. Also, you can take Vitamin B6 supplements, 50 – 100 mg two times per day, after you have talked with your doctor.
Apple cider vinegar
This is also a very effective home remedy for carpal tunnel syndrome because it can help to reduce the pain and inflammation which are two common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Also, it is rich in minerals like phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium which are important for strong muscles and bones. You should add one tablespoon of raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar and a little organic honey to one glass of warm water. You should drink it two times per day. Also, you can mix equal amounts of olive oil and raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar. You should use this home remedy to massage the affected area two or three times per day until you notice improvements in your condition.
References:
[1] Yoo W-g. Effect of the release exercise and exercise position in a patient with carpal tunnel syndrome. Journal of Physical Therapy Science. 2015;27(10):3345-46.
[2] Unver S, Akyolcu N. The effect of hand exercise on reducing the symptoms in hemodialysis patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Asian Journal of Neurosurgery. 2018;13(1):31-36.
[3] Khosrawi S, Moghtaderi A, Haghighat S. Acupuncture in treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome: A randomized controlled trial study. Journal of Research in Medical Sciences. 2012;17(1):1-7.
[4] Fialova J, Bartousek J, Nakladova M. Alternative treatment of the carpal tunnel syndrome. Central European Journal of Public Health. 1999;7(4):168-71.
[5] Madenci E, Altindag O, Koca I, et al. Reliability and efficacy of the new massage technique on the treatment in the patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Rheumatology International. 2012;32(10):3171-79.
[6] Field T, Diego M, Cullen C, et al. Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms are lessened following massage therapy. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. 2004;8(1):9-14.
[7] Hashempur MH, Homayouni K, Ashraf A, et al. Effect of Linum usitatissimum L. (linseed) oil on mild and moderate carpal tunnel syndrome: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. DARU Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2014;22(1):43.
[8] Ryan-Harshman M, Aldoori W. Carpal tunnel syndrome and vitamin B6. Canadian Family Physician. 2007;53(7):1161-62.
