What is a Cure for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Top Cures for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
When people mention carpal tunnel syndrome, the nasty word “surgery” rears its ugly head. Nobody wants someone to cut in their hands and play with their nerves. Not to mention, CTS surgery limits a person’s use of their hands for weeks. Our hands are essential in every way to the life we live. With that in mind, there are a variety of non-surgical treatment approaches for CTS. These avenues should be explored before surgery. In the medical community, practitioners debate the causes and treatments of CTS without much agreement.
What is CTS?
CTS happens when the median nerve becomes compressed by bones, tendons and muscles at the wrist. The compression causes numbness, muscle weakness and pain in the hand. In severe cases, the muscle weakness and numbness can progress to a loss of function including movement and grip. Additionally, severe cases include fingers permanently stuck in a claw-like position. When CTS lasts over two weeks, treatment should be sought immediately from a physician.
Many causes of CTS are unknown. The most common cause is attributed to work-related activities, such a repetitive motions to include typing, but many physicians suggest psychological factors play a role, as well.
What is a Cure for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
An increasingly common, but rarely studied treatments involves Vitamin B6, biotin and riboflavin. A combination of these vitamins and nutrients has been shown in some studies to relieve and cure the effects of CTS over 12 weeks. Approximately 100 to 300 mg of B6 and biotin are the key ingredient. B6 is considered to the best most effective vitamin for nerve health.
A wide range of stretching exercises has been shown to reduce the symptoms of CTS. When people bend and flex their wrists regularly, that frees the nerve and eases tension, reducing the pain. These exercises are recommended especially for CTS diagnosed as a cause of repetitive motion.Additionally, breaks between repetitive activities such as typing are recommended.
CTS patients can run their hands and wrists in hot and cold water to reduce the pain. The water creates the same effect of IcyHot by numbing the pain and increasing blood flow.
Some physicians consider CTS to be a psychosomatic disease caused by stress in life or latent psychological problems. They recommend coping and stress relief methods, such as listening to calming music.
Pharmaceutical Treatments to CTS
Most doctors do not prescribe pharmaceuticals for treatment. Some doctors will write prescriptions for a high-dose anti-inflammatory such as Ibuprofen. The goal for the Ibuprofen is to reduce the swelling of tendons and nerves near the wrist, in hopes the nerve will regain free motion.
Over-the-Counter Aids
Creams such as Bengay or IcyHot have been shown to relieve the pain. Their mixture of cooling and warming sensations dulls the pain and improves blood flow. Decreased blood flow in the nerve area has been linked to CTS.
Wrist and elbows support promote proper positions for the elbow by limiting bending and compression. The support limits the bending at the elbow and wrist, so the nerve stays straight. A splint worn at night allows the hand to relax and heal overnight, reducing many symptoms while the patient sleeps.
Remember: These methods are recommended for light to mild cases of CTS. CTS cases involving a loss of motion should be seen by a doctor as soon as possible to prevent long-term and sometimes
