Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common condition that causes pain and weakness in the muscles of the hand.

There is a small tunnel-shaped structure in our wrist joint that houses a nerve called the median nerve. This particular nerve is very important for the functions and sensations of the muscles of the palm. Any increase in the contents of the carpal tunnel or decrease in the size of the tunnel itself can compress the nerve as it passes through the tunnel from the hand into the palm.

Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The exact of CTS is unknown though certain medical and occupational conditions can increase risks.

• repetitive stress (like interminable hours over a keyboard!)
• pregnancy,
• oral contraceptive pills,
• underactive thyroid functions,
• diabetes
• acromegaly
• osteoarthritis
• rheumatoid arthritis,
• cardiac failure,
• trauma and fracture of wrist bone (lunate)
• premenstrual stress. Other factors which increase the likelihood of CTS are:
• CTS affects any family member.
• Occupations (assembly line workers, meat packers, food processors, and the like, not general office work),
• Stress,
• Obesity
• Age (40)

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• The sensation of numbness and tingling especially in the thumb, index, and middle fingers.
• In the early stages this sensation is more like having your hands simply "falling asleep" (in fact, only pain with the absence of this sensation makes this diagnosis unlikely!!).
• With intense pain, relief is obtained by characteristically flicking or shaking the wrist
• Weakness of the muscles of the palm
• Difficulty in making a fist
• Tendency to drop things easily
• Grasping objects becomes very difficult
• The person tends to become clumsy
• Later on, there is visible wasting of the muscles of the palm.

Commonly, the symptoms appear at night because many people sleep with bent wrists which further compresses the carpal tunnel. Simple flexing of the hand at the wrist to 90 degrees causes a considerable reduction in the tunnel size.

Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

our doctor can diagnose this condition in the clinic (PHALEN'S TEST, TINEL'S TEST).

In a few cases of suspicion, these investigations may be used

• Electromyography
• Nerve conduction studies
• MRI
• Ultrasonography.

Prevention of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The most effective way to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome is to take frequent breaks from repetitive movement such as computer keyboard usage as well as treating the precipitating conditions (diabetes, hypothyroidism, etc.)

Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Lifestyle Modifications

Decrease excessive consumption of:

• sugars
• caffeine
• processed grains and corn
• protein intake
• foods containing yellow dyes
• alcohol
• estrogens
• oral contraceptives, post-menopausal drugs
• penicillamine
• radiation exposure
• tobacco

Have more of these in your diet.

• whole grains
• seeds
• nuts (peanuts, walnuts)
• soybeans
• fresh salmon and cod (cold-water, non-farmed)
• brewer's yeast
• molasses
• liver
• wheat bran and [wheat] germ etc.
• Avocadoes, bananas, prunes, blueberries
• cabbage
• green leafy vegetables
• raisins

It is also recommended to make efforts in adopting a more ergonomic work and life environment.

Conservative management

• Wrist splints are worn at night.
• Carpal injections (hydrocortisone acetate)
• Painkillers (NSAIDs)
• Ultrasound therapy.
• Physiotherapy.

Surgical repair

Decompress the nerve by dissecting the flexor retinaculum (tendon sheath of the muscles of the hand which form the roof of the carpal tunnel).

Surgical corrections reportedly have 54-60% success rates eventually end up requiring additional surgeries (in 10% cases).

Homeopathic treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Homeopathy can be considered a good alternative to the use of steroids in most cases. It is recommended to start with homeopathy before the option for cortisone.
• It can offer great control in pain and stiffness, providing a substitute for painkillers. Homeopathic medicines are safe and do not have the side effects that NSAIDs have.
• There are no side effects to homeopathic treatment.
• Timely homeopathic treatment can prevent the use of surgery.