Controlling Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Get a Grip on the Pain

Chill Out

To quickly ease the pain and inflammation, cool your wrists with an icepack wrapped in a thin towel. Leave it on for about 10 minutes. You can repeat the treatment every hour or so.

Heat it Up

Heat can also ease the pain by relaxing muscles. Soak your hands and wrists in warm water for 12 to 15 minutes before you go to bed each night.

Rub with Ointment

Twice a day, rub your wrists with an ointment containing arnica. This herbal treatment, renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, helps ease aches and pains. Dab the inside of each wrist with about one-quarter teaspoon of the ointment, then massage the area with the thumb of the other hand, all the way to the base of your palm. Repeat every morning and night until your symptoms ease.

Tie Yourself Up

Wear a splint at night. While sleeping, you may be bending your hand or wrist under your pillow, and this puts pressure on your wrist. In fact, people with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), are often awakened by the pain. A splint will hold your fingers in a neutral position and relieve pressure on the median nerve. You can purchase the splint in a medical supply store or pharmacy. But check with your doctor or physical therapist to make sure it fits properly.

You may also want to wear a splint during the day, especially if you’re doing jobs that require a lot of hand motion.

Look for Supplemental Relief

Look to Pineapples

Bromelian, and enzyme derived from pineapples, digests inflammatory proteins, so it can reduce inflammation in your sore wrists. Along with reducing pain, it may help you heal faster. Bromelian’s potency is measured in MCU (milk-clotting units) or GDU (gelatin-dissolving units). Look for supplements rated between 1,800 and 2,400 MCU or 1,080 and 1,440 GDU, and take 1,000 grams twice a day when you’re having a CTS flare-up. You can cut down to 500 milligrams twice a day once your symptoms start resolving. Just be sure you take these supplements between meals. If you take the near mealtimes, much of their potency will be misspent digesting your food.

Try a Healing Herb

The herb St. John’s wort, best known as an anti-depressant, can also help repair nerve damage and reduce pain and inflammation. Take it with food for better absorption. If you like, you can mix it into your orange juice or add it to your salad dressing.

Seek Solace in Spice

Curcumin is an anti-inflammatory component found in the spice turmeric. In Ayurvedic medicine- which originated in India-turmeric has a long history of use as a medicine for pain and inflammation. But the spice doesn’t pack the punch of curcumin supplements. Take 300 milligrams three times a day of a supplement standardized to contain 95 per cent curcumin.

Maybe Some Magnesium?

Try taking 300 milligrams of elemental magnesium two or three times a day. This trace mineral is involved in nerve function and muscle relaxation. A supplement may help, especially if you don’t eat a lot of magnesium-rich whole grains, legumes, or green vegetables. The most absorbable forms are magnesium lactate, magnesium orotate, magnesium glycinate, and magnesium gluconate. The only side effect might be loose bowel movements. If you have that problem, just reduce the dose.