Back in the days before computers carpel tunnel syndrome only
seemed to happen to dairy farmers and needle-workers. Now with many of
us mousing and keyboarding this disorder of the nerve of the wrist seems
to affect thousands.
Carpel tunnels syndrome involves the median
nerve which passes between the bones and the ligaments of the wrists
through what is called the carpel tunnel. When it is strained or
repeatedly compressed it reacts with an inflammatory reaction and
swells.
Typical symptoms of carpel tunnel syndrome include:
o tingling feeling in the fingers,
o weakness,
o pain upon gripping,
o shooting pains that go into the fingers or up into the forearm,
o a sensation of tingling when the wrist is tapped or
o increased pain at night, especially if the wrists are bent.
The disorder can occur in one or both hands.
The
condition is associated with repetitive strain but more importantly
nutritional imbalances of calcium, magnesium or silica and this is often
accompanied by a vitamin B6 deficiency. The condition is closely
related to rheumatic and arthritic problems and needs to be treated in a
similar manner.
What you can do to treat carpel tunnel syndrome
In
the acute stages and at the onset of the condition it is necessary to
rest the wrists and hands - this may mean no more typing for a while!
o
Diet: the basis of the problem is often a diet that is lacking in
sufficient fresh fruit and vegetable and contains too many refined
carbohydrates and sugary and salty foods. This means that there needs to
be the adoption of a healthy diet. Vegetables, particularly the green
and root vegetables, should be eaten in abundance. This should include:
cabbage, celery and turnip. The condition is also associated with food
allergies and any food allergies need to be determined and eliminated.
o
Nutritional supplements: the use of a quality, non-contaminated vitamin
and mineral supplement that provides all
the needed nutrients in a balance so that they can be absorbed and
utilized is highly beneficial. In particular vitamin B 6 seems to assist
the maintenance of suppleness in joints. Omega 3/DHA fish oil is beneficial in maintaining nerves and the
flexibility of joints - it should also be taken.
o Detoxification:
there needs to be a cleansing of accumulated toxins from the body.
Cleansing the colon, liver and kidneys assist in removing toxins from
the body. The cleansing will enable the removal of toxins that have
accumulated in the wrist area. This will eliminate the tissue irritation
and facilitate joint and nerve healing.
o Herbs that have been considered useful are turmeric, ginkgo biloba and boswellia.
o
Exercise: while you are working on computers (or any other repetitive
operations), make sure that you take frequent breaks and stretch your
wrists and neck when you do. One exercise that you can do is to rest
your forearm on the desk or table. With the other hand take the resting
hand's fingertips. Pull back gently for 3 - 5 seconds. Repeat with the
other hand.
The following juice will assist in keeping your joints flexible and pain free.
o 16 ounces pineapple juice
o 4 ounces grapefruit juice
o 4 ounces celery juice
o 1-2 teaspoons turmeric
o 1-2 teaspoons fresh grated ginger
o 1-2 pinches ground cardamon seeds
o ground black pepper or cayenne pepper (optional)
In
a blender mix the pineapple, grapefruit and celery juice. Add the
turmeric, ginger and ground cardamon and pepper of using and blend until
well mixed and smooth.
The following herbal tea will provide pain relief - if this is needed.
o 2 teaspoons cloves
o 2 teaspoons turmeric
o 1 teaspoon coriander
o 1 teaspoon cinnamon
o small amount fresh ginger
o pinch basil
o 1 quart water
o lemon (to flavor)
Place
the herbs in a suitable sized saucepan and add the water. Bring to the
boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain out the herbs.
Add the lemon to taste if desired. Drink a cup at the time that it is
needed. Refrigerate the left over so that it can be used later.
In
order to effectively deal with the problem of carpel tunnel syndrome it
is necessary to fix the underlying problems - toxic build up (because
of an unhealthy diet and possible food allergies) and nutritional
deficiencies. This means changing the diet, cleansing the colon, liver
and kidneys and taking nutritional supplements to provide the nutrients
needed. Herbal remedies are able to assist in the cleansing process and
provide immediate relief form the pain associated with the problem.