5 Ways To Relieve Pain From Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
There are lots of women who suffer from the so-called carpal tunnel syndrome. Many times the only real cure is surgery, but before it gets this far, it is worth following these simple tips to get less pain and a better quality of life. In this article, we give you 5 ways to relieve the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome usually occur between the ages of 30 and 60 years. Women suffer from this problem more often than men because our carpal tunnel is narrower than most men. This causes the area between the bones of the wrist and the annular carpal ligament – the place where flexor tendons in the fingers and the median nerve meet – to suffer more pressure. The compressed tendons become inflamed and fluid is sometimes present. All of this makes the whole area tense, and as you know, it is very painful. Although it usually starts on one side of the body, over time it will develop into both wrists, causing difficulties in handling certain objects or daily chores.
Now for the symptoms:
- It usually starts with pain at night and you may experience discomfort, tingling or numbness in the hand. You may also have seizures at night which keep you awake.
- The cramps begin to go all the way up to the elbow, and shooting pains can begin to appear, even in the thumb.
- You will begin to have difficulty grasping small objects, and may experience a loss of sensation in your fingers. Squeezing objects using your thumb and forefinger is particularly painful.
We should also mention that these symptoms are more common in pregnant women because they retain more fluid in the body. It is worth remembering.
Diets against carpal tunnel syndrome
1. Anti-inflammatory ginger compress
Some medicinal plants have strong anti-inflammatory properties and one of the best is ginger. To make this puree, use a tablespoon of grated ginger, some eucalyptus and mint. You can use essential oils from the store or make your own – both will work. Mix the ingredients with a cup of warm water and then cool it in the fridge until it is cold (cold is best to reduce pain). Through a compress in the mixture, and apply it to the uncomfortable area for half an hour. You will experience instant relief.
2. Anti-inflammatory cypress and rosemary compress
For this one, we will make a tea using two sprigs of rosemary in a cup of water. While it cools, massage the area with a little cypress oil. You probably already know that cypress is one of the best anti-inflammatory drugs available. Follow up the massage with a cold compress of rosemary tea.
Bukkehorn compress
Have you ever heard how amazing fenugreek can be? It is an excellent ingredient for any anti-inflammatory compress to reduce pain. It contains large amounts of niacin and vitamin B3, which help fight infections and relieve pain. Vitamins and flavonoids are ideal for treating osteoarthritis and other rheumatoid arthritis problems, so do not forget this – they can be useful. All you have to do is mix the flour with water and make a puree that you can apply by hand over the carpal tunnel area. You will be amazed at the relief you get.
4. Dietary recommendations
Carpal tunnel syndrome can also be treated from within by choosing the right foods whose nutrients will relieve inflammation and strengthen the nerves, cartilage and bone. So what do you need to do? It’s simple – start your mornings with a tablespoon of flaxseed oil that fights inflammation with its high levels of vitamin B6.
Rice, green leafy vegetables, chicken breast and bananas are also excellent, along with grapefruit, pineapple and orange juice. They provide antioxidants, essential minerals and B vitamins. Remember to incorporate these into your diet every day. Another perfect juice for your lunch is made by mixing two leaves of kale with a green apple. If you drink it three times a week, you will experience relief.
5. Ergonomic recommendations
You need to remember to take these things into account. Your laptop can really irritate the carpal tunnel area and it’s time for you to learn about it. Try to avoid spending many hours typing on a laptop or talking on the phone, and if you need a computer, try to choose an ergonomic keyboard that does not require you to bend or stretch your wrists as much.
There are also some gentle hand exercises that will relieve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Just make some slow circles with your wrist for a minute, or grab your left thumb with your right and stretch them. This is so you do not lose flexibility in the tendons that put less pressure on the nerves. Always choose gentle and low intensity hand exercises. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that can not be reversed and almost always requires surgery at some point, but until that time comes, it is worth following these tips, to get some relief.