Are you experiencing weakness or pain in the wrist or hand on a regular basis? Wondering what drug-free prevention and treatment strategies might work for you? Well, I’ve got some answers for you!
Many of us spend hours on the computer or smartphone each day, whether they’re integral to our jobs or not. The repeated movement of constantly typing or swiping can take its toll on our joints, especially in our wrists and fingers.
It’s not uncommon to feel the occasional numbness, tingling, and weakness in your hand or wrist, so these symptoms are often ignored and brushed off as a one-time thing. However, if you take note of these symptoms and whether they reoccur, you can help your doctor identify any possible underlying causes.
When you experience recurrent weakness and pain in the wrist, hand, or fingers, this could be a sign of carpal tunnel syndrome. If left untreated, these symptoms can get more severe over time, and you may even require surgery.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
What exactly is carpal tunnel syndrome? In short, it’s numbness and weakness in your hand caused by pressure on the median nerve in your wrist. This nerve controls movement and feeling in your thumb and first three fingers, so when there’s more pressure on it than usual, the joints become weak.
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by more than repeated movements; pregnancy and illnesses such as hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes can increase your chances of developing it.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Prevention Tips
As someone who spends a considerable amount of time replying to e-mails and typing reports, I like to take precautionary measures to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. This includes the following:
- Using my whole hand to hold an object rather than only using my fingers
- Keeping my wrists straight with my hands a little higher than my wrists while I type
- Switching hands often when performing repeated movements
So, if you’ve visited your doctor and been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, how can you soothe your symptoms without just resorting to popping pain pills all day?
Other Natural Remedies for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Here are some natural remedies for carpal tunnel symptoms that I’ve tracked down for you:
- Try a tablespoon of flaxseed oil every day—it’s full of omega-3 fatty acids, which will help reduce inflammation
- Try taking a daily bromelain supplement; it can also reduce inflammation, reduce pain, and speed up your healing process
- For a topical treatment, try applying an ointment containing arnica to the affected area twice a day; this herbal remedy could help ease the pain
Pay Attention to Pain in the Wrist
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be a painful condition that interferes with your daily life, which is why it’s important to make sure that you identify and treat your symptoms with your doctor’s help. Taking precautionary measures and using natural remedies will also ease your discomfort and help prevent future flare-ups.
Also Read:
Sources:
“Natural home remedies: Carpal tunnel syndrome,” Best Health; http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-you/home-remedies/natural-home-remedies-carpal-tunnel-syndrome/, last accessed May 23, 2017.
“Carpal Tunnel Syndrome,” WebMD; http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/carpal-tunnel/carpal-tunnel-syndrome-topic-overview#2, last accessed May 23, 2017.