How to eliminate Carpal Tunnel pain?

Carpal Tunel Pain or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

can be cured with proper and continuous exercise for the hands and correct medication. Symptoms, causes and how to effectively get rid of carpal tunnel syndrome vary and are continuously being studied by the doctors. To know about carpal tunnel and how it can be treated is important before one takes any medication or any pain relief. A person experiencing CTS must visit his doctor for proper direction.

What is Carpal Tunnel?

Carpus is a latin term derived from the Greek word karpos, which means wrist. Carpal tunnel is a tight space between the fibrous band and the wrist bone, which serves as a passageway of the median nerve. The median nerve passes through the carpal tunnel to receive sensations from the thumb, index, and middle fingers of the hand.

When the median nerve is irritated due to the position change of the tissue within the carpal tunnel or due to any circumstances that may cause swelling of the tissue, it causes tingling and numbness of the thumb, index, and the middle fingers.

Different Definitions of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

1. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist.
   
   Source: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/carpal_tunnel/detail_carpal_tunnel.htm#115153049
2. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), or median neuropathy at the wrist, is a medical condition in which the median nerve is compressed at the wrist, leading to paresthesias, numbness and muscle weakness in the hand.
   
   Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carpal_tunnel_syndrome
3. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition born from long hours spent working on a computer keyboard, carpal tunnel syndrome actually has numerous causes.
   
   Source: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/carpal_tunnel/detail_carpal_tunnel.htm#115153049
4. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) also called median neuropathy at the wrist is the inflammation of the wrists or the hands due to different causes that may trigger the swelling of the median nerve.

These definitions mean one common thought and are characterized by one factor:

So painful that you cannot do the usual and simple task you do at home or in the office. But carpal tunnel pain is not to be feared. In fact, 75% of carpal tunnel patients have been cured for taking correct medications, proper exercise and diet.

History of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Throughout history, carpal tunnel syndrome or CTS has had many terms such as the writer’s cramp and seamstress cramp. The painful disorder of the hand and wrist was officially named carpal tunnel syndrome only after the World War II. Like any other medical condition, CTS have undergone an evolution of clinical understanding. Only in early 1990s did the clinical threads come together and result in a single rational diagnosis. The emergence of office related jobs and assembly line workers after WWII causes the relative number of people suffering from various symptoms associated with CTS. The most common people who experience wrist and hand discomfort are cashiers, hairdressers, knitters or sewers and writers.

The impairment of the wrist and hand was identified by a physician named Dr. George S. Phalen of the Cleveland Clinic after he underwent an extensive medical examination with a group of patients between the years 1950 to 1960.

A number of investigators who studied the trends of the victims of carpal tunnel syndrome have suggested that occupation is more likely to be an aggravating factor than the primary cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. The suggestion of Peter A. Nathan and Richard C. Keniston is based also from the many years of studies and clinical evaluation of an American orthopaedis, Dr. Phalen,

To know more about the evolution of clinical understanding of carpal tunnel syndrome, you may check the following references written by Dr. George S. Phalen:

• The carpal-tunnel syndrome: Seventeen years' experience in diagnosis and treatment of six hundred fifty-four hands. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, American edition, Boston, 1966, 48: 211.
• The carpal tunnel syndrome: Clinical evaluation of 598 hands. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, Philadelphia, 1972, 83: 29.

About PHALEN, GEORGE S. (2 Dec. 1911-14 Apr. 1998)

Dr. George S. Phalen was a Cleaveland Clinic Foundation physician when he identified carpal tunnel syndrome. Born in Peoria, Il., he graduated from Bradley University in 1932. He earned a master's degree in anatomy and a medical degree at Northwestern University in 1937. Dr. Phalen served a three year residency at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., before he entered the Army in 1942. He was a lieutenant colonel and chief of the orthopedic section at O'Reilly General Hospital in Springfield, Mo., one of seven of the Army Hand Centers in the country. For the last six months of the war, he was chief of the hand service at William Beaumont General Hospital in El. Paso, Texas, for six months. Following the war, Dr. Phalen established his practice of orthopedic hand surgery at the Cleveland Clinic and taught at the Western Reserve University School of Medicine. After 24 years, he moved to Texas and practiced at the Dallas Medical and Surgery Clinic from 1970 until he retired in 1980.

While at the Clinic, Dr. Phalen announced the diagnostic sign for carpal tunnel syndrome at a 1948 meeting of the American Surgery for the Hand. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful disorder that afflicts workers whose jobs include repetitive wrist movements. The diagnostic sign is now known as the "Phalen Sign." Earlier, Dr. Phalen helped found the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. He assisted organizing its first meeting in 1946 and became its president in the 1960s. He was also the president of the Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons in 1965. In 1969, Dr. Phalen became the chair of the orthopedic section of the American Medical Association. In 1970, Bradley University presented him with the Distinguished Alumnus Award.

After divorcing his first wife, Marion Phalen, Dr. Phalen married Margaret Barnes. He had two children with Margaret, George C. and John, and two step children, Sue Wills and Bob Barnes. His remains are in the mausoleum at Sparkman Hill Cemetery in Dallas, Texas.

Source: http://ech.cwru.edu/ech-cgi/article.pl?id=PGS

People who usually have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Studies show that women are three times more likely than men to develop CTS because generally, the carpal tunnel of women is smaller than men. Women are susceptible to this kind of syndrome because of too much work that involves the intensive and repetitive hand movements such as typing and other office tasks as well as household chores. Men are also prone to developing CTS especially if their work demands the overuse of the hands.

Overweight and inactive people are particularly likely to get carpal tunnel syndrome as well as people with endocrine disorders like diabetes and hypothyroidism or immune disorders such as arthritis and lupus. Heredity also plays another vital factor. Two out of five who have a history of CTS in their family will most likely develop the same syndrome.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Aside from the common indicators of CTS that have been mentioned above, below is the summary of signs of carpal tunnel syndrome. Symptoms need to be present for at least a week or more than three times in the preceding six months.

• Sleep interruption from numb hands and tingling fingers
• Waking up -- Numbness in Hand at Night and Pain in Wrist
• Hand Pain and or Wrist Pain
• Weakness in Hand and Wrist - loss of hand muscles
• Poor Circulation, Hands falling asleep
• Cold Hands - Forearms warm
• Loss of Hand Grip Strength
• Loss of Feeling Sensation in Fingers & Thumb
• Dropping Objects - Forks - Glasses - Pen – etc
• Numbness in Fingers or Tingling - Index, Middle & Ring Finger
• Loss of fine motor skills in hands
• Clumsiness in Hands
• Aching Shoulders and Neck

Most Frustrating Results Patients Report Due to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Lost Time at Work and Unproductive Daytime Sleepiness
• Interruption of Earnings
• High Blood Pressure and Poor Health from Chronic Sleep Loss
• Inability to Button Buttons, Tie Shoes, Turn Key, Apply Make-up -etc.
• Day Time Grogginess Affects Safety and Effectiveness at Work
• Irritability Often Impacts Valued Relationships

Source: http://www.mycarpaltunnel.com/symptoms-carpal-tunnel-syndrome.shtml

Psychosocial Factors that Contribute to the Development of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Some studies show that psychosocial factors (such as stress) can contribute to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome.

The following table lists the most common tasks and related occupations associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.

What are the non-occupational factors of carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is associated with several diseases and situations. They are:

• arthritis
• diabetes
• gout
• amyloidosis (infiltration of the liver, kidneys, spleen with a starch-like substance)
• hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland)
• tumours of tendon sheaths
• wrist fractures and dislocations
• wrist cysts
• pregnancy
• use of oral contraceptives
• menopause

All these diseases and situations increase the volume of the contents of the carpal tunnel, resulting in compression of the median nerve. Also some individual factors, such as the size and shape of the wrist and the shape of the median nerve, may contribute to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Note: It is imperative to know how the medications for carpal tunnel syndrome affects the medications you take for any of the diseases mentioned above. Be sure to consult your doctor first before taking any medications for carpal tunnel syndrome.

Source: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/diseases/carpal.html

There are a number of ways to eliminate CTS but not all of them are proven to be a lasting relief. These medications may or may not work depending on the medical condition of a patient suffering from it. The most effective way to treat carpal tunnel syndrome is to have it check up by your doctor as soon as you experience its symptoms so as to prevent severe condition or further complications. Remember is prevention is better than cure!

If you are experiencing a severe condition of carpal tunnel syndrome, here are eight natural ways to treat it.

Ways to prevent the severe condition of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Note: It is strongly advised that you seek the help of professionals who can perform the following tasks.

1) Acupuncture

Acupuncturists insert thin needles into specifics point on the body. Traditional theory holds blockages along energy pathways in the body, called meridians, can cause pain. Acupuncture releases these blockages and improves the flow of energy along meridians.

A scientific explanation is that acupuncture may release natural pain-relieving chemicals into the body, promote circulation in body, and balance the nervous system.

What is a treatment like? For carpal tunnel syndrome, acupuncture points are generally on the wrist, arm, thumb, and hands, as well as other parts of the body such as the upper back, neck, and leg.

The number of acupuncture sessions depends on various factors such as how long you've had the symptoms, symptom intensity, how much you use your arms and hands, and your overall health.

Laser acupuncture, which uses a handheld laser instead of acupuncture needles, is also used for carpal tunnel syndrome. One study looked at 36 people with a median pain duration of 24 months. Fourteen had one to 2 surgical release procedures with no results. After three laser acupuncture sessions a week for 4 to 5 weeks, 33 people had no pain or their pain was reduced by more than 50%. All of the people who had failed surgery had a noticeable improvement. Acupuncture wasn't a quick-fix-the follow-up after 1-2 years found that pain returned for only 2 people out of 23 people, and they were successfully treated within several weeks.

2) Acupressure

Acupressure is based on the same principles as acupuncture. Instead of applying needles to acupuncture points, pressure is applied, which is thought to stimulate blood flow to the wrists and hands and ease numbness and swelling in the area.

Acupressure points for carpal tunnel syndrome are typically on the wrists, forearms and hands.

3) Vitamin B6

In several research studies, vitamin B6 deficiency has been associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. A study by the Portland Hand Surgery and Rehabilitation Center in Oregon examined 441 people and found that higher levels of vitamin B6 were associated with fewer carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. Researchers also found that higher levels of vitamin C relative to lower vitamin B6 levels were associated with a higher prevalence and greater frequency of carpal tunnel symptoms.

A Japanese study of 174 university students found that students with lower levels of vitamin B6 showed symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Food Sources of vitamin B6 include sweet potatoes, avocados, brown rice, sunflower seeds, chick peas, salmon, pork, chicken, turkey, potatoes, bok choy, barley, bananas, and mangoes.

Risk factors for vitamin B6 deficiency:

• diet lacking in vitamin B6
• use of oral contraceptives or HRT
• consumption of foods containing yellow dye #5, such as some types of macaroni and cheese and pickles
• stress

A typical dose of vitamin B6 for carpal tunnel syndrome is 50 mg 2 to 3 times a day. Side effects may include increased urination. It can take up to 6 weeks to notice an improvement. The maximum intake from all sources should be less than 200 mg a day, unless otherwise recommended by your doctor.

4) Herbal Medicine, Vitamins, and Supplements

• Enzyme supplements such as bromelain or combination enzyme products (e.g. Wobenzym) may help to reduce tissue swelling associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. It can take several weeks to notice results. The main food source of bromelain is pineapple.
• Arnica - a double blind randomized study by the Department of Plastic Surgery of Queen Victoria Hospital in West Sussex, England examined whether arnica can speed up the recovery of hand surgery compared to placebo. People who took homeopathic arnica tablets and arnica ointment had a significant reduction in pain after two weeks. There was no difference in grip strength or swelling between the two groups.
• Vitamin B12 - a study looked at the effectiveness of vitamin B12 for people with carpal tunnel syndrome due to overuse of the nonparalyzed arm after stroke. For two years, 67 people in the study received 1500 mcg of vitamin B12 a day, and the remaining 68 did not. After two years, there was significant improvement in the group taking vitamin B12 compared to the untreated group.

5) Yoga and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Yoga can help to reduce symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. A study by the University of Pennsylvania looked at the effectiveness of yoga for 42 people with carpal tunnel syndrome. People in the yoga group did 11 yoga postures twice weekly for 8 weeks and had a significant improvement in grip strength and pain reduction compared to people in the control group, who wore wrist splints.

6) Chiropractic and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Chiropractic may help to reduce symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome and improve function. A study looked at chiropractic care vs. conservative care (ibuprofen and night-time wrist supports) in 91 people with carpal tunnel syndrome. Chiropractic care included manipulation of the soft tissues and body joints of the arms and spine, ultrasound over the carpal tunnel and night-time wrist supports. Researchers concluded that chiropractic was as effective as conventional care for carpal tunnel syndrome.

7) Feldenkrais

Feldenkrais is a form of movement re-education. People are taught individually or in group sessions how to move their bodies more efficiently to improve their co-ordination, reduce joint stress and muscle strain, and improve flexibility.

8) Hellerwork

Hellerwork is a form of bodywork that has three main components:

1. deep tissue work - treatment usually begins with work on the soft tissues around the forearm and wrist.
2. education about correct posture and movement, ergonomic assessment of the workstation (e.g. chair too low, monitor too high)
3. dialogue to address emotions that lock muscles into "holding patterns" and affect breathing.

People often begin to notice a reduction of symptoms in one to three sessions.

Other Natural Remedies

• Biofeedback
• Anti-inflammatory Diet
• Weight Loss
• Quitting Smoking
• Exercise, Stretches
• Ergonomic Assessment of the Workstation

Medication Choices

Note: Medicine should be used with other measures such as ice, rest, and splints to reduce pain and inflammation.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) – most common used medicines. It relieves pain and inflammation and is available with or without prescription. But a review of research suggests that NSAID treatment for 2 and 4 weeks may not improve carpal tunnel syndrome. It is most effective if the tendon is inflamed.

Corticosteroids - may be an effective treatment option when NSAIDs do not effectively relieve pain and inflammation. But corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory medicines and have side effects that should be considered. Corticosteroids can be taken in pill form or injected into the wrist by a doctor.

Corticosteroids:

• Usually are not used until nonsurgical treatments (such as rest, ice, splints, and anti-inflammatory medicines) have been tried for several weeks with no improvement.
• Often provide temporary relief (for several weeks or more). Injected corticosteroids usually provide longer-lasting results than those taken by mouth (oral), but oral or injected medicines rarely provide permanent relief from carpal tunnel symptoms.
• Must be used with caution because both oral and injected forms have potentially serious side effects.

Source: http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/carpal-tunnel/carpal-tunnel-syndrome-medications

Does Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Require Surgery?

According to a reliable research and health information website, www.webmd.com, most people with carpal tunnel syndrome are treated without surgery. Surgery is considered only when:

• Symptoms have not improved after a long period of nonsurgical treatment. In general, surgery is not considered until after 3 to 12 months of nonsurgical treatment. But this assumes that you are having ongoing symptoms but no sign of nerve damage. Nerve damage would make surgery more urgent.
• Severe symptoms restrict normal daily activities, such as when there is a persistent loss of feeling or coordination in the fingers or hand, no strength in the thumb, or when sleep is severely disturbed by pain.
• There is damage to the median nerve (shown by nerve test results and loss of hand, thumb, or finger function) or a risk of damage to the nerve.

Other Recommended Solution for Carpal Tunnel Pain

Carpal Tunnel Solution

Developed by a physician, the Carpal Solution gently pulls and stretches simultaneously at three key points on the palm surrounding the carpal tunnel during sleep. This passive, but consistent gentling stretching action applied for 6 to 8 hours while the hand is relaxed, decompresses and gradually reshapes the soft tissue around the carpal tunnel. Over the Six week protocol, the Carpal Solution increases flexibility and enhances circulation and relieves pressure on the Median Nerve. When the pressure is gone, the syndrome also disappears usually for years.

The Carpal Solution combines a patented gentle soft tissue reshaping mechanism during sleep with active use during the day — The result is an ideal rhythmic therapy for rapid relief from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome symptoms with no muscle atrophy or time away from work. The hand rehabilitates through normal use as the pain is relieved.

What do people say about the Carpal Tunnel Solution?

Dr. Michelle Robin - Wellness Expert & Founder of Your Wellness Connection - Shawnee, Kansas

"Surgery for a repetitive stress induced injury, like the Carpal Tunnel Condition, makes no sense because the symptoms come back when you return to the activity that caused the syndrome in the first place. What is needed for repetitive strain injuries is an all natural therapy like the Carpal Solution, that you can return to use conveniently and cost effectively whenever you have CTS flare-ups - without worries about complications and without downtime! Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a collection of symptoms, so when the symptoms disappear the syndrome is over. It can come back, but there is no final cure, so the Carpal Solution is your best option to control CTS without risk or complications. "

- Carolina, Human Resources Manager / Surfer, California

“I am a Human Resources Manager for a large organization and am a Surfer. About a year ago I started to have issues in my hands when responding to my many emails. I found myself waking up during the night with my hands tingling and numb fingers. I also experienced neck and forearm pain. In surfing I depend on my hands to carry my long-board as well as pop-up on the waves.

My Doctor prescribed Velcro wrist guards and directed me to sleep with them on my hands and rest my hands as much as I could for the foreseeable future. I was devastated, since I saw no end to the problem. The prospects worried me. I wondered, “How much of my life will I have to give up?” My husband and I called the wrist guards “My Monster Hands” and while they did relieve some of the tingly feeling at night, they did not relieve the pain I was experiencing and I always awoke with some tingling in my hands.”

“I found the Carpal Solution accidentally about six months ago while researching on the web. I saved the site on my favorites for months without ordering the product, since it seemed too good to be true. One day while in desperate pain ---my arms were aching just from driving my car --- I ordered the Carpal Solution on the web and used it for two weeks straight. The first night I went to bed with the Carpal Solution I was amazed. I slept through the night undisturbed and awoke in the morning without any tingling hands.

The Carpal Solution also ended my pain. It is so comfortable to wear.” “This product has changed my life dramatically. I continue to share my experience with any one I see wearing “monster hands”. ‘You don’t need those things’, I tell them. ‘Thanks to the Carpal Solution I am free of that intense pain and the uncomfortable splints and you can be too.’ It has allowed me to work and play again to the fullest extent possible. I have my life back! No worries! No Pain! The Carpal Solution works!”