You might be looking for home remedies for carpal tunnel if wrist pain and discomfort wake you up a night. There are many causes for carpal tunnel, but repetitive movements, exertion, injury and obesity are the most common causes for this condition.
Cause and Symptoms of Carpel Tunnel
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused when the tissues in the wrist swell putting pressure on the nerves passing through the fibrous ligament tissues, called the Carpal Tunnel, that support them. Carpal Tunnel symptoms include numbness, especially in the thumb, index and middle fingers, as well as pain and weakness in the hand. Sometimes grabbing and picking up objects is difficult. Shooting pain that runs up the forearm can also occur, feeling similar to being shocked by electricity. Occasionally the wrist and hand swell. These symptoms are worse at night than during the day.
Reduce Swelling
Reducing the swelling is important especially for carpal tunnel.
Ice - Treating the area with ice is one of the easiest home remedies for carpal tunnel.
Anti-inflammatory Compresses - Sweet birch and oak bark brewed into a tea and used as a cold compress will help reduce swelling.
Herbs - Lavender, arnica and any type of mint will help open the tunnel relieving pressure on the nerve.
Epsom Salts - Soaking the wrist and hand in warm water with Epsom salts will also provide soothing pain relief.
Warm & Cool - Alternating warm and cool compresses works to reduce the swelling of mild carpal tunnel, as the warmth stimulates circulation while the cool reduces swelling.
Pain Relief With Herbs
Many of the carpal tunnel symptoms can be relieved by taking anti-inflammatory herbs or over the counter medications.
If you are not allergic to aspirin, you can apply a cold compress of willow bark and have a cup of warm willow bark tea. Adding a bit of mint and chamomile will help with the taste as well as the swelling.
Skullcap mixed with valerian will help reduce pain and encourage relaxation.
Injured muscles and tendons, when stressed, contract and cause discomfort. Helping the muscles and tendons in your wrist to relax may help reduce swelling and discomfort.
Valerian will help you sleep better, thereby allowing the wrist to recover from the day’s activities.
Many home remedies for carpal tunnel include herbs that can be made into a salve or added to massage oils. Sweet birch is a very useful oil for this type of application. Arnica cream is available through many commercial sources. Simple salves can be made at home using yarrow, fennel, raspberry, and feverfew leaves. These leaves are soaked in walnut or virgin olive oil, strained and mixed with heated beeswax until the desired consistency is achieved.
Vitamins and Diet for Carpal Tunnel
Increasing your intake of Vitamin C can help the body to better process toxins that are released when a muscle or tendon swells. Vitamin B-12 has shown great potential as a method of treating carpal tunnel symptoms. If you use a B-12 supplement, avoid processed foods. Many puddings, soft drinks, Kool-aid, candies, condiments and chips contain Tartrazine, a yellow dye that interferes with the body’s absorption of B-12.
Ice, massage and tea are all easy home remedies for carpal tunnel. Recognizing carpal tunnel symptoms and knowing what you can use at home can provide safe and natural relief.
Disclaimer: Always consult your medical professional before trying any homemade treatment. This site is designed for informational purposes only and is not rendering medical advice or professional services.