Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that causes pain, numbness, and a tingling sensation in your hand and wrist. It happens when the median nerve, running from your forearm to the palm of your hand, is pressed and squeezed in the wrist. This nerve controls sensations to the palm side of your thumb and fingers, and impulses to some little muscles in the hand that enable the fingers and thumb to move.
The actual "carpal tunnel" is a narrow, rigid passage of ligament and bones at the base of the hand. It is similar to a narrow tunnel in your wrist that has to let your nerves and tendons pass through. If this tunnel becomes narrowed due to swelling or some other cause, it pinches the nerve inside and causes the symptoms of CTS.
People whose work involves repetitive wrist motions (typing, assembly line work, or vibrating hand tools) are at increased risk of developing this condition. It is important to treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome symptoms early to stay away from long term hand and finger damage and loss of function.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed inside the narrow passageway in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. This condition can make everyday tasks difficult because of the discomfort and limitation of your hand function. Understanding causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome could help with early treatment and prevention.
The most common causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome are :
Repetitive Motion: Activities that require repetitive hand and wrist movements like typing, sewing, painting or using vibrating tools can cause swelling around the carpal tunnel and compression of the nerve.
Wrist Position: Abnormal extending or flexing of the wrists, particularly when done repetitively or for prolonged periods, adds pressure on the nerve.
Health Conditions: A few medical conditions can also lead to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. They include diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid dysfunction and fluid retention during menopause or pregnancy.
Physical Injury: Wrist injuries like sprains, fractures or trauma to the wrist can swell the space within the carpal tunnel and compress the median nerve.
Genetic Factors: Some people have a smaller carpal tunnel naturally or may have inherited carpal tunnel problems.
Vibrating Tools: Regular use of vibrating hand tools can damage the nerve in the carpal tunnel.
Age & Gender: Women and more mature adults are more commonly identified as having Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, perhaps because of hormonal influences or degenerative joint changes.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome considerably affects the way you feel and use your hands daily. It usually begins gradually and symptoms may become more severe over time if untreated. Identifying the symptoms early may help manage the condition and stay away from further nerve damage.
The signs and symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome include:
You might feel numbness or tingling in your index, middle, or ring fingers but not your little finger. This can be like an electric shock in these fingers and may travel from your wrist up your arm. These symptoms may occur while you are holding a steering wheel, phone or newspaper, or may even wake you up from sleep.
You might experience weakness in your hand and a habit of dropping things. This may be due to the numbness in your hand or weakness of the thumb's pinching muscles, which are controlled by the median nerve.
Some experience a burning or aching pain in the wrist that radiates up the arm or down into the hands. Occasionally this pain is severe enough to wake you up.
Even if there is no obvious swelling, your fingers may feel swollen and clumsy.
You may find it harder to do manual tasks like buttoning clothes or handling small objects.
There might be an continuous itchy or uneasy feeling in the palms and fingers.
Jiva Ayurveda offers holistic Ayurvedic treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome using evidence-based Ayurveda. The treatment plans are customised to target the very root causes of the disease, and instead of just treating symptoms, they focus on holistic healing, balance and stability in totality.
HACCP certified Ayurvedic medicines: Scientifically-formulated mixtures that help restore balance in the body and maintain emotional stability.
Yoga, Meditation & Mindfulness: These calming practices promote your mental health and overall wellness.
Ayurvedic Therapies: Therapies like Panchakarma, Shirodhara, Abhyanga etc are included in treatment to purify the body and help balance emotional health.
Diet and Lifestyle Changes: Expert recommendations from Jiva certoified doctors on modifying your diet and lifestyle to achieve better health.
Ayurveda provides several herbal cures to ease the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). These natural medicinal herbs and formulations help reduce pain, inflammation and restore balance in the the body.
Following are some herbs used to formulate Ayurvedic medicines prescribed for CTS:
Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera): Also known as Indian Ginseng, Ashwagandha reduces inflammation of the carpal tunnel and repairs nerve tissues. Additionally, it helps to firm up the tendons in the hand.
Rasna (Pluchea Lanceolata): It's a nerve tonic and especially helpful for enhancing nervous system functions including nerve healing and providing relief from tingling and pain.
Guggulu (Commiphora Mukul): Guggulu corrects imbalances in the Vata dosha, the energy of nervous and circulatory systems. It reduces pain and swelling and is taken as kaishor guggul.
Shallaki (Boswellia Serrata): Shallaki has anti-inflammatory properties. It decreases swelling and pain in the carpal tunnel and eases pressure on the median nerve.
Turmeric (Curcuma Longa): A useful spice with anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric can lessen swelling and pain of the wrist. It is taken orally or topically as a paste.
Guduchi (Tinospora Cordifolia): Guduchi is believed to revive the nerves. It corrects Vata dosha and revitalises the nerves affected by CTS.
Yes, sleeping with bent wrists can worsen symptoms. Sleep with your arms straight or use a wrist brace at night.
With Ayurvedic treatments, improvements may be seen in a few weeks but it varies based on individual situation. Consistent treatment and lifestyle changes are key to improved results.
If treated early in the course of the condition, Ayurvedic practices may reduce symptoms and even reverse CTS.
Yes, a diet that inhibits inflammation (one high in vegetables, fruit, and omega-3 fatty acids) can relieve symptoms.
Take frequent breaks from repetitive tasks, use ergonomic tools, and practice wrist-friendly postures to prevent CTS.
Yes, yoga poses that stretch and strengthen the wrists, hands, and arms are helpful, like seated stretches or ball squeezing stretches.
Rarely, children develop CTS, usually from repetitive hand activities or wrist injuries.
Yes, obesity can increase the risk of CTS due to greater pressure in the carpal tunnel.
Some symptoms may be relieved with a light wrist and hand massage that releases tension and increases blood flow
If you experience numbness, pain, or persistent tingling in your hand or fingers, particularly when these symptoms keep you awake at night, consult an Ayurvedic physician timely.
Yes, Ayurveda has safe, natural remedies and practices for pregnant women but it is important to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner for customised treatments
