What are the effective vitamins for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? We look into the supplement and natural remedies that can help treat this problem
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (also called CTS) is a chronic pain condition that is caused by pressure upon the median nerve that runs along the “carpal tunnel,” through the length of the arm.
The pain is primarily felt in the wrist and thumb, but it can radiate through the hand and into the other fingers, as well as up the arm, if left untreated.
The median nerve controls the feeling and movement of the thumb as well as movement of the primary three fingers, except for the pinky.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by the compression of the median nerve that happens with repetitive movements, such as typing and texting, for example.
Compression of the nerve causes the nerve to swell, and that narrows the tunnel causing symptoms like tingling, itching, or burning sensations, or even numbness, in the fingers, thumb, or palm of the hand.
When left untreated, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can cause cramps, inability to grasp or hold onto things, and even substantial pain.
Ultimately, it is possible to lose the function of the median nerve all together which means that coordination, strength, and basic functionality can be gone.
Fortunately, there are some natural remedies for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome to begin to immediately address it when symptoms present themselves rather than waiting for it to get worse.
Below are several options, including vitamins for Carpal Tunnel.
Stretching Exercises
It is important to take time throughout the day to stretch the hands and wrists, especially if engaging repetitive work such as typing at a desk, grabbing parts in a factory job, playing video games, or even knitting.
This is one of the most important natural remedies for Carpal Tunnel, and it is completely free. Becoming familiar with the stretching exercises recommended for Carpal Tunnel and putting them into practice regularly may even help prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome from developing.
Spending just 5 minutes every hour doing a few stretches can help decrease the risk of developing or exacerbating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Stretch exercises include an active range of thumb and wrist motion, wrist stretches, tendon glides, wrist flexion and extension exercises, and grip strengthening.
If one has already developed Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, it is recommended to verify with your healthcare provider what stretching exercises are safe to do when you are actually feeling pain, as some may not be recommended at that stage.
Using a Wrist Brace
Wearing a wrist brace can provide additional support to the wrist and thumb.
There are two times when wearing the wrist brace is particularly helpful for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
The first is to wear it regularly at night because during sleep we do not control how our wrists flex, so offering this additional support can be helpful to reduce strain.
The second time is when there is already some irritation happening, such as when one begins to feel the early symptoms of tingling, numbness, pain, or burning.
These are warnings that extra support is needed and it is a good idea to wear a brace to provide it.
A brace can offer a simple way to prevent worsening symptoms and regular use may reduce the risk of permanent damage.
Acupuncture
There are now a number of studies that show that acupuncture is one of the most effective treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves inserting very thin needles at strategic points in the body that stimulate specific nerves. It is used to treat a variety of pain syndromes as well as stress-related illnesses, including anxiety and depression.
In the case of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, it has been found to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation and numbness, and even to restore motor function and dexterity for patients with more severe cases.
Acupuncture is, therefore, highly recommended among the natural remedies for Carpal Tunnel.
Adjustments By A Chiropractor
There are some studies that now suggest that Carpal Tunnel Syndrome may actually be related to neck problems and compressed nerves running through from the neck down the arm.
It has also been found that people who engage in repetitive movements often also experience neck pain. A chiropractor can examine if Carpal Tunnel symptoms are related to a cervical spine issue, determine the root causes of pain, and treat them appropriately.
It does not help to treat symptoms if you do not get to the root issue, and a chiropractor can help figure out where the nerve compression begins, as well as if there are other problems such as bone spurs, cervical disc degeneration, and other areas of inflammation that require care and treatment.
It is likely that a chiropractor will also recommend vitamins for Carpal Tunnel and ongoing bone health as well.
Vitamins For Carpal Tunnel (& Supplements)
There are a few different vitamins and supplements that are useful for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. They are useful for different reasons, and of course the most important thing that can be said is that a balanced diet and multivitamin is helpful, but there are some supplements and vitamins for Carpal Tunnel, specifically.
There are now several studies that show Vitamin D deficiency is an underlying risk factor for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. It is therefore helpful to add Vitamin D supplements, if one is not already taking them, to naturally reduce or treat the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel. About 10,000IU of Vitamin D3 per day, which is 250 mcg, is recommended for this purpose.
When taking Vitamin D as a supplement it never hurts to take extra calcium, and in the case of natural remedies for Carpal Tunnel calcium may be helpful as well.
The same studies that found Vitamin D deficiency was for many people with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome also found calcium deficiency was common. Whether there is a correlation or not between the deficiency and the pain, it cannot hurt to address any possible deficiency and it may reduce symptoms as well.
In particular, if the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome symptoms are caused by a cervical spine condition, a calcium deficiency matters a great deal.
Magnesium is another supplement that has been found to be helpful in addressing many types of nerve pain, including fibromyalgia, so it is also beginning to be recommended as potentially helpful for early and mild symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Vitamin B12 is an important vitamin found in eggs, tuna, salmon, trout, and clams. It has been found to be helpful in reducing pain and the impacts of nerve damage.
This may be the best supplement for Carpal Tunnel due to the help it can provide as a natural remedy even for those who have more serious cases of Carpal Tunnel and are concerned about actual nerve damage. It should certainly be considered early to reduce the risk of damage, however.
Perhaps the actual best supplement for Carpal Tunnel is Vitamin B6. Numerous recent studies have shown that B6 helps reduce the swelling and inflammation, which ultimately also reduces pain.
The recommended dosage is 50-100 mg per day, and it is noted that it is important not to take more than that.
Foods that one can also naturally get Vitamin B6 from as well include salmon, spinach, chickpeas, chicken, bananas, soybeans, and potatoes.
Conclusion
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a serious condition that should not be ignored. If you notice tingling, numbness, or pain in the wrist area, hand, or fingers, it is best to get it checked with a medical professional.
Natural remedies for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can work alongside medical care to reduce the severity of symptoms and may help prevent the condition from worsening.
Using supplements and vitamins for Carpal Tunnel can reduce inflammation, nerve damage, and swelling, to further provide natural management and treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Sources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2397020/
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2016/1215/p993.html
https://www.hss.edu/conditions_carpal-tunnel-syndrome-myths-facts-diagnosis-treatment.asp