Treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Treament objectives

1. Treat swollen / inflamed tendons trapping the median nerve

2. Heal / repair the tendons  - which are fibrous connective tissue

3. Address source of inflammation

Wild oregano oil   (Massage diluted oil (1 part WOO to 3 parts carrier oil) into palm side of wrist every 4 hours or as needed)

Arnica gel/cream

Comfrey (Symphytum Uplandicum, Symphytum Officinale) cream or oil - Comfrey is the time-proven remedy for rebuilding connective tissue. /Massage  into palm side of wrist every 4 hours or as needed. Alternatively, use an overnight comfrey leaf "mash" poultice ---  chop up" the leaves (a small food processor works well for this), optionally add some vitamin E and/or wheat-germ oil and apply to palm side of wrist. Cover with some comfrey leaves and tape to hold mash next to wrist and then place hand in a plastic bag held on with a not-too-tight elastic band on the forearm and leave overnight. Sleep on old sheets in case it leaks - stains will not come out!

St John's Wort cream - used topically on palm side of wrist every 4 hours or as as needed. Popular European remedy for pain.

Ginger root (Zingiber Officinale) overnight poultice - place fresh, ginger root slices ( sliced thin lengthwise) on the inner wrist, cover with a little plastic and use a bandage to hold it in place.

PEMF therapy using such as SOTA® MAGNETIC Pulser

Avoid more trauma to the hand and try to relieve pressure on the median nerves

•  Try and rest your hand longer than usual between activities

• Use the non-affected hand if possible

•  Keep wrist in neutral position as much as possible

 •  Keep wrists straight when typing - hands a little higher than wrists

•  Relax shoulders when arms at your sides

•  Wear a wrist splint at night or hang your affected hand over the side of the bed - prevents the wrist from flexing and putting extra pressure on median nerve.

Address illnesses / conditions causing inflammation

Utilize short-term anti-inflammatory therapies

Vitamin B6 - 100mg twice/day - Andrew Weil, M.D. suggests B6 is a therapeutic agent to treat nerve compression injuries. Not a lot of study support for this though.