Dr. Rajesh Shah's advice on Carpal
Tunnel Syndrome
Scope of Homeopathy:
Homeopathy
helps significantly for C.T. Syndrome.
Very
strongly recommended.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common condition which causes pain and weakness in the muscles of the hand.
There is a small tunnel shaped structure in our wrist joint which houses a nerve called the median nerve. This particular nerve is very important for functions and sensations of the muscles of the palm. Any increase in the contents of the carpal tunnel or decrease in the size of the tunnel itself can compress the nerve as it passes through the tunnel from the hand into the palm.
Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The exact of CTS is unknown though certain medical and occupational conditions can increase risks.
repetitive stress (like interminable hours over a key-board!)
pregnancy,
oral contraceptive pills,
under active thyroid functions,
diabetes
acromegaly
osteoarthritis
rheumatoid arthritis,
cardiac failure,
trauma and fracture of wrist bone (lunate)
premenstrual stress.
Other factors which increase the likelihood of CTS are:
CTS affecting any family member.
Occupations (assembly line workers, meat packers, food processors, and the like, not general office work),
Stress,
Obesity &
Age (>40)
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Sensation of numbness and tingling especially of the thumb, index and middle fingers.
In early stages this sensation is more like having your hands simply "falling asleep" (in fact, only pain with absence of this sensation makes this diagnosis unlikely!!).
With intense pain, relief is obtained by characteristically flicking or shaking the wrist
Weakness of the muscles of the palm
Difficulty in making a fist
Tendency to drop things easily
Grasping objects becomes very difficult
Person tends to become clumsy
Later on, there is visible wasting of the muscles of the palm.
Commonly, the symptoms appear at night because many people sleep with bent wrists which further compresses the carpal tunnel. Simple flexing of the hand at the wrist to 90 degrees causes considerable reduction in the tunnel size.
Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Your doctor can can diagnose this condition in the clinic (PHALEN'S TEST, TINEL'S TEST).
In few cases of suspicion these investigations may be used
Electromyography
Nerve conduction studies
MRI
Ultrasonography.
Prevention of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The most effective way to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome is to take frequent breaks from repetitive movement such as computer keyboard usage as well as treating the precipitating conditions (diabetes, hypothyroidism etc.)
Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Lifestyle Modifications
Decrease excessive consumption of:
sugars
caffeine
processed grains and corn
protein intake
foods containing yellow dyes
alcohol
estrogens
oral contraceptives,
post-menopausal drugs
penicillamine
radiation
exposure
tobacco
Have more of these in your diet.
whole grains
seeds
nuts (peanuts, walnuts)
soybeans
fresh salmon and cod (cold-water,
non-farmed)
brewer's yeast
molasses
liver
wheat bran and [wheat] germ etc.
Avocadoes, bananas, prunes, blueberries
cabbage
green leafy vegetables
raisins
It is also recommended to make efforts in adopting a more ergonomic work and life environment.
Conservative management
Wrist splints worn at night.
Carpal injections (hydrocortisone acetate)
Painkillers (NSAIDS)
Ultrasound therapy.
Physiotherapy.
Surgical repair
Decompress the nerve by dissecting the flexor retinaculum (tendon sheath of the muscles of the hand which form the roof of the carpal tunnel).
Surgical corrections reportedly have 54-60% success rates eventually end up requiring additional surgeries (in 10% cases).
Homeopathic treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Homeopathy can be considered a good alternative to the use of steroid in most cases. It is
recommended to start with homeopathy before option for cortisone.
It can offers great control in pain and stiffness, providing a
substitute to pain killers. Homeopathic medicines are safe and do not have side effects what the NSAIDS have.
There are no side-effects to homeopathic treatment.
Timely homeopathic treatment can prevent the use of surgery.
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