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Natural Relief for Carpal Tunnel

Carpal tunnel syndrome can be both painful and challenging to deal with day-to-day. Doing repetitive tasks or even normal daily activities with your hands can cause a flare-up. While surgery is one option, natural remedies also can relieve the pain.

  1. Soaking

    • Soak your hands in a sink or bucket of hot water and a half-cup of Epsom salts to reduce the pain and loosen the muscles. Treat the affected hand and wrist for at least 15 minutes. Afterward, your hand should feel more relaxed and able to return to the task you need to do.

    Ice Pack

    • Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when pressure is applied on the median nerve in your wrist. This, in turn, can cause pain in the wrist, hand and occasionally the forearm. To reduce the inflammation on the median nerve, apply an ice pack directly to the wrist. Soaking your hand in cold water also can work, especially right after doing a repetitive activity.

    Hand Brace

    • Wear a hand brace with a wrist splint to stabilize your wrist; this removes pressure from the median nerve. You can use the splint while doing repetitive tasks, such as typing and crafts. If your hand goes numb while sleeping, try wearing the hand brace at night as well.

    Vitamin B6

    • Taking vitamin B6 is thought to bring relief to carpal tunnel syndrome sufferers by increasing blood flow. Vitamin B6 can be taken as a daily supplement or digested in vitamin-rich foods, such as fortified cereals, bananas, salmon and spinach.

    Massage on Stockpert

    • Massaging the affected area can bring relief to the hand, wrist and forearm. This can be done either by a friend or a professional. If the massage is done at home, use a natural oil, such as sweet almond oil. Pay special attention to the wrist, the source of the pain. A professional masseuse can help release the tension from the hand, loosen the muscles and increase the blood flow. Frequent massages can aid in temporary relief of carpal tunnel syndrome.

    Take a Break

    • Take a break every 15 minutes between repetitive tasks, rest and stretch your hands. A simple yoga technique can stretch your wrists: Make a ball with your fist and move your wrist up, down and in circles. Also allow time to let your hands rest with no movement at all.

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