7 Remedies To Reduce Carpal Tunnel Pain

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the “evils of the 21st century”. In this article, we are going to offer the best home remedies and exercises to reduce carpal tunnel pain.

It is  caused by an inflammation of the wrist and is caused by repetitive movements  (such as writing on the computer, playing the piano, doing garden work, or working with fabrics and playing certain sports).

Popularly known as “secretary’s evil”, it is very painful. In some cases, it even requires surgical intervention.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

This disease, considered occupational, is more frequent in women (especially over 40 years of age).

A good technique to determine if you have the problem is to place your elbow on a table or desk, with your arm and hand in a straight line. Then flex your wrist and move it for a minute.

If any of these symptoms appear, you need to see a doctor:

• Tingling in the wrist or hand.
• Pain in the area.
• Falling asleep (also nocturnal).
• Weakness (not able to pick up or hold objects).
• Finger stiffness (especially thumb, index and middle).
• Feeling of heat in the fingers.

Home Remedies to Reduce Carpal Tunnel Pain

If you have started to suffer the consequences of your work and feel any of the typical signs of this condition, we recommend using your computer and cell phone in a controlled way, using pillows for resting and trying to modify your manual work routines.

In addition, we propose some natural remedies that can reduce pain and numbness:

1. Anti-inflammatory juice to reduce carpal tunnel pain

Ingredients

• 1 slice of pineapple (without skin)
• 1 small slice of ginger root
• 1/2 apple (red or green) without seeds.

Method of preparation

• Cut the ingredients into pieces to facilitate the process and mix them in a blender until you get a smooth drink.

• Drink every morning on an empty stomach.
• We also advise consuming pineapple several times a week due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

2. Fenugreek paste to reduce carpal tunnel pain

Ingredients

• 3 spoons of fenugreek flour (30 g)
• A little bit of water

Method of preparation

• Mix the fenugreek flour with the water and heat for 15 minutes. Stir until it forms a paste and apply it topically.
• Allow it to reach a bearable temperature, or until it cools, and spread over the affected area.

3. Green apple juice and cabbage to reduce carpal tunnel pain

Ingredients

• 2 green apples
• 1 large leaf of cabbage

Method of preparation

• Place the leaf of cabbage and the two green apples in the blender jar, cut into pieces and without seeds or skin.
• Beat until you get a homogeneous mixture and, when everything is well mixed, drink.
• You can consume it at any time of the day.

4. Ulmária to reduce carpal tunnel pain

In this case, we can consume the plant’s flowers in the form of an infusion or prepare a plaster.

Ingredients

• 2 spoons of Ulmaria flowers (20 g)
• 1 cup of hot water (250 ml)

Method of preparation

• Heat the water, without boiling, and add 2 tablespoons of ulmaria flowers.
• Let it rest for a few minutes, filter and drink immediately (you can sweeten it with honey).

The other option is to compress the flowers and leaves of the plant crushed with a little water or alcohol, and apply it to the wrist.

5. Ginger to reduce carpal tunnel pain

As in the case of ulmária, ginger can be used both internally and externally.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of powdered or grated ginger (20 g)
• 1 cup of water (250 ml)

Method of preparation

• Heat the water and, when it boils, take two tablespoons of powdered or grated ginger and mix.
• Cover, let cool and consume.
• You can drink up to two cups a day to enjoy the anti-inflammatory properties of this root.

For external use, mix the ginger with water to form a paste and place on the sore wrist. Cover with a tissue, wait for a few minutes and remove with warm water.

6. Pineapple, orange and grapefruit juice to reduce carpal tunnel pain

Ingredients

• 1 slice of pineapple
• The juice of 1 orange
• 1 grapefruit juice

Method of preparation

• Peel the pineapple slice and beat together with the orange and grapefruit juice. Strain before drinking.
• Repeat for 3 days or daily without working with your hands.

7. Infusion of St. John’s wort to reduce carpal tunnel pain

Ingredients

• 3 leaves of St. John’s wort
• 1 cup of water (250 ml)

Method of preparation

• Heat the cup of water together with the 3 leaves of St. John’s wort and let the decoction take place for 10 minutes.
• Remove from heat and let cool covered.
• Strain and drink daily. Relieves pain and tingling in wrists and hands.

other remedies

• Apply cold compresses or ice packs to the painful area to reduce the inflammation. Do not use pillows or hot baths as this makes the syndrome worse.
• Use turmeric in your usual dishes, as it has very powerful anti-inflammatory effects thanks to its main component, curcumin.

If you add potatoes, brown rice, or chicken breast, foods that contain vitamin B6, to your diet, it will double its effects.

• Consume every day (it can be in the evening or in the morning) a spoonful of flaxseed oil. Continue treatment for 2 to 4 weeks to stop the swelling process in the wrists.

Exercises and Advice for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

In very advanced or painful cases, doctors recommend wearing a splint on the affected hand at night.

This instrument is intended to prevent you from unconsciously bending your wrist under your body or pillow. If during the day you can’t bear to even move your hand, it’s good to use it too.

You need to let your wrist rest  most of the time if your tasks allow it. Avoid over-efforts (repetitive movements, lifting very heavy objects, etc).

If possible, take short breaks from your workday so you don’t put too much pressure on the area.

If you spend many hours at a desk in front of your computer, remember that your arms should form a right angle and your wrists should be parallel to the floor. Don’t forget to keep your spine straight at all times.

When handling the mouse, do not raise your wrists: use a cushion that allows support. When you have to write on the computer, do it slowly and get a keyboard model that’s ergonomic.

Every afternoon or evening when you get home, as well as  every hour at work, stretch your hands and wrists.

Make circular motions clockwise and counterclockwise. A very effective exercise is to stretch your arms and point your fingers towards the ceiling.