Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

LifeSource Vitamins

The carpal tunnel is a very small opening just below the base of the wrist, between the arm and the hand. It allows the median nerve to pass from the bones and the muscles of the forearm to the palm, the thumb, and the fingers. Because the opening is so small, it is vulnerable to pressure and swelling. Inflammation from overuse, hormonal changes, or arthritis causes the pain and the numbness of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). CTS may begin as a mild tingling that's worse in the morning or the evening and can progress to crippling, excruciating pain.

CTS has always afflicted people who consistently use their hands in a repetitive motion: Knitters, musicians, writers, grocery clerks, and assembly-line workers have traditionally suffered from the effects of CTS. But in the last decade, as work has increasingly centered on the personal computer, CTS has reached near-epidemic proportions. At least 10 percent of people who work at computers have CTS, and that number is projected to rise.

The best way to treat CTS is to prevent it from happening. If you work at a computer, use a wrist rest to relieve pressure on the carpal tunnel, and take a break every hour to rotate your hands. If you think you may already have CTS, see your doctor for a test called an electromyograph. If the test proves that you do have CTS, complementary therapies can help relieve your pain. Treatments include removing the source of pain when possible, improving circulation, and reducing swelling. Since a vitamin B6 deficiency has been linked to CTS, the complementary treatment also encourages the consumption of that nutrient. Specific treatments from a chiropractor, an acupuncturist, or an osteopath can be very effective in addressing the underlying structural cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. Surgery for this condition should be avoided, if at all possible, because of its high failure rate.

** All of these prescriptions below have been proven effective; level of effectiveness depends on the individual. Please consult your doctor when taking any and all supplements.

Symptoms

Symptoms can occur in one or both hands.

• Numbness, tingling, or pain in the thumb and the first three fingers
• Pain is worse at night and/or in the morning
• The weakness of the thumb and the first three fingers
• Inability to make a fist
• Pain may radiate to the forearm or the shoulder

Root Causes

• Continuous use of the fingers and the hand
• The constant vibration of the fingers and the hand (as in holding a jackhammer for long periods of time)
• Pregnancy or other hormonal changes that cause fluid retention
• Inflammatory arthritis in the wrist
• Bone spurs in the wrist
• Vitamin B6 deficiency

TREATMENT

CTS is often brought on or made worse by pregnancy. If you're pregnant or nursing, check with your doctor before taking any herbs or supplements or making radical changes to your diet.

Diet

Recommended Food

If you're overweight, there's a good chance you will find relief from the pain of CTS by following a wholesome diet based on whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and lean protein (especially beans and soy). This eating plan will help you lose weight safely and will take the pressure off the carpal tunnel.

Drink a glass of clean water every two waking hours to combat fluid retention.

A deficiency of vitamin B6 may be a cause of CTS, so consume plenty of beans, brewer's yeast, and wheat germ. Green leafy vegetables are good sources of B6 as well.

Green drinks are also good for reducing inflammation.

Foods to Avoid

Fluid retention puts pressure on the carpal tunnel, so eliminate sources of sodium from your diet.

Avoid saturated fat, which slows circulation.

Other Recommendations

• Use a cold compress to reduce swelling.
• Cigar and cigarette smoke disturbs the circulation. If you smoke, quit. If you're exposed to secondhand smoke, remove yourself from the smoky environment as much as possible.
• Pregnant women whose CTS is brought on by edema will find that their symptoms disappear after their babies are born.
• If your CTS has been caused by overuse of the wrist and the fingers, stop all repetitive hand motions for a few days. When you return to your work, you'll need to alternate repetitive tasks with other activities. Take a break every hour to rest and to rotate your wrists, and try to keep your work environment warm and dry, as cool, humid conditions can aggravate CTS.
• If you work on a computer, make sure your screen is two feet away from your body and slightly below your line of vision. Also, use a wrist rest. Most employers are now aware of CTS and will provide ergonomic workspace if you ask for it.

Bruce Brightman – founder

LifeSource Vitamins

Proudly Made in the USA!

Every LifeSource Vitamins product exceeds all regulatory standards and requirements set forth in the FDA's Code of Federal Regulation. ( 21 CFR, part 111 ) as well as all Good Manufacturing Practices enforced by the FDA. CGMP's provide for systems that assure proper design, monitoring, and control of manufacturing processes and facilities. ( CGMP ).

LifeSource Vitamins: Driven by Faith ~ Powered by God

Have Questions on this or any other product or health issue for you or a loved one? It can be overwhelming we know. Call us, we will walk you through what supplements will help you and which ones you really don’t need. It’s what we do! Toll-Free: 800-567-8122

LifeSource Vitamins – Founded in 1992

100% of our profits are donated to Christian Organizations like these and many others worldwide:

Campus Crusade for Christ - CRU

The Jesus Film Project

World Vision

The Tim Tebow Foundation

Compassion International

Samaritan’s Purse

The Herman and Sharron Show on CTN (Christian Television Network) and many more…

www.LifesourceVitamins.com

E-mail Us: [email protected]

or Call Us: 800.567.8122

We Are Built on Compassion - Driven by Faith & Powered by God!

*Disclaimer: None of the above statements have been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. As always, consult your physician before taking any and all supplements. LifeSource Vitamins. Individual results may vary.

Disclaimer: All the information contained throughout this website is based upon the opinions of the founder of LifeSource Vitamins, Bruce Brightman, and the entire team at LifeSource Vitamins whose relentless research and studies have been ongoing since 1992. Other articles and information are based on the opinions of the authors, who retain the copyright as marked in the article. The information on this site is not intended to replace your health care professional, but to enhance your relationship with them. Doing your own studying and research and taking your health care into your own hands is always best, especially in partnership with your health care professional.

If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have any medical conditions, always consult your health care professional before taking supplements based on the information on this site.

LifeSource Vitamins: from the nutrients we choose, to the way we run our business, we answer to God in all we do!