Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common, painful disorder caused by compression of the nerve -the median nerve-that passes between the bones and ligaments of the wrist.

What are the signs and symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Compression of the median nerve causes weakness, pain when gripping, and burning, tingling, or aching that may radiate to the forearm and shoulder. Symptoms may be occasional or constant.

What causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused most frequently by repetitive minor injury. This injury occurs most commonly in people who perform repetitive, strenuous work with their hands (e.g., carpenters), but may also occur in people who do light work (e.g., typists and keyboard operators). It may also follow more serious injuries of the wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome can also be caused by anything that can produce inflammation or swelling of the tissues of the wrist such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and hypothyroidism.

What dietary factors are important in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The increased frequency of carpal tunnel syndrome since 1950 parallels the increased presence of compounds that interfere with vitamin B6 in the body. Particularly incriminating is tartrazine (FD&C yellow dye #5). Tartrazine is added to almost every packaged food. In the United States, the average daily per capita consumption of certified dyes is 15 mg, of which eighty-five percent is tartrazine. Elimination of tartrazine from the diet may help carpal tunnel syndrome.

What nutritional supplements should I take for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Foundation Supplements. There are three products from Natural Factors that I think are critical in supporting good health:

• MultiStart (age and gender specific multiple vitamin and mineral formulas). Follow label instructions.
• Enriching Greens - a great tasting "greens drink" containing highly concentrated "greens" like chlorella, spirulina, wheat grass juice, barley grass juice, etc., and herbal extracts. Take one serving (one tablespoon) in 8 ounces of water daily.
• RxOmega-3 Factors - A true pharmaceutical grade fish oil supplement. Take two capsules daily.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) supplementation appears to be quite helpful in many cases based upon several double-blind studies. It may take as long as three months to produce a benefit, but vitamin B6 is effective in many cases. Take 25 mg of vitamin B6 three to four times daily.

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and other B vitamins may increase the effectiveness of vitamin B6 in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. In one study, riboflavin was shown to be useful in the treatment of carpal syndrome on its own, but an even greater effect was seen when it was combined with vitamin B6. Vitamin B2 functions in converting vitamin B6 into its more active form, pyridoxal 5'-phosphate. Take 10 mg of riboflavin daily. Note: no need to supplement B2 if you are taking a MultiStart formula.

Celadrin® is an all-natural matrix of special cetylated, esterifed fatty acids that reduce inflammation. The unique features of Celadrin® as a natural product include an ability to reduce inflammation and pain quickly with no side effects as demonstrated in clinical trials published in the internationally acclaimed Journal of Rheumatology. Available in cream and capsule form, Celadrin® is clinically proven to produce results. Celadrin® cream can be applied to affected areas on an as needed basis. The dosage with oral preparations is three soft gelatin capsules daily.

How do I know if the program is working?

While B6 therapy will ofte take a few months to produce results, use of the topical Celadrin® cream can produce results within 30 minutes.

Feedback:

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Condition Center Caution:

• Dr. Murray’s recommendations and protocols for nutritional support are not intended as a substitute for appropriate medical care.
• The products and the claims made about specific products on or through this site have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration and are not approved to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
• If you have a medical condition or disease, please talk to your doctor prior to using the recommendations given.
• Do not self-diagnose. Proper medical care is critical to good health. If you have a health concern or undiagnosed sign or symptom, please consult a physician, preferably a naturopathic doctor (N.D.), nutritionally oriented medical doctor (M.D. or (D.O.), or other health care specialist. Please go to www.naturopathic.org to find a qualified naturopathic doctor (N.D.) in your area to help you.
• Make your physician aware of all the nutritional supplements or herbal products you are currently taking to avoid any negative interactions with any drugs you are taking.
• If you are currently taking a prescription medication, you absolutely must work with your doctor before discontinuing any drug or altering any drug regimen.