Knowledge Base

CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

by Dr Vaid Ji on Nov 11, 2023

CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

DEFINITION

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a condition that occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes compressed or squeezed at the wrist within the carpal tunnel. This compression can cause a range of symptoms due to the impaired function of the median nerve.

Causes:

The exact cause of CTS can vary, but it is often associated with:

  • Repetitive Hand Movements: Activities or occupations that involve repetitive hand or wrist movements can contribute to CTS.
  • Wrist Anatomy: Individuals with a smaller carpal tunnel or certain wrist anatomy variations may be more prone to CTS.
  • Wrist Injuries: Injuries to the wrist, such as fractures or sprains, can increase the risk of CTS.
  • Underlying Health Conditions: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, thyroid disorders, and pregnancy can be associated with CTS.

Symptoms:

Common symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome include:

  • Numbness: Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and part of the ring finger.
  • Weakness: Weakness in the hand, making it challenging to grip or hold objects.
  • Pain: Pain or discomfort in the hand, wrist, or even radiating up the arm.
  • Burning Sensation: A burning sensation in the affected hand
  • Difficulty with Fine Motor Skills: Difficulty performing fine motor tasks like buttoning a shirt or typing.
  • Symptoms at Night: Symptoms often worsen at night, potentially disrupting sleep.

Risk Factors:

Several factors can increase the risk of developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

  • Repetitive Hand Use: Occupations or activities that involve repetitive hand movements can increase the risk.
  • Heredity: A family history of CTS may increase susceptibility.
  • Gender: CTS is more common in women.
  • Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and fluid retention during pregnancy can contribute to CTS.
  • Medical Conditions: Certain conditions, like diabetes, obesity, and rheumatoid arthritis, can raise the risk.

Ayurvedic management of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

 (CTS) aims to balance the body's energies (doshas) and improve overall health to alleviate symptoms and promote healing. Here are some Ayurvedic approaches that may be used to manage CTS:

  • Ayurvedic Diet and Lifestyle: Ayurveda places a strong emphasis on diet and lifestyle to balance the doshas. An Ayurvedic practitioner may recommend dietary changes and lifestyle modifications tailored to your dosha constitution (Vata, Pitta, or Kapha) and the imbalances causing CTS.
  • Herbal Remedies: Ayurvedic practitioners may suggest herbal formulations or remedies to address pain and inflammation. Some herbs, like Ashwagandha and Guggul, are known for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
  • Massage and Ayurvedic Therapies-Abhyanga using warm medicated oils can help improve circulation and reduce pain.
  • Yoga and exercise-Yoga poses and exercises that focus on strengthening and stretching the wrists and hands can be beneficial.
  • Pranayama and Meditation- Breathing exercises and meditation can help manage stress and reduce pain.
  • Acupuncture and Marma Thearpy - These therapies may be considered as complementary treatments for pain relief and to balance energy flow in the body.
  • Wrist Splinting: Ayurvedic practitioners may recommend wearing a wrist splint to keep the wrist in a neutral position and alleviate pressure on the median nerve.
  • Hot and Cold Therapy: Applying warm or cold compresses as per Ayurvedic guidelines can help reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Detoxification: Ayurveda uses Panchakarma, a detoxification and cleansing therapy, to remove toxins from the body. This can help improve overall health and may have a positive impact on CTS.
  • Lifestyle Modifications: Practicing mindfulness and ergonomic changes in your work environment can help prevent or alleviate CTS symptoms.

CHANDIGARH AYURVED CENTRE MEDICATION FOR THE TREATMENT OF CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME:

  1. Detox Premium Powder:

Detox premium powder are herbo-mineral sachets which are purely Ayurvedic formulation. These sachets mainly detox the body and eliminate toxic substances and helps in proper metabolism of all the functions. These sachets have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and immune-modulator. The ingredients present in it are moti pishti, parwal pishti, shukta pishti, Giloy satv, kamdudha ras, Jahar Mohra, akik pishti, gandhak rasayan, sutshekhar ras, etc. These ingredients balance all the three doshas (Vata, Pitta & Kapha) and help in blood purification, reduce burning sensation, weakness, and hot flashes in patients. It reduces the level of high uric acid in the body and is beneficial in relieving discomfort, numbness, muscle ache, and reduces swelling. It is very beneficial in reducing the redness, stiffness, improves the movements of joint, Ulcerative colitis, Vomiting, Psoriasis, Eczema, Cramps, Dysuria, Psychosis, Insomnia, and Schizophrenia.

Recommended dosage: Take 1 sachet twice daily.

  1. Nerve Plus tablet:

These tablets show Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, and immune- modulator properties. It contains herbal ingredients Ghritkumari (Aloe barbadensis), Kali mirch (Piper nigrum), Giloy satav (Tinospora cordifolia), shudha kuchala, shudha shilajeet, shudha vatsnabh, shudh singraf. These herbs help in balancing Vata dosha. It is beneficial for diseases of stomach, kidney, stimulates nerves and appetite, and promotes the level of testosterone naturally. It also reduces inflammation, general weakness, shortness of breath, and pain.

Recommended Dosage – Take 1 tablet twice daily.

  1. Trikatu Tablet:

Trikatu means 3 most essential species –Maricha (Piper nigrum), Pippali (Piper longum), and Sonth (Zingiber officinale). It is an herbal formulation used in Ayurveda for enhancing effects and increasing the absorption of ayurvedic medicines. It has hot potency, which means its intake results in the production of heat in the body and increases digestive juices and bile salt secretion. Trikatu tablet promotes the bioavailability of nutrients and increases the absorption of drugs in the bloodstream.

Recommended Dosage – Take 1 tablet twice a day with normal water.

  1. Panchasakar Churna:

The churna has best results in the detoxification of excess toxins from the body and maintains the proper metabolism. It is made up of a total of 5 ingredients – Shunthi (Zingiber officinale), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Svaran patri (Cassia angustifolia), Shatapushpa (Foeniculum vulgare),Sauvarchala lavana (Rock salt). The powder reduces the inflammation, redness, relieves constipation, abdominal discomfort and also prevents it from re-occurring.

Recommended Dosage – Take 1 teaspoonful at bedtime with lukewarm water.

  1. Makar rasayan:

It contains natural ingredients like shudha kuchla, guduchi satva, shudha shilajeet, ras sindoor, moonga bhasma, shankh bhasma, praval pishti etc. These ingredients show antioxidant, aphrodisiac, analgesic and immune modulator properties. It helps to rejuvenate body tissues and act as an immune modulator, Immunity booster, Improves vitality, improves the overall health of an individual, Acts on Central Nervous System, Help reduces stress, anxiety and cures Vata dosha related disorders.

Recommended Dosage – Take 1 tablet twice daily.

  1. Giloy Capsules:

Giloy Capsules are herbo mineral and purely ayurvedic formulation. Giloy has been used in ayurvedic medicine since ages. These capsules are made up pure extract of Giloy ( Tinosporia Cordifolia ), which is also known as AMRITA which translates to root of immortality because of its abundant medicinal properties.  Giloy capsules are highly efficient as they contain required amount of Giloy in them and are 100% natural and safe. It is one of the best Rasayan of ayurveda that help Rejuvinate your body in all aspects. It is a very good anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-microbial herb and also helps in pacifying Vata dosha. Giloy capsules support normal kidney functions, have blood purifying properties, treat liver disorders, skin diseases, general weakness and boost your immune system to fight against infections.

Recommended Dosage:  Take 1-2 capsules twice daily after meals.

  1. Vata Balance Tablet:

Vata balance tablet is a rejuvenating blend of herbs is specially formulated to balance Vata doshas without aggravating Pitta or Kapha doshas. It may be used to support overall health and well-being by Vata constitutions with or without food. For those with a dual constitution that includes Vata or a tridoshic constitution, it is an excellent formula for the Vata season, which in most parts of the world is autumn and early winter. This is the time when Vata gets aggravated. Healthy Vata contains herbs that help the system remain balanced throughout the season. The main ingredients are trikatu, triphla, giloy, nirgundi, and vatsnabh.

Recommended Dosage – Take 1 tablet twice daily.