Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a medical condition affecting the wrist, in which repetitive moments of the fingers, usually occupational, such as uninterrupted typing, cause a swelling of the fibrous tissue in the wrist. This swelling in turn exerts pressure on the median nerve, thereby causing numbness, tingling and pain in the thumb, index and middle fingers. Other medical conditions can also cause the carpal tunnel syndrome such as obesity, pregnancy, arthritis, hyperthyroidism, diabetes and trauma. A similar condition occurring in the foot is known as tarsal tunnel syndrome; however, this condition is less common.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is mainly an occupational hazard for individuals engaged in administrative work, who need to do a lot of typing on a daily basis. This condition may also be seen commonly in patients affected with arthritis or who have undergone physical trauma. The Ayurvedic herbal treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome involves giving symptomatic treatment for pain and swelling as well as for the numbness and burning sensation. Treatment is also given to reduce the swelling in the fibrous tissue situated in the wrist. Ayurvedic herbal medicines have a good anti- inflammatory action, which reduces pain, swelling, as well as other symptoms related to carpal tunnel syndrome. This treatment can also be supported by local treatment in the form of local applications as well as fomentation. Ayurvedic herbal ointments, pastes, and medicated oils are used as local therapy. Local therapy also helps in quickly reducing pain and swelling related to the condition.
Most people affected with carpal tunnel syndrome need to take Ayurvedic herbal treatment for about 1 to 2 months in order to get complete relief from the condition. People who present with an advanced condition also report symptoms of nerve damage. Such patients may require longer treatment, typically lasting for about four to six months. However, almost all patients affected with carpal tunnel syndrome recover completely with Ayurvedic herbal treatment. It is equally important for the patient to reduce the cause of the condition, in order to get earlier relief and to prevent recurrence of the condition.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com
