What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common, painful disorder caused by compression of 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. In addition, carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by anything that produces 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 85 percent is tartrazine. Elimination of tartrazine from the diet may help carpal tunnel syndrome.
Which Nutritional Supplements Should I Take for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Foundation Supplements. High potency multiple vitamin and mineral formula; Vitamin D3 2,000-5,000 IU/day; Fish oil, EPA+DHA 1,000 to 3,000 mg/day.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) supplementation appears to be quite helpful in many cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, based upon several double-blind studies. However, it may take as long as three months to produce a benefit. 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, vitamin B2 was shown to be useful in the treatment of the disorder on its own, but an even greater effect was seen when it was combined with vitamin B6. B2 helps convert B6 into its more active form, pyridoxal 5′-phosphate. Take 10 mg of vitamin B2 daily. Note: There is no need to supplement with 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 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. If taken orally, the dosage is three soft gelatin capsules daily.
How Do I Know if the Recommendations are Working?
While B6 therapy will often takes a few months to produce results, Celadrin cream can produce results within 30 minutes.
