Numbness, tingling and pain in the thumb, index and middle fingers, which causes weakness and pain when writing, typing, gripping, or other activities which involve repetitive use of the wrists and hands. The condition is caused by pressure on the nerve where it passes from the wrist into the hand via the ‘carpal tunnel’. Symptoms usually get worse at night and may affect one or both hands. The condition appears for no obvious reason, typically in middle-aged women, or women who are pregnant or taking the Pill.

Treatment - Practical Advice.

Rest the hands as much as possible. Take regular breaks from repetitive hand work. Try to do the exercises listed soon every 30 minutes. Vitamin B6 deficiency has been linked to carpal tunnel syndrome. Studies show that taking a daily supplement of 100 mg of vitamin B6 daily, with a vitamin B complex, helps relieve symptoms after a period of 6-12 weeks. Excessive protein intake, oral contraceptives and some food additives and drugs inhibit the body’s uptake of vitamin B6. Reduce intake of protein to 50 grams daily, avoid yellow dyes in foods, and if possible, find an alternative means of contraception.

Homeopathy

To be taken 3 times daily for up to 2 weeks:

Symptoms relieved by heat and rubbing: Magnesia phosphorica 6c. Tendons feel contracted, loss of grip and sensation: Causticum 6c.

Hydrotherapy

Prepare an ice pack by wrapping a bag of frozen peas in kitchen towel, place it on the wrist for 10 minutes, then take it off for 10 minutes. Repeat 4 times. Carry out this procedure morning and night.

Acupressure

Place your left thumb in the centre of the back of the wrist, two and a half fingers’ width from the crease joining the wrist to the hand. Put your fingers around the other side of the wrist. Apply firm pressure to these points for 1 minute. Repeat on the other wrist. Place your left thumb on the centre of the wrist at the point where the hand joins the wrist. The fingers of the left hand should be directly behind on the inside of the wrist. Apply firm pressure for 1 minute and repeat on the other side.

Exercise

Do the following exercises at least 4 times daily to relieve numbness and tingling:

Clench your fists, then spread your fingers out. Repeat 20 times. Circle the hands, rotating from the wrist, for about 2 minutes. Then do the same exercise with your hands above your

head. This relieves tension in the arms and neck.

Professional Help

Osteopathy, chiropratic, massage and acupuncture are effective treatments for this condition.

Orthodox

A corticosteroid injection may be given to relieve pain. Diuretics (drugs to expel water from the system) are sometimes used if fluid retention is the cause. As a final resort surgery may be carried out, to sever the thick fibrous band which presses on the nerve in the carpal tunnel.