Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a cumulative trauma disorder that develops over time, due to repeated stressful movements of the hands and wrist. It affects 23,000 workers a year. CTS occurs when tendons, bones, or ligaments press against a major nerve (this nerve controls the thumb muscles and sensation in the thumb, palm and first three fingers) running through the wrist. Women between 29 and 62 experience CTS more often than anyone else. Pregnancy, hypothyroidism, diabetes, and menopause increase the risk of developing CTS.

Some people lose the use of their entire hands because of CTS, that's why it's important to recognize and treat CTS symptoms early, before any lasting damage occurs. Once you've been diagnosed as having CTS, you may be referred to a physical therapy program. In mild to moderate cases of CTS, physical therapy is an effective, inexpensive treatment.

Symptoms: The first signs of CTS are typically numbness, pain, weakness, and a tingling or pins-and-needles sensation in the thumb, index finger, and middle finger. If untreated, the pain can radiate to the elbow, upper arm, and shoulder. Symptoms normally affect only one hand, but may be present in both. Symptoms are often worse at night or in the morning.

Causes: Repeated stressful motions, such as writing, typing, or hammering. Bookkeeping and checkout clerks can develop it; so can hairstylists, musicians, writers, drivers, athletes, restaurant servers, and jack hammer and chain saw operators.

Preventon: As much as possible, keep your wrists nearly straight, because too much flexing could eventually bring on problems.

Natural Remedies:

• Cold packs can help to bring down swelling. Heat packs might feel good, but avoid prolong use because heat tends to increase swelling.
• Take a generous amount of vitamin C, this helps in strengthening the nerves surrounding the tunnel.
• In recent years, therapy using large amounts of vitamin B6 has been widely publicized as a treatment for CTS.
• Application of ginger oil can help in the circulation of blood on the affected area. Taking ginger tea is also beneficial.
• Calcium and magnesium is also important for the proper function of muscles and nerves.
• Take omega-3 supplement daily for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Exercise Remedy:

• Circle your hands gently at the wrist for about 2 minutes. This exercises all the muscles of the wrist, restores circulation, and gets your wrist out of the position that brings on the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Lift your arm above your head and rotate your arm and your wrist at the same time. This gives your shoulders, neck, and upper back a break and relieves stress and tension.
• Gentle squeezing motions of the fingers should help to relieve that tingling feeling. Curl your fingers and press them lightly into your palm, then stretch them way back and hold. Repeat several times.