The Carpal tunnel is the passageway through the wrist that protects the nerves and tendons that extend into the hand. The meridian nerve that passes through it is close to nine tendons and if any of these become injured or if the tissues of the tunnel become swollen and inflamed, this nerve will get compressed. This causes numbness, tingling and often and incredible pain that shoots up and down the arm and is always worse at night. This is the single most common occupational illness now reported and is always the result of repetitive movements causing repetitive strain injuries (RSI), such as typing on a computer keyboard. Natural Methods for coping with RSI Some sufferers have been shown to be deficient in vitamin B6 and in trials, a number of patients taking 100mg twice a day for 12 weeks, were able to reduce their intake of painkillers and avoid surgery. RSI is caused by inflammation. Taking Natural anti-inflammatories will help bring the inflammation down. Here are a few Natural anti-inflammatories you can use: Did you know... In the UK, the NHS bill for treating gastric bleeding caused by anti-inflammatory drugs is currently running at 367 million a year. This is a good reason to investigate what the natural world has to offer. Boswellia Also known as Indian frankincense, this can inhibit enzymes that would otherwise trigger the inflammation causing arthritic conditions and RSI. Take 400mg 3 times a day. There are no reported contraindications. Bromelain Known as the tissue healer, this increasingly popular anti-inflammatory agent is derived from the stems of fresh pineapples. If you are scheduled for surgery, do not leave home without this remedy. It has great post-operative and post-traumatic anti-swelling properties. Take 500mg 3 times a day. Do not combine with zinc as this can inhibit the activity of Bromelain and avoid potatoes and soy products which can do the same thing. Avoid altogether if you know you are allergic to bee venom. Ginger This herb has lots of different actions in the body, and one of it's properties is it's potent anti-inflammatory properties. Take 250mg 3 times a day. There are no reported contraindications. Glucosamine This is produced naturally in the body. There is it used to make cartilage. This is great because it doesn't simply treat the symptoms, but it can actually slow the progress of joint diseases caused by wear and tear. It is especially good for treating osteoarthritis. Glucosamine supplements are made from chitin, a substance found in the shells of shrimps, lobsters and crabs. You will often find combination formulations that include chondroitin, another naturally occurring substance which can protect the joint from wear and tear. Take 500mg 3 times a day. Methylsulphonylmethane (MSM) This is a form of organic sulphur which is present in all living organisms and plays a key role in tissue healing. It is often prescribed by surgeons. You can get MSM from lots of foods including fresh cow's milk and fresh vegetables as well as meats and seafoods. It is easily destroyed by cooking and food processing techniques, making it impossible to get a therapeutic dose from your diet. Instead, it is advisable to take a supplement of 1g a day with food to promote internal healing and alleviate inflammation. Arthritis sufferers who take this supplement report the welcome side effect of thicker, glossier hair and stronger nails. Turmeric A member of the ginger family, turmeric has many medicinal actions including anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate the pain of RSI and arthritis. Take 400-600mg a day. In some arthritic patients, turmeric in the diet can exacerbate arthritic-type conditions. Unfortunately, there are no predictors for who may be adversely affected in this way. You will have to monitor your reactions and stop using this remedy if your symptoms worsen. At http://www.naturalremedies4u.com, we recommend three online health stores where supplements made from the products above can be obtained. |
