CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME AND ITS AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT

It is a condition caused by pressure on median nerve .Carpal tunnel is an opening in wrist that is formed by the carpal bones on the bottom of wrist and the transverse carpal ligament is located at the top of wrist. Median nerves provide sensory and motor function to the thumb and 3 middle fingers. It is a progressive condition that can worsen without proper treatment.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME?

1. Family history
2. Thyroid dysfunction
3. Joint or bone disease
4. Diabetes mellitus
5. Fluid retention from pregnancy or menopause
6. Fracture or trauma to the wrist
7. High blood pressure
8. Amyloidosis
9. Overweight

SYMPTOMS OF CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME:

1. Tingling sensation
2. Numbness
3. Pain in fingers and wrist.
4. Difficulty in moving the hands like holding a book to read, writing or using a computer keyboard.
5. Weakness in muscles of hand
6. Swelling

HOW IS CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME DIAGNOSED?

1. Tinel’s sign:

In this test the doctor taps over the median nerve at the wrist and it produces a tingling sensation in the fingers. It means this test is positive.

2. Phalen’s maneuverTest:

It is positive when flexing the wrist to 90 degrees for 1 minute elicits symptoms in the median nerve distribution.

3. X-Rays.
4. Electromyography: Nerve conduction study two electrodes are taped to the skin. A small shock is given through the median nerve to see if the electrical impulses are slowed in the carpal tunnel. It shows median nerve working and how well it controls muscle movement.
5. MRI scan.

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS:

1. Pronator teres syndrome:

It is caused by compression of median nerve by the pronator teres muscle in the forearm.

2. Cervicobrachial syndrome :

Neck pain associated with tingling, numbness or discomfort in the arm, upper back and upper chest with or without an associated headache

3. Anterior interosseous nerve syndrome:

It is an associated palsy of flexor pollicus longus, the index and long fingers of the flexor digitorum profundus and the pronator quadratus muscles of the forearm.

RISK FACTORS OF CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME:

1. Sex: It is more common in women because the carpal tunnel area is small in women than in men.
2. Chronic illness: Diabetes increases the risk of nerve damage.
3. Obesity
4. Medical conditions such as menopause, thyroid disorders, kidney failure increase the chances of carpal tunnel syndrome.
5. Anatomic factors: Fracture, Dislocation, Arthritis the deforms the small bones in the wrist, can alter the space within the carpal tunnel and put pressure on the median nerve.

PREVENTION OF CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME:

1. Keep hands warm
2. Take short and frequent breaks
3. Keep your wrist straight when using tools.
4. Decrease repetitive or strong grasping with wrist in flexed position.
5. While sleeping keep wrist straight.
6. Mild exercise should be done
7. Consume balanced diet
8. Maintain healthy body weight

AYURVEDIC APPROACH OF CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME:

This condition is included under vata vyadhi in which vata dosha gets vitiated it cause symptoms like pain, numbness, swelling and restricted movements of joints. The causative factors of vata are excess intake of bitter, pungent and astringent food, very cold food, night awakening, and excessive exercise.

PANCHAKRMA PROCEDURE:

1. Lepan
2. Upnah
3. Pichu (Keeping cotton soaking in warm oil)
4. Basti
5. Bandana
6. Dhara (Pouring of warm medicated oil)

GOOD FOODS:

1. Berries
2. Spinach
3. Walnuts
4. Fatty fish
5. Banana, soyabean, Potatoes

FOODS TO AVOID IN CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME:

1. Refined sugar
2. White bread
3. Pasta
4. Cookies
5. Candies
6. Food high in saturated fat and trans fat

CHANDIGARH AYURVED CENTRE MEDICATION FOR THE TREATMENT OF CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME:

1. Detox Premium Powder:

Detox premium powder are herbo-mineral sachets which are purely Ayurvedic formulation. These sachets mainly detox the body and eliminate toxic substances and helps in proper metabolism of all the functions. These sachets have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and immune-modulator. The ingredients present in it are moti pishti, parwal pishti, shukta pishti, Giloy satv, kamdudha ras, Jahar Mohra, akik pishti, gandhak rasayan, sutshekhar ras, etc. These ingredients balance all the three doshas (Vata, Pitta & Kapha) and help in blood purification, reduce burning sensation, weakness, and hot flashes in patients. It reduces the level of high uric acid in the body and is beneficial in relieving discomfort, numbness, muscle ache, and reduces swelling. It is very beneficial in reducing the redness, stiffness, improves the movements of joint, Ulcerative colitis, Vomiting, Psoriasis, Eczema, Cramps, Dysuria, Psychosis, Insomnia, and Schizophrenia.

Recommended dosage: Take 1 sachet twice daily.

2. Nerve Plus tablet:

These tablets show Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, and immune- modulator properties. It contains herbal ingredients Ghritkumari (Aloe barbadensis), Kali mirch (Piper nigrum), Giloy satav (Tinospora cordifolia), shudha kuchala, shudha shilajeet, shudha vatsnabh, shudh singraf. These herbs help in balancing Vata dosha. It is beneficial for diseases of stomach, kidney, stimulates nerves and appetite, and promotes the level of testosterone naturally. It also reduces inflammation, general weakness, shortness of breath, and pain.

Recommended Dosage – Take 1 tablet twice daily.

3. Trikatu Tablet:

Trikatu means 3 most essential species –Maricha (Piper nigrum), Pippali (Piper longum), and Sonth (Zingiber officinale). It is an herbal formulation used in Ayurveda for enhancing effects and increasing the absorption of ayurvedic medicines. It has hot potency, which means its intake results in the production of heat in the body and increases digestive juices and bile salt secretion. Trikatu tablet promotes the bioavailability of nutrients and increases the absorption of drugs in the bloodstream.

Recommended Dosage – Take 1 tablet twice a day with normal water.

4. Panchasakar Churna:

The churna has best results in the detoxification of excess toxins from the body and maintains the proper metabolism. It is made up of a total of 5 ingredients – Shunthi (Zingiber officinale), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Svaran patri (Cassia angustifolia), Shatapushpa (Foeniculum vulgare),Sauvarchala lavana (Rock salt). The powder reduces the inflammation, redness, relieves constipation, abdominal discomfort and also prevents it from re-occurring.

Recommended Dosage – Take 1 teaspoonful at bedtime with lukewarm water.

5. Makar rasayan:

It contains natural ingredients like shudha kuchla, guduchi satva, shudha shilajeet, ras sindoor, moonga bhasma, shankh bhasma, praval pishti etc. These ingredients show antioxidant, aphrodisiac, analgesic and immune modulator properties. It helps to rejuvenate body tissues and act as an immune modulator, Immunity booster, Improves vitality, improves the overall health of an individual, Acts on Central Nervous System, Help reduces stress, anxiety and cures Vata dosha related disorders.

Recommended Dosage – Take 1 tablet twice daily.

6. Giloy Capsules:

Giloy Capsules are herbo mineral and purely ayurvedic formulation. Giloy has been used in ayurvedic medicine since ages. These capsules are made up pure extract of Giloy ( Tinosporia Cordifolia ), which is also known as AMRITA which translates to root of immortality because of its abundant medicinal properties.  Giloy capsules are highly efficient as they contain required amount of Giloy in them and are 100% natural and safe. It is one of the best Rasayan of ayurveda that help Rejuvinate your body in all aspects. It is a very good anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-microbial herb and also helps in pacifying Vata dosha. Giloy capsules support normal kidney functions, have blood purifying properties, treat liver disorders, skin diseases, general weakness and boost your immune system to fight against infections.

Recommended Dosage:  Take 1-2 capsules twice daily after meals.

7. Vata Balance Tablet:

Vata balance tablet is a rejuvenating blend of herbs is specially formulated to balance Vata doshas without aggravating Pitta or Kapha doshas. It may be used to support overall health and well-being by Vata constitutions with or without food. For those with a dual constitution that includes Vata or a tridoshic constitution, it is an excellent formula for the Vata season, which in most parts of the world is autumn and early winter. This is the time when Vata gets aggravated. Healthy Vata contains herbs that help the system remain balanced throughout the season. The main ingredients are trikatu, triphla, giloy, nirgundi, and vatsnabh.

Recommended Dosage – Take 1 tablet twice daily.