Best Ayurvedic Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Abstract

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common nerve problems, accounting for up to 45% of all non-injury related nerve issues. CTS is responsible for almost 90% of neuropathic conditions, with an estimated of around 10% of the population affected worldwide. Women are affected more than men, and it is commonly seen in between the age of 30- 50 years. Women are more commonly impacted, with prevalence rates of 3.8% in women and 2.7% in men. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is common in people who do repetitive tasks, like office workers, drivers, etc. If not treated early, CTS can worsen over time, leading to long-lasting symptoms.

Introduction

The median nerve and the other tendons pass through the carpal tunnel which is a passageway present in the wrist. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome develops when the median nerve gets compressed, causing tingling, numbness, pain, and weakness in the hand. This compression is often due to inflammation or pressure in the carpal tunnel, a passageway in the wrist through which the nerve passes. The cause of this syndrome is idiopathic but it is commonly seen to develop due to some occupational or some repetitive habit like typing with extra force. This falls under a group of disorders known as Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs), which are caused by repetitive movements, poor posture, or excessive force over extended periods, leading to tissue inflammation and nerve compression.

Causes

1. Dislocation of carpal bones
2. Any arthritis in the wrist like inflammatory arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis etc.
3. Cyst or any tumors in the carpal tunnel.
4. Obesity, Hypothyroidism
5. Hormonal up and down in pregnancy, menopause, etc.
6. Repetitive hand & wrist movements involving gardening, use of vibrating tools, typing, Knitting etc.
7. Life threatening conditions which affect vitamin D absorption renal failure, congestive heart failure, Liver cirrhosis.
8. Use of oral contraceptives pills.
9. Abuse of drugs, alcohol, or other toxic substances.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome usually develop gradually one by one and take time to manifest the disease.

1. Numbness, weakness and tingling sensation in hand and wrist.
2. Pain in hand, wrist and the affected arm.
3. Pain increases at night.
4. Difficulty gripping objects or shivering while holding objects.
5. When wakes up feels a need to shake the wrist and hand.

Advanced Symptoms

1. Constant numbness especially in fingers and the thumb.
2. Difficulty grasping smaller objects.
3. Weakness in muscles of hand.
4. Weaker grasps leading to dropping of the objects.
5. Pain that goes till the elbow.
6. Inability to button up the shirt
7. Symptoms get worsened on using hand and wrist

Diagnosis

Your doctor will analyze your symptoms and perform a few tests to check for nerve response.

• Tinel’s sign: A light tap on the nerve in the wrist is done to check if it causes tingling or not.
• Carpal Compression test: The median nerve is pressed in your wrist for about 30 seconds.
• Phalen’s test: Both the hands are pressed together against each other’s back and holded in the same position for 30-60 seconds.
• Nerve conduction study: It is done to measure the electrical impulses in the median nerve.
• Electromyography (EMG): A thin needle is inserted into your muscles to measure the electrical activity.
• Ultrasound, X-ray are done to rule out any other cause of pain.
• MRI: It gives an exact image of the median nerve, if it is swollen or compressed or not.

Treatment / Lifestyle Adjustments

1. Anti-inflammatory medications: NSAIDs or over the counter pain medicines like ibuprofen are used to reduce inflammation.
2. Corticosteroids: Oral corticosteroids or IV injections are used to reduce swelling and pain.
3. Wrist-splinting: Wearing a splint while working or at night helps keep the nerve stable.
4. Physical therapy: To strengthen nerves and muscles of the hand is advised.
5. Surgery: If conservative approach isn’t beneficial then surgery is advised. Here the transverse carpal ligament is cut and removed from the tunnel to create more space within the carpal tunnel.
6. Avoid triggering factors, long working hours, or repetitive motions to stay away from flare ups.

Ayurvedic Overview

In our ayurvedic classics, there is no direct correlation for carpal tunnel syndrome but it can be understood as “Vata dushti” in accordance with the manifestation of the disease. Vata dosha plays a very significant role in all the movements happening within the body. There are five types of vata dosha which are responsible for different- different movements in the body. Among them “Vyana Vayu” is responsible for all the swift movements in the body like flexion, extension, gait, etc.  Therefore, when “Vyana vayu dushti” occurs the symptoms similar to neuropathy which are seen in carpal tunnel syndrome develop. The advanced symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome like loss of function of the hand and the dysfunction of the ligaments are seen in a Vataj vyadhi (diseases because of vata dosha) named “Vishwachi” and the severe pain is seen in “khalli”. Along with vata dosha there is involvement of Kapha dosha too. The pathology manifests because of consumption of vata and kapha prakopa ahara- vihara (diet and lifestyle which cause vitiation of vata and kapha dosha). This leads to the pathological increase of vata and kapha dosha and they get lodged in the manibandha sandhi (wrist joint). Vayu gets obstructed in the hand and wrist area because of obstruction caused by the kapha dosha. The obstructed and the impaired vata continues to increase at the site causing ruja (pain), supti (numbness), and shosha (inflammation) in the wrist.

Ayurveda treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndromeoffers effective ways to manage carpal tunnel syndrome through both Shamana (internal medicine) and Shodhana (purification) chikitsa (treatment). For Shodhana (purification), Snehana (oleation), Swedana (fomentation), Shastika Shali Pinda Sweda (bolus fomentation with red rice), Ekang- dhara (medicated oils or decoction are poured over locally affected areas), Patra Pinda Sweda (fomentation with a bolus of vata pacifying leaves) etc. are advised with Pinda tail, Dhanwantri tail, Ksheerbala taila, Mahanarayan tail and other vata pacifying oils. For Shamana chikitsa (internal medicine based treatment) Yograj guggul, Trayodashang guggul, Ashwagandha churna, Dashmoolarishta, Nirgundyadi kwath, Rasraj Ras, etc. are effective for pacifying the disease internally.

Herbal Remedies for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda provides a combination of ayurvedic herbs for the management of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The medicines beneficial in carpal tunnel syndrome are Boswellia Curcumin, Rumogin 5, Yograj Guggul, Ashwagandha Ghan Vati, Aamvatantak Churna, and Orthovita Oil. All the Planet Ayurveda medicines are 100 % natural, vegetarian, additive free, chemical & preservative free and without any side effects. With ayurvedic intervention, the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be managed efficiently and thus, increasing the quality of life.

Product Description

1. Boswellia Curcumin

These capsules are made from the standardized extract of Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Haridra (Curcuma longa). The “Frankenstein oil” found in Shallaki and the primary compound Curcumin in Haridra are both powerful anti-inflammatory agents, making them effective in alleviating joint pain and enhancing joint flexibility.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice a day.

2. Rumogin 5 Capsules

These capsules are formulated using the standardized extracts of several Ayurvedic herbs, including Haridra (Curcuma longa), Sunthi (Zingiber officinalis), Shallaki (Boswellia serrata), Pippali (Piper longum), and Maricha (Piper nigrum). These herbs possess anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, and antimicrobial properties, which contribute to promoting joint health and enhancing joint mobility and flexibility.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice a day.

3. Yograj Guggul

Yograj Guggul is available in tablet form, made from the standardized extracts of Ayurvedic herbs such as Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Amla (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), and Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica). Together, these herbs help balance all three doshas of the body, with a particular focus on soothing the Vata dosha. These tablets are recognized for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and detoxifying properties. They support joint health, promote a healthy metabolism, ease digestive discomfort, and assist in managing conditions like arthritis, obesity.

Dosage: 2 tablets twice a day.

4. Ashwagandha Ghan Vati

These tablets are made from the Ghan-satva of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Ghan-satva is a highly concentrated form of the standardized extract of the herb. Ashwagandha has nourishing (Snigdha guna) yet light (Laghu) qualities and a hot potency i.e., Ushna veerya. It is especially effective for balancing the Kapha and Vata doshas, addressing issues like fatigue, stress, or joint problems. Ashwagandha acts as a powerful Rasayana, enhancing vitality and longevity, while also improving strength as it is Balya. Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial benefits, promoting overall health.

Dosage: 2 tablets twice a day.

5. Aamvatantak Churna

This formulation is available in “Churna” form, made from the standardized extracts of herbs such as Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Methi (Trigonella foenum-graecum), Suranjana (Colchicum autumnale), Gorakhmundi (Sphaeranthus indicus), Haridra (Curcuma longa), and Shunthi (Zingiber officinalis). This churna works together to eliminate the accumulated “ama” in the body, helping to balance it. It also supports the reduction of inflammation.

Dosage: 1 tsp twice with warm water.

6. Orthovita Oil

This medicated oil is a mixture of various potent oils like Shula Gajendra taila, Gandhapura oil, Turpentine oil, Saindhavadi taila, Prasarini taila, and camphor. All these oils are beneficial in managing pain, stiffness and inflammation in the ligaments, tendons and joints. These oils efficiently balance both Vata and Kapha dosha. Saindhavadi taila helps in improving nerve pain and reducing discomfort in the wrist. The camphor improves the overall absorption of the oil and helps it in reaching deep internal tissues.

Dosage: warm oil to be applied on the affected area.

Conclusion

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a prevalent condition affecting individuals, especially those engaged in repetitive tasks, leading to compression of the median nerve. While conventional Treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome such as medications, physical therapy, and surgery are commonly employed, Ayurvedic medicine offers effective, natural alternatives for managing this syndrome. Ayurveda focuses on addressing the root cause of the condition through both internal and external therapies. Shamana (internal medicine) with herbs like Ashwagandha and Yograj Guggul, combined with Shodhana (purification) treatments like Snehana and Swedana, work synergistically to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and restore function to the affected areas. With consistent Ayurvedic intervention, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be managed effectively, offering long-term relief and enhancing overall well-being without the side effects of conventional treatments.