Reduce Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Pain with Mangosteen’s Anti-Inflammatory Properties

If you spend long hours working on a computer keyboard, then you might be aware of the condition most associated with this job known as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Basically, carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the median nerve that innervates the wrist is compressed, thereby leading to numbness, tingling, and weakness of the affected hand. As what was mentioned above, the most common cause is said to be long hours of using a computer. Although this is true, this is not the only cause.

Anything that puts pressure on the median nerve can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. There are health conditions that do just that, such as rheumatoid arthritis, which causes inflammation of the tendons, thereby leading to compression of the median nerve. Pregnancy can also be a cause, since it causes fluid retention in the tissues, which again leads to swelling and compression of the median nerve. Other health conditions that can cause carpal tunnel syndrome include obesity, acromegaly, and tumors.

Wrist, arm, and hand trauma can also lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. However, the biggest risk factor for this condition turns out to be genetic predisposition, as supported by several studies regarding carpal tunnel syndrome.

What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome starts with a pain in the wrist, which gradually extends to include the hand and even the forearm. As the condition progresses, so does the pain, which can stretch up to the shoulders. Aside from the pain, there is also a tingling sensation and numbness in the fingers, the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers in particular. Note that the little finger is not affected, since it is not innervated by the median nerve. Finally, a feeling of muscle weakness is also present. The person with carpal tunnel syndrome might constantly drop objects as a result of his muscle weakness.

If carpal tunnel syndrome becomes a chronic condition, it can lead to atrophy or wasting of the muscles of the hand; especially those muscles found in the palm and thumb area.

How is carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed?

Aside from the symptoms reported by the patient, there are also several tests done during physical examination that are used to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome. One of them is the Phalen’s maneuver, which is done by flexing the wrist as far as it can. This position is held until symptoms start to appear. If there are no symptoms within 60 seconds, then the person is negative for carpal tunnel syndrome. The rule here is that the earlier that symptoms start to appear, the more advanced the condition of the person is.

Another way to diagnose the condition is through the Tinel’s sign, which is performed by lightly tapping the area in which the median nerve is located. Doing so will create a tingling sensation, thereby detecting irritated nerves.

The carpal compression test or Durkan test can also be used, which is done by applying palm pressure over the nerve for 30 seconds and waiting for symptoms.

Once symptoms are experienced, your physician may prescribe an electromyogram or a nerve conduction study. This will rule out other conditions that are similar to carpal tunnel syndrome.

How can carpal tunnel syndrome be treated?

Mild cases of carpal tunnel syndrome only need to rest for a while or apply cold packs if swelling is present. However, if the symptoms are more advanced and the aforementioned measures cannot provide relief, there are other ways to treat this condition.

Splinting the wrist can help relieve tingling and numbness. However, this method is only effective it the symptoms are mild or moderate, and are only present for less than ten months.

Your doctor may also prescribe you with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which help in relieving pain. Corticsteroids may also be prescribed in order to decrease inflammation, thereby reducing the pressure made on the median nerve. Corticosteroid injections are used for treating carpal tunnel syndrome, since oral corticosteroids are found to be ineffective.

If symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are severe or they persist for more than six months, surgery may be considered. The doctor cuts the ligament that puts pressure on the median nerve. According to surveys, 70% of the people who have undergone these surgeries are satisfied with the results.

Is there a way to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome?

In reality, there are no proven ways to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. However, most physicians recommend taking frequent breaks from work, especially if you are engaged in a job that glues you to the computer for eight hours per day. Frequently stretching and bending your wrists can help. Also, your posture counts, since incorrect posture can cause your neck and shoulder muscles to ache. Working in a cold environment can also contribute to pain and stiffness in the hands, so try to keep as warm as possible.

Can mangosteen help in reducing carpal tunnel syndrome?

Mangosteen is considered to be a wonder fruit because of its antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, it is said to be better than anti-inflammatory drugs because it is natural and does not have any adverse effects. Studies show that mangosteen’s anti-inflammatory properties are even as potent as those of the medication known as Dexamethasone, minus the side effects.

Mangosteen supplements can help treat inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, headache, back pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome, to name a few. Since inflammation causes pain, it follows that mangosteen can also help relieve pain associated with these conditions.

When it comes to the form of supplement to take, the freeze-dried or powdered form of mangosteen supplements is preferred over the liquid form because the former has no preservatives added. This means that you are going to get all the nutrients contained in mangosteen, without the additives found in the juice form.

Numerous testimonials about how people have been cured of their inflammatory conditions through the use of mangosteen supplements have been written, so why not try them?