Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful condition caused by swelling and inflammation in the wrist and tendons of the fingers that surround the median nerve.
When the swollen tendons squeeze or compress the median nerve, it causes pain, tingling, and numbness. Carpal tunnel syndrome is sometimes referred to as a repetitive motion syndrome.
Foods and supplements that alleviate inflammation may benefit this condition. In some instances, the right type of diet may alleviate symptoms enough so that other medical treatments are not needed. In other instances, it may be a beneficial addition to medical treatment.
Certain foods may also exacerbate this condition, by furthering inflammation in the body.
Read on to learn about the foods and supplements that help or hurt carpal tunnel syndrome.
Carpal tunnel syndrome has a number of known causes. These include:
Inflammation also plays a central role in the pain-related symptoms caused by carpal tunnel syndrome.
Inflammation is a natural process in the body that helps protect you from injury and infection. However, chronic inflammation has been linked to:
A diet high in processed foods may increase levels of pro-inflammatory proteins, called cytokines. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFa) is a cytokine that has been specifically linked to carpal tunnel pain. Research shows that diets rich in processed foods may increase inflammatory proteins, like TNFa.
Foods that promote inflammation may make carpal tunnel syndrome worse. These include:
Refined starches are also referred to as simple carbohydrates, or simply, bad carbs. They include grains that have been stripped of fiber, nutrients, and bran. They also include desserts and sodas.
Refined starches and sugars include:
Many refined carbohydrates are also high in saturated or trans fat. These include desserts such as pie and cake.
Other foods high in saturated and trans fat include:
Fried foods are often high in trans fat and salt. They include many fast foods, such as French fries, fried chicken, and tacos.
Since salt can cause water retention, it may worsen swelling and pressure on the median nerve.
Avoid foods that are high in salt, including processed, packaged foods. Also avoid adding table salt to meals.
A too-heavy intake of alcoholic beverages can raise inflammation levels in the body.
A 2018 study found that long-term, excessive drinking could increase the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.
Foods that reduce inflammation have been shown in studies to be beneficial to health and may support a reduction in carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. They include:
Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and are neuroprotective. A small 2020 study found that omega-3 fatty acids reduced numbness and pain caused by carpal tunnel syndrome. Foods containing omega-3 fatty acids include:
Foods high in antioxidants can reduce inflammation and may help alleviate the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. They include:
Vitamin B6 supplementation is a controversial treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. Its sometimes recommended by healthcare providers because its optimal for overall health, plus it may help reduce carpal tunnel symptoms.
Its not completely clear how B6 works for this condition. One possible explanation is that it acts as an analgesic, by raising the pain threshold of people with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Foods high in B6 include:
Vitamin B12 supplementation may be beneficial for reducing the effects of nerve damage and relieving pain. Eating a diet high in this nutrient may also be beneficial. Foods high in vitamin B12 include:
Turmeric is a spice that contains curcumin, which has been found to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects for peripheral nerves.
In addition to scientific data, users of turmeric say its beneficial for reducing the inflammation associated with carpal tunnel syndrome and with other conditions, including arthritis.
If you decide to try turmeric, make sure to use it with black pepper. The pepper increases the bioavailability of curcumin, increasing its effectiveness.
You can also drink turmeric tea.
If your diet is lacking in the vitamins and nutrients found in the foods listed above, you may benefit from taking them as supplements. They include:
In addition, there are supplements that may be beneficial to take, as the nutrients are hard to get through diet alone. They include:
Home remedies for carpal tunnel syndrome may be useful for pain relief and for alleviating swelling. They include:
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be painful and debilitating. Since it can occur in both wrists, it may significantly reduce your ability to participate in daily activities.
If at-home treatments and dietary changes dont help, talk with a healthcare provider.
In some instances, acupuncture may be beneficial for alleviating this condition and reducing pain.
You may also wish to consider medical treatments, such as cortisone injections.
Surgical solutions for carpal tunnel syndrome may be highly beneficial.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful condition caused by the compression of nerves in the wrist and palm.
Eating certain foods and taking dietary supplements may help alleviate the swelling and inflammation caused by this condition. There are also some at-home treatments that can help.
If diet and at-home methods for treating carpal tunnel syndrome arent enough, speak with a healthcare provider.
Excerpt from:
Carpal Tunnel Foods to Avoid, and Foods That Are Beneficial - Healthline
