When the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the palm of the hand, is pinchedor constricted at the wrist, then Carpal Tunnel Syndrome will usually ensue.  The median nerve allows you to ability to feel in your thumb, index finger, middle finger, and ring finger.  Pressure on the median nerve will come from swelling or anything that makes that carpal tunnel smaller.  While the pain that affects the carpal tunnel area may be caused by other factors, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one of the most common entrapment neuropathies, in which nerves are traumatized. 

While signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome may be caused by other factors, it is a very common disorder that is the result of nerve compression.  Symptoms may occur in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and part of the ring finger.  In the early stages of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, symptoms may take place at night and you may be able to rid them by shaking your hand.  

• Burning, Tingling, or Itching Numbness in the Palm of the Hand
• Pain or Burning (which travels up the arm)
• Wrist Pain at Night (this may interfere with sleep)
• Weakness in Hand Muscles
• Looser Grip
• Difficulty Making a Fist
• Difficulty Holding on to Small Objects
• Restricted Hand/Wrist Movement

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the result of pressure on the median nerve and tendons in the carpal tunnel.  Anything that crowds, irritates, or constricts, e.g. a wrist or hand fracture, space in the carpal tunnel can lead to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.  Inflammation can cause swelling in the carpal tunnel.  The swelling can be linked to an underlying condition such as Arthritis.  In a lot of cases there is no single cause, but rather a combination of causes like the ones below. 

• Trauma to Wrist
• Diabetes
• Thyroid Dysfunction
• Fluid Retention (from Menopause or Pregnancy)
• Autoimmune Disorders
• Arthritis
• Prolonged Vibrations from Using Power Tools
• Repeated Motions that Over-extend the Wrist
• Bursitis
• Tendonitis

• Avoid positions that over-extend the wrist.  You can even take preventative measures by wearing a wrist splint, which will keep your hand in a neutral position that doesn't irritate the carpal tunnel.  It's best to wear a splint at night, especially when you sleep.
• If there is an underlying cause, then that condition should be treated first.  If you have Diabetes or Arthritis, then it is beneficial to take care of those symptoms before you try and remedy Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
• Alternating between ice and heat on the carpal tunnel can help provide relief.  Rest an ice pack on the wrist and then use the heat to relax the surrounding muscles and tendons.
• Massage your wrist and palm twice a day with a lotion or ointment containing arnica, which has anti-inflammatory properties.  The arnica may help ease the pain after continued use.
• Adding omega-3 fatty acids to your diet is also beneficial.  Flax seed, pumpkin seeds, or walnuts are great sources of these.  You can also eat foods that have natural anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric, ginger, and rosemary being three great ones.
• Consuming magnesium or foods that are rich in magnesium may be beneficial because magnesium can help relieve the body of tension.  It is a natural stress reliever and can help calm the muscles in the carpal tunnel area.

• Red Bell Pepper
• Dark Leafy Greens (Kale, Chard, or Spinach)
• Rosemary
• Ginger
• Herbal Tea
• Turmeric
• Pineapple
• Raw Walnuts
• Flax Seed or Flax Seed Oil