The Best Supplements For Carpal Tendonitis

Carpal tendonitis, more commonly known as carpal tunnel syndrome, is a condition in which your median nerve is subjected to excessive pressure. The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that carpal tendonitis may cause numbness, tingling or weakness in your hand, and that it may even cause muscle damage in your hand and fingers. Numerous supplements may be helpful for treating this common condition. However, meet with your doctor before using supplements to discuss all supplement-related issues.

Carpal Tendonitis

Your carpal tunnel, notes the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, is a small tunnel in your wrist surrounded by several of your carpal, or wrist, bones and other soft tissue structures, including your transverse carpal ligament. Your median nerve -- the nerve that provides motor and sensory sensation to structures in your hand -- travels through this narrow tunnel. Wrist inflammation and other factors may compress your median nerve and cause wrist and hand problems as a result.

Helpful Supplements

Numerous supplements, herbal and non-herbal alike, have historically been used for treating carpal tunnel syndrome, but further testing using contemporary scientific testing procedures may be warranted for some of these dietary supplements. Phyllis A. Balch, a certified nutritional consultant and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," reports that coenzyme Q10, lecithin granules, zinc, grape seed extract, manganese, primrose oil, capsicum, skullcap, marshmallow root, gravel root, bromelain and boswellia may all be helpful supplements for carpal tendonitis.

A Powerful Supplement

Grape seed extract is both a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent and may be frequently prescribed for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine states that grape seed extract has historically been used for wound healing and many other conditions, including atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, poor circulation and diabetes-related complications. Some of the medicinal ingredients contained in grape seeds include vitamin E, flavonoids and linoleic acid.

Disclaimer

Carpal tendonitis, though not a life-threatening injury, can cause considerable discomfort and can keep you from performing your activities of daily living, including certain work tasks. If you develop carpal tendonitis symptoms, schedule an appointment with a musculoskeletal healthcare specialist at your earliest possible convenience. A qualified healthcare professional can provide you with relevant and accurate information about dietary supplements, their long-term health effects, and their risks and benefits.