Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Why it works: Anti-inflammatory & pro-resolution actions. EPA/DHA are precursors to resolvins (E-series from EPA, D-series from DHA) which actively turn off neuro-inflammation and reduce pain si...

Instructions: If you and your clinician decide to try omega-3s alongside standard CTS measures (splinting, ergonomics, steroid injection or surgery when indicated):. Dose & duration used in the...

Warnings: General safety & upper intakes.. • The NIH and FDA indicate up to ~5 g/day of combined EPA+DHA from...

Studies: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled CTS trial (Thai...

Why it works: There are no human clinical trials showing CQ relieves CTS. Standard, evidence-based CTS care remains wrist splinting, local corticosteroid injection, ergonomics/nerve-gliding, and...

Instructions: Dose range: Most supplements supply 500–1,000 mg/day; human studies have used 300–3,200 mg/day. Many joint-pain and bone-health trials split the dose BID with meals. Start low and...

Warnings: Blood sugar: CQ may lower glucose; monitor closely if you have diabetes or are on antidiabetic meds....

Studies: There are no CTS-specific CQ trials. Evidence relates to mec...

Why it works: Anti-inflammatory mechanism: Boswellic acids—especially AKBA (acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid)—are direct, non-redox inhibitors of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), reducing pro-inflammatory...

Instructions: Only one randomized controlled trial in CTS (topical formulation) has been published to date:. • Formulation & regimen used in the RCT: a Boswellia carterii (frankincense) oleogel...

Warnings: Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Safety isn’t established; avoid unless a clinician advises otherwise. Web...

Studies: Triple-blind RCT, n=36 (28 completers), mild–moderate CTS: T...

Why it works: CTS involves swelling/inflammation within the carpal tunnel that increases pressure on the median nerve. Standard care aims to reduce that pressure (splints, steroid injections, or...

Instructions: 1) Topical curcumin gel (the best CTS-specific evidence so far). • A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in 70 adults with mild–moderate CTS used a topical curcumin...

Warnings: Drug interactions & bleeding risk: Curcumin can inhibit platelet aggregation; use caution with warfa...

Studies: Topical curcumin RCT (2024, Pain Medicine, n=70): 8 weeks of...

Why it works: CTS is a compression/entrapment neuropathy of the median nerve, not a primarily inflammatory arthritis. Evidence-based care aims to reduce pressure on the nerve (splinting, cortico...

Instructions: Oral (capsule/powder/tea): many reputable references advise ≤ 3–4 g/day of total ginger from all sources; pregnant people are usually advised ≤ 1 g/day. Start lower (e.g., 1–2 g/da...

Warnings: Bleeding risk / drug interactions: Ginger can potentiate bleeding—avoid or get medical guidance if y...

Studies: CTS-specific trials of ginger: I could not find randomized o...

Why it works: Pattern fit: In Traditional Chinese Medicine, many wrist/hand pain presentations that resemble CTS are classified as “Bi” (painful obstruction) with Wind-Cold-Damp invading the cha...

Instructions: Composition & source: Juan Bi Tang originates from Yang Shi Jia Cang Fang and is a multi-herb decoction (e.g., Qiang Huo, Fang Feng, Dang Gui, Bai Shao, Huang Qi, Jiang Huang, Shen...

Warnings: Because Juan Bi Tang is a combination of herbs, you need to consider each component’s safety and you...

Studies: Direct CTS evidence for Juan Bi Tang:There are no randomized...

Why it works: Bromelain (a pineapple-derived enzyme mix) has anti-inflammatory and anti-edema effects that could make biological sense for nerve-compression problems like carpal tunnel syndrome...

Instructions: Form & standardization: Look for products that declare enzyme activity, not just milligrams. Regulators express activity in FCC papain units (PU) or GDU. Health Canada notes: for m...

Warnings: Bleeding risk / interactions: Bromelain may increase bleeding; avoid or use only with medical superv...

Studies: There are no RCTs of bromelain alone for CTS. Recent systema...

Why it works: Antioxidant + anti-inflammatory effects on compressed nerves. Oxidative stress and inflammation are part of nerve injury from median-nerve compression; ALA and its reduced form (DH...

Instructions: After carpal tunnel release (post-op) to reduce “pillar pain”. • Dose & duration: Oral ALA for 40 days after surgery (dose in the randomized trial was 600 mg/day). Result: lower in...

Warnings: ALA is generally well tolerated at 600 mg/day in trials, but there are important cautions:. • Blood...

Studies: Post-op pillar pain: The best RCT (Journal of Hand Surgery,...

Why it works: Proposed actions (general, not CTS-specific): Arnica contains sesquiterpene lactones (e.g., helenalin) with anti-inflammatory activity in lab and animal studies; topical forms are...

Instructions: Topical gel/cream directions (example: Arnicare®): “Apply a thin layer to the affected area…repeat 3 times daily or as needed; wait 5 minutes after heat/ice before applying.” Do no...

Warnings: Oral/herbal arnica (non-homeopathic): Classified as unsafe by the FDA for internal use due to toxici...

Studies: There are two small randomized trials in people undergoing c...

Why it works: TCM mechanism (pattern-based): DHJST is a classic formula that “dispels Wind-Cold-Damp” (painful obstruction/“bi”), while tonifying Liver–Kidney and nourishing Qi & Blood—i.e., for...

Instructions: Forms & common adult dosing (examples from manufacturer labels):. • Teapills (“Wan”): 8 teapills, 3×/day. Best Chinese Medicines. • Capsules (concentrated extract): often 3 capsule...

Warnings: Pattern mismatch & heat/acute inflammation: DHJST is not for “hot”/acute bi or yin-deficiency heat p...

Studies: Direct CTS evidence for DHJST: I could not find randomized t...

Why it works: Anti-inflammatory activity (theoretical): Extracts of St John’s wort can down-regulate inflammatory mediators (e.g., COX-2 and iNOS) in cell and animal models, and show broader ant...

Instructions: Because there’s no CTS-specific regimen, there are no evidence-based instructions for CTS. If someone proceeds anyway (ideally after discussing with a clinician and pharmacist):. •...

Warnings: St John’s wort has many clinically important interactions and precautions, especially if taken orall...

Studies: There are no randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, o...

Why it works: Pain relief & anti-inflammatory actions (local, topical): Comfrey root extracts contain compounds (e.g., rosmarinic acid, allantoin, polysaccharides) linked to anti-inflammatory an...

Instructions: Because CTS-specific dosing isn’t established, the best evidence-based model is to mirror regimens that worked for other acute musculoskeletal conditions—while staying within moder...

Warnings: Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) & liver toxicity: Oral comfrey is contraindicated. The FDA urged remov...

Studies: There are no CTS-specific comfrey RCTs. Evidence comes from...

Why it works: It keeps the wrist in a neutral (straight) position during sleep, when many people naturally flex or extend the wrist. Neutral position lowers pressure in the carpal tunnel and red...

Instructions: Choose the right splint. • Look for a volar wrist splint with a metal stay that keeps the wrist straight; it should not immobilize the thumb or fingers. NHS Fife. When to wear it....

Warnings: Don’t overtighten: Too-tight straps can impair circulation, increase swelling, or cause skin breakdo...

Studies: Cochrane Review (2023 update): Splinting vs no splint/other...

Why it works: Proposed mechanisms (not CTS-specific): MSM has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in lab and animal models and has been studied in joint pain conditions like osteoarthritis...

Instructions: Oral doses studied in OA:. • 3 g twice daily (total 6 g/day) for 12 weeks (knee OA RCT). Oarsi Journal. • ~3.375 g/day (1.125 g three times daily) for 12 weeks (knee OA RCT). Sprin...

Warnings: Evidence quality: NCCIH notes limited research overall and uncertain safety for MSM (and DMSO), with...

Studies: Direct CTS evidence: There are no randomized or observationa...