Carpal tunnel syndrome is incredibly common among people who participate in jobs and activities that involve repetitive motions of the hands and wrists, like typing, assembly line work, and construction work. When your hands and wrists are overused it can cause swelling and additional pressure on the median nerve in your wrist. People who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome tend to experience pain, numbness, and tingling in their hands and wrists. In addition to treatment options for carpal tunnel with your Atlanta orthopedic doctor, there are also foods that can help relieve some of your carpal tunnel symptoms.
Foods That Help Combat Carpal Tunnel
1. Salmon
One of the main reasons for carpal tunnel syndrome is how repetitive motions lead to inflammation around the nerves in your wrists. Salmon is a common fish that can help naturally decrease inflammation in your body because they are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. Fish oil supplements are also recommended to help with inflammation, though many prefer to incorporate salmon into their regular diet instead of taking a supplement. Other types of fatty fish with similar benefits for inflammation include tuna and sardines. When you regularly eat fish rich in omega-3 fats it can help to reduce the inflammation that is causing your pain and discomfort.
2. Spinach
One of the main symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome is pain and there are foods like spinach that you can add to your diet that serve as a natural pain reliever. Spinach is rich with vitamin B6, which is a natural analgesic, meaning it helps to ease pain. Spinach is one of the best foods rich with vitamin B6 to help ease your carpal tunnel pain. You may also be interested in vitamin B6 supplements, though you should talk with your doctor about the appropriate amount for your daily intake. If you are not interested in eating spinach as part of your diet then you can also try other vitamin B6-rich foods like chicken, cauliflower, oranges, and bananas.
3. Red Bell Peppers
Foods like red bell peppers are considered rich in antioxidants, which help to reduce inflammation in the body. Brightly colored produce like red bell peppers are antioxidant-rich and when regularly incorporated into your diet can help reduce inflammation associated with your carpal tunnel. Another benefit of adding red bell peppers to your diet is that these fresh produce options are part of a nutritious diet for a whole variety of reasons. Other foods rich in antioxidants include other produce options like yellow peppers, tomatoes, carrots, and leafy greens.
4. Walnuts
Another type of omega-3 fatty acid commonly referred to as ALA is common in walnuts and beneficial for reducing inflammation. The pain, numbness, and tingling you experience with repetitive hand and wrist movements are often caused by inflammation in the area. Adding walnuts and foods rich in ALA omega-3 fats to your regular diet can help to better address inflammation in your body. Walnuts can also be combined with leafy greens like spinach, which provides natural pain relief. You can also use walnut crumbles to bread fatty fish and increase the benefits of these natural vitamin-rich foods that reduce inflammation. Other foods rich in ALA include chia seeds and flaxseed.
5. Pineapple
Pineapple is a unique fruit that has a natural enzyme called bromelain that helps to reduce inflammation. Pineapple also has the added benefits of being vitamin-rich and a natural way to aid in digestion. To help find natural, nutritious ways to reduce inflammation, consider incorporating pineapple into your regular diet. Other fruits with anti-inflammatory benefits include strawberries, blueberries, oranges, cherries, and tomatoes.
Foods to Avoid
Certain foods can actually increase inflammation in the body, and while inflammation can be a healthy and natural response to healing, when it occurs chronically it can cause problems like increasing your carpal tunnel pain. Avoid highly processed foods because they are often injected with modified proteins that increase inflammation, and thus your carpal tunnel pain symptoms worse. Other foods to avoid include carbs and fried foods. Salty foods and alcohol can have dehydrating effects, which can actually worsen swelling.
Managing Carpal Tunnel Pain
Atlanta orthopedic doctors at AICA Orthopedics can help you manage carpal tunnel pain with an individualized treatment plan that may include nutritional recommendations to help reduce pain and inflammation and provide optimal care for the hand and wrist. AICA Orthopedics has doctors across Atlanta for orthopedic treatments to help you manage your carpal tunnel syndrome.
