The muscles may eventually weaken and atrophy causing clumsiness.  Carpal tunnel syndrome must be distinguished from nerve entrapment elsewhere in the arm, shoulder or back that may cause similar symptoms. 

The median nerve can be compressed by physical activity.  Computer workers, musicians, athletes, hairstylists, jackhammer operators, assembly line workers and any other individual who performs repeated movements with their wrists and fingers are susceptible to this cause of carpal tunnel syndrome.  The nerve can also be compressed by pressure from fluid or other body tissues.  This occurs with conditions such as diabetes, bone spurs, inflammatory arthritis and pregnancy.

Conventional treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome involves avoidance of aggravating activities, wrist splints and anti-inflammatory medication.  Surgery is performed as a last resort; when permanent muscle and nerve damage is threatening.

Ergonomic aids for reducing carpal tunnel problems are as follows.  Use your whole hand to grip an object.  When using a keyboard, keep your elbows bent, wrists and hands in a straight line and your forearms parallel to the floor.  Use a “wrist rest” pad to alleviate pressure on the carpal tunnel.
Shake out your hands periodically.  Perform stretching exercises such as wrist rotations.  Strengthen the area with exercises.  For example, place a rubber band around your fingers and open and close the fingers in sets of ten.

Pay attention to your sleep position to ensure that it does not strain the wrists.

Dietary approaches for carpal tunnel syndrome attempt to decrease inflammation and swelling.   Avoid salt and processed food, which is usually high in salt, because they promote fluid retention.  Minimize foods that increase inflammation in the joints.  This includes asparagus, beets, eggs, fish, meat, dairy products, parsley, rhubarb, spinach, chard and cabbage family vegetables.  Increase your consumption of pineapple, bananas, avocados, potatoes, sweet potatoes, nuts, chicken, whole grains and nutritional yeast.  They contain anti-inflammatory compounds and B vitamins.  Obesity causes carpal tunnel syndrome by increasing pressure on the canal.  Try losing weight to relieve the symptoms.

The following list of supplements can be used for carpal tunnel syndrome.  Adult doses are given.  (CLICK SUPPLEMENT NAME FOR PRODUCTS).