Is traditional Chinese medicine effective in treating carpal tunnel syndrome

Traditional Chinese medicine is usually effective in treating carpal tunnel syndrome. Symptoms can be alleviated through acupuncture and moxibustion, massage, external application of Chinese medicine, moxibustion, small needle knife, etc. Carpal tunnel syndrome is often caused by wrist strain, stagnation of qi and blood, or invasion of wind cold dampness. Traditional Chinese medicine treatment mainly focuses on unblocking meridians, promoting blood circulation, and removing blood stasis.

1. acupuncture and moxibustion

acupuncture and moxibustion helps to improve local blood circulation and relieve the pressure of carpal tunnel by stimulating Neiguan, Daling, Hegu and other acupoints. In clinical practice, shallow needling with filiform needles combined with electroacupuncture stimulation has a significant effect on relieving early numbness and pain symptoms. Some patients may experience reduced wrist movement restriction after treatment.

2. Tuina

Tuina uses techniques such as kneading and tapping to release the adhesions of the transverse wrist ligament and surrounding tendons, combined with passive flexion and extension activities to expand the volume of the carpal tunnel. Be careful to avoid violent methods, and use with caution in cases of significant swelling during the acute phase. After massage, it is recommended to wear wrist guards to brake and rest.

3. External application of traditional Chinese medicine

Use traditional Chinese medicine preparations such as Huoxue Zhitong Powder and Dieda Wanhua Oil for external application, and exert the effects of dispelling wind, dampness, swelling, and pain through transdermal absorption. The medicinal powder can be mixed with yellow wine and applied to the wrist and palm side, or combined with wax therapy to enhance the penetration effect. Prohibited for individuals with skin damage or allergies.

4. Moxibustion

Moxibustion selects acupoints such as Ashi and Shousanli, and uses the warming effect to improve the state of nerve ischemia. Ginger separated moxibustion or warm acupuncture and moxibustion can alleviate the numbness symptoms that worsen at night. It is advisable to treat it several times a week. Pay attention to prevent scald, and use cautiously for patients with diabetes.

5. Small Needle Knife

Small needle knife therapy uses miniature cutting tools to release the transverse wrist ligament and compression points, and is suitable for stubborn cases where conservative treatment is ineffective. It needs to be operated by a professional physician, and postoperative functional exercise should be carried out to prevent adhesion recurrence. Patients with coagulation dysfunction should not use it. During traditional Chinese medicine treatment, excessive weight on the wrist should be avoided, and gentle exercises such as clenching fists and wrist joint flexion and extension can be performed. Diet should be supplemented with foods rich in vitamin B, such as brown rice and lean meat, and avoid eating raw and cold foods. If muscle atrophy or persistent numbness occurs, it is necessary to seek medical evaluation in a timely manner, and if necessary, combine Western medicine surgery for release treatment. Maintaining good hand posture and raising the wrist when using a computer can help prevent recurrence.