Using Emu Oil
for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
By Dr. Leigh Hopkins
Several folks have reported relief from carpal tunnel
syndrome symptoms of the burning and tingling numbness in the fingers, with
applications of emu oil to the wrist area. Since some individuals suffer
permanent nerve damage from carpal tunnel syndrome, it is worth some degree
of caution when recommending emu oil for treatment.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a repetitive stress injury
reported at an increasing rate in the U.S. work force. Anyone who does
repetitive work with their hands and arms is susceptible. Musicians, cooks,
writers, typists and others complain of finger stiffness in the morning, a
weakened grip and pain and numbness in the hands and wrists.
The syndrome occurs when the tendons in the wrist become
inflamed after some type of aggravation such as typing or writing. These
tendons pass between the bones and ligaments of the palm of the hand in a
constricted area called a tunnel. Treatment includes resting the hands using
splints. Oral and injected anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen are
also common treatments. Surgery may be used to expand the tunnel and reduce
the pressure on the nerve that is causing the pain.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and
Stroke reports that 1% of individuals with this syndrome develop permanent
injury. The majority recover completely and can avoid re-injury by changing
the way they do repetitive movements, the frequency with which they do the
movements, and the amount of time they rest between periods when they
perform repetitive movements.
An uncommon but very effective treatment is to take
vitamins B6 and B2. Doctors noticed that carpal tunnel syndrome often
occurred in women on birth control pills that had high estrogen doses (these
products are no longer available). Pregnant women also have an increased
risk for carpal tunnel syndrome. And finally, diabetics are also at
increased risk. All these conditions are associated with an increased need
for vitamin B6. The dose of vitamin B6 is 200 to 300 mg per day in divided
doses. Vitamin B2 is necessary to convert vitamin B6 into its active form.
This treatment should be tried for three months; if there is no symptom
relief by then, vitamin B6 may not be for you.
In summary: Emu oil may act in an anti-inflammatory
manner to relieve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome similar to oral
anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and Motrin. Vitamins B6 and B2 can
be taken for 3 months at a daily dose of 300 mg for each vitamin. These
should be taken in 100 mg. doses at each meal. If, after a trial of 3 months
there is no benefit from the use of emu oil and the B vitamins, you should
seek other therapies since permanent nerve damage may occur in some people.
Reprinted from Emu Today & Tomorrow, August 1997
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