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Using Emu Oil for
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
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.
From Emu Today and Tomorrow,
August, 1997.
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