All in the wrist

Q: My wrists and palms have been becoming numb frequently over the past month or two. I'm worried that it's carpal tunnel syndrome and that I'll have to have surgery. Are there any natural treatments for it?

JVW: If you're not certain that you have carpal tunnel syndrome, your first step should be to make an appointment with a physician who can tell you for sure. In the meantime, there is a "self test" you can try that may help give you a better idea. Try bending your wrist forward and compressing it firmly from behind. Hold it for two or three minutes. If that brings on or aggravates the numbness, your hunch about it being carpal tunnel syndrome may be correct (but, again, it's best to check with a doctor before undergoing any treatment -- even natural ones).

If your doctor confirms that it is indeed carpal tunnel syndrome, there are two different natural approaches you may want to consider before opting for surgery. First, you may want to try taking 100 milligrams of vitamin B6 three times daily. (The "pyridoxal-5- phosphate," or P5P, form of vitamin B6 works the best.) If that doesn't work after several weeks, consider applying liquid vitamin B12 mixed with DMSO to the underside of the injured wrist several times daily for another few weeks. (You'll likely need a prescription for the liquid form of vitamin B12 since it's typically used for injections).

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