High-dosed vitamin D supplements relieve carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common and very painful wrist condition. Although there are many underlying factors, chronic inflammation appears to be the main cause of the pain. It also looks as if the pain can be relieved with high-dosed vitamin D supplements, at least in those patients who are deficient to begin with, according to a study published in Nutrients.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition where there is fluid retention and swelling around the tendons of the carpal tunnel, which is an opening in the wrist that is formed by the carpal bones on the bottom of the wrist and the transverse carpal ligament across the top of the wrist. When there is pressure on the median nerve it can cause tingling and pain in the wrist and fingers. Some people experience a burning sensation in their fingers, especially during the night. In some cases, the condition disappears by itself without the need for treatment. In other cases, people have to wear a hand splint to keep the hand from moving. In severe cases, the disease is treated with anti-inflammatory injections of corticosteroids, or surgery.
The symptoms can occur as a result of straining the hand. Carpal tunnel syndrome also frequently affects women, pregnant women, and those with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and hypothyroidism. The underlying reason is usually chronic inflammation of the wrist that causes pressure to build on the median nerve. Although it is a rather common disorder, experts disagree on which treatment works the best. In any case, it is important to deal with the inflammation.
Some studies have shown that lack of vitamin D is a risk factor that can increase the pain symptoms. In their new study, the authors wanted to see if vitamin D supplements could improve pain and other parameters. A total of 114 women with carpal tunnel syndrome took part in the trial. They were in the age group 40-74 years and had been diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency (below 75 nmol/L). The participants were divided into two groups. Both groups got a nerve block injection. One of the groups also got a 50-mikrogram vitamin D supplement each day, while the other group got matching placebo. No one knew who got what until the end of the trial. The participants also received electromyography, a test that looks at the electric activity of muscles and/or nerves.
The study lasted three months and showed that the vitamin D-supplemented group had less pain and showed more signs of electromyographic improvement, suggesting that vitamin D supplementation is relevant as part of the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome in people who are vitamin D-deficient. It is worth noting that in order to optimize blood levels of vitamin D, which is a level above 75 nmol/L, it takes at least 50 micrograms daily.

What effect does vitamin D have on carpal tunnel syndrome?

Vitamin D is a lipid-soluble vitamin. The active form of vitamin D works as a steroid hormone that is involved in calcium homeostasis, bone health, the nervous system, the hormone balance, the immune system, and many other functions. Vitamin D also helps regulate inflammatory processes in the body and prevents them from becoming chronic and causing tissue damage. Having a low vitamin D status is associated with many other diseases such as diabetic neuropathy and pain syndromes that involve inflammation. Recent studies have shown that being vitamin D-deficient is involved in the development of acute and peripheral neurological disorders. The current study is the first to show that vitamin D plays a role in carpal tunnel syndrome.

Reference:

Antonio Vicente D. Andrade et al. The Role of Vitamin D in the treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Clinical and Electroneuromyographic Responses. Nutrients. 2024