This article is one of a series covering carpal tunnel — causes, symptoms, and the treatments we use at Back and Body Medical in Midtown Manhattan. For the complete overview, see the full guide:
→ Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment in New York City — The Complete Guide
Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common causes of missed days work. It is often caused by repetitive tasks and even sports utilizing a great deal of wrist activity. If you are particularly prone to carpal troubles, then a special carpal tunnel syndrome diet may help improve your condition.
How would a change in diet help and what foods would pertain to a better outlook with the condition? Well, primarily because carpal tunnel syndrome deals with inflammation along the median nerve, foods with anti inflamation properties can help considerably.
Here’s a selection of suggested foods:
Fish
Fatty fish such as salmon, sardines and tuna contain omega 3 fats such as EPA and DHA which really help in the reduction of inflammation. If you are not keen on fish, then taking supplements can be substituted instead. A dosage of 1000 mg of EPA and DHA combined can help considerably. Do consult with your physician if you are preparing for surgery or take blood thinners though.
Walnuts
Another omega 3 acid, known as ALA (alpha lipoic acid) also helps reduce inflammation which is found in walnuts. While inflammation is reduced, it is not on the same level as eating fish.
Pineapple
An enzyme known as bromelain is prevalent within pineapple and is another food which reduces inflammation and comes with the bonus of improving digestion. Be aware, this too can thin the blood if taken as a supplement so again, check with your primary.
Turmeric
Found in curry sauces and mustards this again is another anti inflammatory food which helps the carpals. Combined with ginger and black pepper, its properties are even more enhanced.
Spinach
Spinach is the final food we will suggest here and it contains vitamin B6 which is known to help reduce pain.
All the above foods can really help with keeping your carpal tunnel syndrome at bay by reducing inflammation and pain. We have many more suggestions to help with improving your diet so that we can really get your condition under better control and to keep you fit and active.
Do be aware though on the supplement side of things to double check with your doctor if you are preparing for surgery or take blood thinners so that other recommendations can be made.
As ever, if you are still having problems with your carpals, please contact us so we can better examine you and treat accordingly.
If you are in pain, contact us now. We have three simple ways you can make an appointment at our Back and Body New York chiro office:
Call now on (212)371 2000 or text (315)873-3095 or email us at Yo**********@***********NY.com

Dr Shan Sivendra MD is the founder and medical director of Back and Body Medical in Midtown Manhattan. A board-certified medical doctor, certified acupuncturist, and Director of House Physicians at St. Barnabas Medical Center, Dr Sivendra has been practicing in New York since 1995.
He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Saint Barnabas Medical Center (affiliated with Mount Sinai School of Medicine) and received the Resident Research Award for three consecutive years.
Dr Sivendra has a background spanning internal medicine, pain management, and conservative spine rehabilitation, and was licensed in both the US and the UK.
At Back and Body Medical, he leads a multidisciplinary team of chiropractors, physical therapists, and acupuncturists dedicated to helping patients recover from pain without surgery or unnecessary medication.
Further Reading: Carpal Tunnel
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatments
- How Do We Diagnose Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
- Reducing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Confusing and Debilitating, but Treatable
- New York Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Exercises
→ Complete Guide: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment in New York City
