Questions - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Message Board

Mindi · 04-19-2004, 02:22 PM

I was just diagnosed today w/CTS, moderate, and was told by the neuro that I should have surgery at some point but it wasn't an immediate issue.

I didn't get to ask many questions, I guess I'll do that next week when I see the ortho who sent me for the EMG. But maybe one of you know why CTS is associated with being overweight. I don't see the connection? Could someone explain it to me?

Like I told my ortho when I saw him the first time and said I was self-diagnosed: "I'm menopausal, overweight and I type a lot. I'm a walking CTS posterchild!"

lidia09 · 04-20-2004, 12:15 AM

But maybe one of you know why CTS is associated with being overweight. I don't see the connection? Could someone explain it to me?
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Hi Mindi
I think it's because overweight people tend to retain more fluid than people within normal range weight. The excess fluid tends to cause pressure on the median nerve. That's why pregnant women tend to get CTS too. It's the fluid retention due to the pregnancy.

Lidia

Mindi · 04-20-2004, 10:48 AM

Well that makes sense. Thank you Lidia.

zoron · 04-21-2004, 03:17 PM

I noticed that this week, when my diet is more vegetarian focused (ie more vegetables, fruits, V8 juices, etc.), one cup of non-fat milk at night coupled with intake of Vitamin B pills, I feel a bit better. Going on the treadmill for some light walks 45 minutes a day is helping out too. The pain is still there occasionally, but it is getting better and better. Hopefully it will be gone and soon I will feel normal again. I know it is the stress along with my obesity and high cholesterol level that caused these CTS and peripheral neuropathy symptoms. My blood circulation must have been temporarily blocked to have caused this.

Being overweight is not a crime, but it is a weakness we can work on and somehow overcome to improve our health and mental self image.