The Better Life Experts | November 10, 2008
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is considered an inflammatory disorder caused by repetitive stress, physical injury, or various medical conditions including hypothyroidism, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and pregnancy.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, being overweight consistently turns up as a risk factor for CTS and may play a direct causal role for CTS. Greater body mass appears to reduce nerve flow speed into the hand. Obesity is also related to poor physical fitness, which may also increase risk. A 2005 analysis indicated that weight is strongly linked to the onset of CTS in patients under the age of 63 years.
CTS is also a common feature of diabetic neuropathy, one of the major complications of diabetes. Neuropathy is decreased or distorted nerve function; it particularly affects sensation. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, weakness, and burning sensations, usually starting in the fingers and toes and moving up to the arms and legs. About 6% of patients with CTS have diabetes.
Since both obesity and Type II diabetes are linked, there may be a causal link between these medical conditions and CTS. These findings make it all the more important to adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle, exercise every day and avoid being overweight.
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