ScienceDaily (Oct. 26, 2009) — A new study investigating the relationship between obesity and carpal tunnel suggests that massive weight loss alone may provide a cure for the syndrome.

In the study, presented at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) Plastic Surgery 2009 conference, Oct. 23-27, in Seattle, plastic surgeons analyzed the carpal tunnel histories and pre- and post- weight loss health conditions of 43 massive weight loss patients.

More than half of the patients (24) originally reported to have carpal tunnel syndrome while 4 patients reported to have symptoms of carpal tunnel. After weight loss of 50 pounds or more, all but 3 patients reported a resolution of symptoms.

Since obesity is associated with an increased prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome, researchers conclude that weight loss should be advocated to obese patients suffering from this condition.

Nearly 38,000 hand surgeries to treat carpal tunnel syndrome were performed in 2008, according to the ASPS.

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Adapted from materials provided by American Society of Plastic Surgeons, via EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS.

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