Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve, which runs from the forearm through a passageway in the wrist (carpal tunnel) to the hand. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway surrounded by bones and ligaments on the palm side of the hand. Anything that squeezes or irritates the median nerve in the carpal tunnel space may lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. Some of the factors that can contribute to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- Trauma or injury to the wrist that causes swelling, such as sprain or fracture
- Imbalance of either the pituitary gland or the thyroid gland
- Rheumatoid arthritis or other arthritic diseases
- Extreme flexion or extension of the hand and wrist for a prolonged period of time
- Pregnancy, due to hormonal changes that can cause swelling
- Diabetes, alcoholism, or other health conditions that affect the nerves
- Heredity, as smaller carpal tunnels can run in families
It is often the result of a combination of factors that increase pressure on the median nerve and tendons in the carpal tunnel, rather than a problem with the nerve itself.
