Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by increased pressure in the carpal tunnel resulting in compression of the median nerve. Sometimes, thickening from irritated tendons or other swelling narrows the tunnel and causes the median nerve to be compressed. Possible causes include:

• Increasing age

• Female sex

• Square-shaped wrist

• Genetics

• Family susceptibility (e.g., square wrist, stature).

• Inherited medical conditions are associated with CTS (e.g., diabetes, hypothyroidism).

• Wrist fractures and dislocations

• Crush injuries

• Inflammation around tendons

• Diseases like Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Tumors

• Fluid retention in the wrist joint

• Certain occupational activities

• Pregnancy