The nerve enters the hand between the wrist bones (called the carpal bones) and the tough membrane that holds the bones together (the transverse carpal ligament). This space is called the carpal tunnel. Since the passageway is rigid, any swelling in this area can cause compression of the nerve (this is also called entrapment of the nerve).

The condition occurs most often in people 30 to 60 years old, and is 5 times more common in women. Some of the conditions associated with carpal tunnel syndrome include pregnancy, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and menopause. This is probably because of hormone changes that cause fluid retention and swelling of the tissues.

Other conditions associated with carpal tunnel syndrome include rheumatoid arthritis, renal failure, diabetes mellitus, acromegaly, hypothyroidism, multiple myeloma, obesity, recent tuberculosis, fungal infection, and high blood pressure.

Injury or trauma to the area, including (but not limited to) repetitive movement of the wrists, can cause swelling of the tissues and carpal tunnel syndrome. This type of injury may be from sports such as racquetball and handball, or from sewing, typing, driving, assembly-line work, painting, writing, use of tools (especially hand tools or tools that vibrate), or similar activities.

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