Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Any repetitive and forceful grasping with the hands, bending of the wrist, and arthritis may cause carpal tunnel syndrome(CTS). CTS can also be caused by numerous conditions or diseases including pregnancy, diabetes, menopause, broken or dislocated bones in the wrist, and obesity.

Any repetitive motions that cause significant swelling or irritation of membranes around the tendons in the carpal tunnel can result in pressure and injury to the median nerve. This disrupts the flow of sensations from the hand up to the arm and to the central nervous system resulting in the sensation of numbness of the hands. The median nerve also supplies important muscles of the hand which may become weak in carpal tunnel syndrome.

Diagnosing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome