What causes carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)?
Any condition that causes swelling of the contents or surrounding structures of the carpal tunnel syndrome can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. This is because the carpal tunnel is an enclosed space, and any swelling encroaches on the space, thus putting excessive pressure on the median nerve. For example, a fracture of any bone at the wrist causes swelling of the tendons and ligaments at the carpal tunnel, which compresses the median nerve. In Rheumatoid arthritis, the swelling of the flexor tendons within the carpal tunnel compresses the median nerve, and can cause CTS.. During pregnancy, with water retention in the body as well as within the carpal tunnel, the median nerve is frequently compressed, causing CTS. That is why some women experience tingling in the hands just before their periods. More recently, attention has been drawn to the fact the CTS is a Repetitive Trauma Disorder (RTD). Workers who use their wrists and hands repetitively during the course of their employment are pro
