What causes CTS?

Anything that causes swelling or irritation of the synovial membranes around the tendons in the carpal tunnel can result in pressure on the median nerve. Some common causes are repetitive and forceful grasping with the hands, repetitive bending of the wrist, broken or dislocated bones in the wrist, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid problems, diabetes, hormonal changes of pregnancy and menopause.