What Can Cause Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

In carpal tunnel syndrome, the median nerve is compressed as it passes through the canal made by the wrist bones and the ligament of the wrist. The nerve may be compressed or trapped in its path due to joint changes in rheumatoid arthritis or other systemic diseases. In most cases, however, inflammation of the tendons and tissues of the wrist which causes the syndrome is not associated with systemic illness.