Pressure or swollen tissue on the nerve that passes from the wrist to the hand constricting the nerve where it passes through the Carpal Tunnel can result in loss of sensation in the thumb and first three fingers. It is thought to be caused by people whose occupation involves using their wrist in a repetitive movement such as, assembly work, using a screwdriver, typewriter or computer.

There is also some evidence that women who suffer from swelling in the wrists at the time of menopause also develop carpal tunnel syndrome.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common disorder, which can be treated with surgery or conservative treatment. The most commonly used conservative treatment options are wrist splinting, injection of corticosteroids into the carpal tunnel, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, systemic steroids, pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and diuretics.

The most common treatment in the USA appears to be using a splint to immobilize the wrist in a neutral position in order to avoid flexion or extension of the wrist. The flexion of the wrist increases the pressure on the carpal tunnel. This treatment option seems to be the result of the cost involved rather than what is the best treatment for Carpal Tunnel. Surgery is more cost-effective than splinting for carpal tunnel syndrome in the Netherlands.