Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, one of the main nerves in the hand, becomes compressed within the narrow canal in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. This condition arises as a result of pressure on the nerve. The primary factors and conditions that can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome include: repetitive hand and wrist movements or strain injuries, arthritis (joint inflammation), sprains or strains of the wrist, wrist fractures, infections, hormonal changes during pregnancy, loss of tissue elasticity due to advanced age, and formations such as ganglion cysts that cause swelling or irritation in the wrist.