Carpal tunnel syndrome. Artwork showing the hand and wrist joint of a person suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Two treatments for the syndrome are also seen. CTS causes pain and weakness in parts of the hand (red), due to compression of the median nerve (yellow, seen in section). Swelling in the wrist where the nerve enters the hand (the carpal tunnel, brown, centre left) puts pressure on the nerve. Such swelling is common in women during pregnancy and the menopause. It may also result from injuries caused by repetitive movements. CTS can be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs (bottom) and supportive splints (centre right).