Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Illustration of the anatomy of the hand and wrist showing the course of the median nerve. In carpal tunnel syndrome, the nerve is compressed in the carpal tunnel of the wrist. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by excessive use of the hand for specific tasks. Symptoms include pain, tingling, or numbness in the fingers or the entire hand, pain that shoots from the hands up the arm, and a swollen or tight feeling in the hands or wrists. Rest, using an ergonomically designed keyboard or glove, and actupunture may help to alleviate symptoms.