Involuntary muscle spasms or myoclonic twitching can occur at any time and can occur anywhere in the body, including the hands. Myoclonus refers to a brief, involuntary contraction of a muscle or group of muscles. Although these spasms often only occur for a few moments, it is not uncommon for them to last from several minutes to hours. If you have twitching muscles in the hand that persist or worsen, it is wise to contact your doctor.
- Symptoms of muscle twitching in the hand
- Causes of twitching in the hand
- Caffeine
- Dehydration
- Muscle cramps due to overload
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Dystonia
- Huntington’s disease
- When to visit the doctor?
- Forecast of trembling muscles in the hand
Symptoms of muscle twitching in the hand
Muscle twitching in the hand may also be accompanied by symptoms such as:
- pain
- burning feeling
- tingling sensation in the fingers
- numbness in fingers
- vibrations
Muscle twitching in the hand can occur when overloaded and is often not a cause for concern. Sometimes muscle twitches in the hand indicate a more serious disease or condition.Caffeine is found in coffee and is a stimulant / Source: Istock.com/PuwanaiSomwan
Causes of twitching in the hand
Caffeine
Too much caffeine can cause shaking and trembling, including in the hands. Caffeine is a stimulant that can cause muscle contractions. If you notice that your hands start to shake after drinking coffee or an energy drink in the morning, consider switching to a caffeine-free beverage.
Dehydration
Dehydration affects muscle function. If you don’t drink enough water, your muscles can cramp and your muscles can also spasm and contract involuntarily. If you are dehydrated, you may also experience the following symptoms:
- headache
- dry skin
- dry mouth
- dry throat
- bad breath
- chills
- fatigue
Muscle cramps due to overload
Muscle cramps are often caused by overexertion and strenuous, repetitive activities. This can cause your muscles to tighten or contract, resulting in twitching and sometimes even pain. Although they can affect any part of the body, muscle cramps are common in your hands, hamstrings, thigh muscles, calves and feetCarpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) / Source: Blausen.com staff, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA-3.0)
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a pattern of complaints caused by the median nerve (the nerve that runs in the middle of the arm), which becomes pinched in the carpal tunnel in the hand. It can be triggered by a number of factors, including:
- repetitive hand movements
- pregnancy
- heredity
- diabetes
- rheumatoid arthritis
In addition to muscle twitching in the hand, you may experience the following symptoms:
- numbness or tingling in the hand or fingers
- pain
- shooting pain through your forearm
- weakness in the hand
The complaints resulting from carpal tunnel syndrome will worsen over time without proper treatment. If diagnosed early, conservative, non-surgical treatments may be recommended, such as using a hand brace or taking medication. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
Dystonia
Dystonia is a muscle tension disorder. Dystonia is a condition that causes repetitive and involuntary muscle contractions. It can affect the entire body or just one part, such as the hands. The spasms can range from mild to severe. They can cause complications, including:
- pain
- fatigue
- difficulty swallowing
- difficulty speaking
- physical handicap
- functional blindness
There is no cure for dystonia, but adequate treatment can relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
Huntington’s disease
Huntington’s disease is a hereditary brain disease caused by an abnormality in the DNA (hereditary material). This disease affects certain parts of the brain. As a result, it can cause movement disorders and cognitive impairment. Symptoms vary from person to person, but some of the more common symptoms include:
- muscle contractions
- involuntary jerking or shaking
- poor balance and coordination
- difficulty speaking
- limited flexibility and maneuverability
- uncontrollable outbursts
- learning disabilities
There is no known cure for Huntington’s disease and even its progression cannot be slowed.
When to visit the doctor?
If the twitching in the hand worsens or persists, rule out serious medical problems by making an appointment with your doctor. This is especially important if your twitching is accompanied by other symptoms, such as:
- weakness of the hand
- numbness or numbness
- persistent pain
- swelling
- muscle twitches spread to your arms
Forecast of trembling muscles in the hand
Muscle twitching or twitching muscles in the hand are relatively common and often disappear without medical treatment. However, incessant muscle twitching and pain may be indicative of a more serious problem.
read more
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- Muscle twitching: causes and treatment of twitching muscles
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