Hand spasms are muscle contractions that can affect the thumbs, fingers, and palms of the hands. These contractions may occur as momentary hand twitching that is barely noticeable, or involve severe contractions that cause extremely painful thumb and finger spasms. There are a number of possible causes for spasms, ranging from a simple vitamin deficiency to the onset of a serious medical condition.
People who suffer from hand spasms normally demonstrate one or more common symptoms. In the more serious situations, there is the possibility that more symptoms will emerge, although many people simply experience a worsening on the conditions they first noticed. Tingling in the fingers, thumb, and palm of the hand are very common. This is often accompanied by a feeling of weakness or fatigue in the hand. Cramps may begin to take place, sometimes starting out as discomfort when the joints of the fingers and thumb are moved. This often is followed quickly by twitching that cannot be controlled.
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are one of the most common reasons for the development of hand spasms. A lack of vitamin D is often found with people who experience the spasms. Low levels of calcium and magnesium in the body can also lead to the sense of weakness and the rapid muscle contractions that occur with these spasms. When no other health issue is present, simply replenishing the body’s supply of vitamin D, magnesium, and calcium will cause the spasms to gradually disappear.
There are also a number of health problems that may cause spasms to develop. Should the parathyroid glands cease to function efficiently, this can lead to a buildup of alkaline in the body, and lead to twitching and spasms in the hands. People who suffer with multiple sclerosis or Huntington’s disease are also susceptible to the development of hand spasms. Any type of thyroid disorder, including hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, can also be the root cause of the spasms. There is also the possibility that the spasms are a negative reaction to a recently prescribed prescription medication, or the result of the development of carpal tunnel syndrome.
A qualified physician can conduct several tests to determine the origin of the hand spasms. These include taking blood samples to measure calcium and magnesium levels. A separate test can be used to assess the current level of vitamin D in the body. The doctor is also likely to order tests that focus on the function of the kidneys, as well as the balance of hormones in the body. All these tests can help determine if changes in diet and lifestyle will treat the hand spasms effectively, or if some type of replacement therapy is required. The tests will also help the physician determine if there is some sort of emerging health issue that is the underlying cause of the spasms, making it possible to initiate treatment for that condition immediately.