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Hand or foot spasms
Foot spasms; Carpopedal spasm; Spasms of the hands or feet; Hand spasms
Spasms are contractions of the muscles of the hands, thumbs, feet, or toes. Spasms are usually brief, but they can be severe and painful.
Considerations
Symptoms depend on the cause. They may include:
- Cramping
-
Fatigue
Fatigue
Fatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.
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Muscle weakness
Muscle weakness
Weakness is reduced strength in one or more muscles.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Numbness, tingling, or a "pins and needles" feeling
- Twitching
- Uncontrolled, purposeless, rapid motions
Nighttime leg cramps are common in the older people.
Causes
Cramps or spasms in the muscles often have no clear cause.
Possible causes of hand or foot spasms include:
- Abnormal levels of electrolytes, or minerals, in the body
-
Brain disorders, such as
Parkinson disease
,
multiple sclerosis
,
dystonia
, and
Huntington disease
Parkinson disease
Parkinson disease causes certain brain cells to die. These are the cells that help control movement and coordination. The disease leads to shaking ...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark ArticleMultiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system).
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark ArticleDystonia
Uncontrolled or slow movement is a problem with muscle tone, usually in the large muscle groups. The problem leads to slow, uncontrollable jerky mov...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark ArticleHuntington disease
Huntington disease is a disorder in which nerve cells in certain parts of the brain waste away, or degenerate. The disease is passed down through fa...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Chronic kidney disease and dialysis
-
Damage to a single nerve or nerve group (
mononeuropathy
) or multiple nerves (polyneuropathy) that are connected to muscles
Mononeuropathy
Mononeuropathy is damage to a single nerve, which results in loss of movement, sensation, or other function of that nerve.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Dehydration (not having enough fluids in your body)
-
Hyperventilation
, which is rapid or deep breathing that can occur with anxiety or panic
Hyperventilation
Hyperventilation is rapid and deep breathing. It is also called overbreathing, and it may leave you feeling breathless.
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Muscle cramps
, usually caused by overuse during sports or work activity
Muscle cramps
Muscle cramps are when a muscle gets tight (contracts) without you trying to tighten it, and it does not relax. Cramps may involve all or part of on...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Pregnancy, more often during the third trimester
- Thyroid disorders
- Too little vitamin D
- Use of certain medicines
Home Care
If vitamin D deficiency is the cause, vitamin D supplements may be suggested by the health care provider. Calcium supplements may also help.
Being active helps keep muscles loose. Aerobic exercise, especially swimming, and strength building exercises are helpful. But care must be taken not to overdo activity, which may worsen the spasms.
Drinking plenty of fluids during exercise is also important.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
If you notice recurrent spasms of your hands or feet, call your provider.
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
The provider will perform a physical exam and ask about your medical history and symptoms.
Blood and urine tests may be done. Tests may include:
- Potassium, calcium and magnesium levels
-
Hormone levels
Hormone levels
Blood or urine tests can determine the levels of various hormones in the body. This includes reproductive hormones, thyroid hormones, adrenal hormon...
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Kidney function tests
Kidney function tests
Kidney function tests are common lab tests used to evaluate how well the kidneys are working. Such tests include:BUN (Blood urea nitrogen) Creatinin...
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Vitamin D levels (
25-OH vitamin D
)
25-OH vitamin D
The 25-hydroxy vitamin D test is the most accurate way to measure how much vitamin D is in your body. Vitamin D helps control calcium and phosphate l...
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Treatment depends on the cause of the spasms. For example, if they are due to dehydration, your provider will likely suggest you drink more fluids.
References
Goljian EF. Water, electrolyte, acid-base, and hemodynamic disorders. In: Goljian EF, ed. Rapid Review Pathology . 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 5.
Smogorzewski MJ, Stubbs JR, Yu ASL. Disorders of calcium, magnesium, and phosphate balance. In: Skorecki K, Chertow GM, Marsden PA, Taal MW, Yu ASL, eds. Brenner and Rector's The Kidney . 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 19.
Swartz MH. Signs and symptoms of deficiency states. In: Swartz MH, ed. Textbook of Physical Diagnosis: History and Examination . 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:Appendix B.
-
Muscular atrophy - illustration
Muscular atrophy is the decrease in size and wasting of muscle tissue. Muscles that lose their nerve supply can atrophy and simply waste away.
Muscular atrophy
illustration
Review Date: 2/27/2016
Reviewed By: Amit M. Shelat, DO, FACP, attending neurologist and Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurology, SUNY Stony Brook, School of Medicine. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
