Continuous Muscle Cramps in Hands and Feet

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
• Muscle weakness
• 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
• Chronic kidney disease and dialysis
• Damage to a single nerve or nerve group ( mononeuropathy ) or multiple nerves (polyneuropathy) that are connected to muscles
• Dehydration (not having enough fluids in your body)
• Hyperventilation , which is rapid or deep breathing that can occur with anxiety or panic
• Muscle cramps , usually caused by overuse during sports or work activity
• 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
• Kidney function tests
• Vitamin D levels ( 25-OH vitamin D )

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.

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  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

• 

  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

A Closer Look

Self Care

• Neck pain or spasms - self care

Tests for Hand or foot spasms

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.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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