Health Encyclopedia

Hand or foot spasms

Definition

Spasms are contractions of the muscles of the hands, thumbs, feet, or toes. Spasms are usually brief, but they can be severe and painful.

Alternative Names

Foot spasms; Carpopedal spasm; Spasms of the hands or feet; Hand spasms

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 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, contact 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).
Nerve conduction and electromyography tests may be ordered to determine if nerve or muscle disease is present.

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. Some studies suggest that certain medicines and vitamins may help.

References

Chonchol M, Smogorzewski MJ, Stubbs JR, Yu ASL. Disorders of calcium, magnesium, and phosphate balance. In: Yu ASL, Chertow GM, Luyckx VA, Marsden PA, Skorecki K, Taal MW, eds. Brenner and Rector's The Kidney. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 18.

Francisco GE, Li S. Spasticity. In: Cifu DX, ed. Braddom's Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 23.

Jankovic J, Lang AE. Diagnosis and assessment of Parkinson disease and other movement disorders. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff’s Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 24.

Review Date:1/23/2022
Reviewed By:Joseph V. Campellone, MD, Department of Neurology, Cooper Medical School at Rowan University, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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