Hand or foot spasmsDefinition: Spasms are contractions of the hands, thumbs, feet, or toes that are sometimes seen with muscle cramps , twitching, and convulsions (tetany). They can be severe and painful.
Alternative Names: Foot spasms; Carpopedal spasm; Spasms of the hands or feet
Considerations: Spasms of the hands or feet may be an important early sign of tetany, a potentially life-threatening condition. Tetany is a manifestation of an abnormality in calcium level, which can be linked to the following: These spasms are usually accompanied by the following symptoms: - Numbness, tingling, or a "pins-and-needles" feeling
- Muscle weakness
- Fatigue
- Cramping
- Twitching
- Uncontrolled, purposeless, rapid motions
Home Care: If vitamin D deficiency is the cause, supplemental vitamin D should be taken under the doctor's direction. Calcium supplements may also help.
Call your health care provider if: If you notice recurrent spasms of your hands or feet, call your health care provider.
What to expect at your health care provider's office: Your provider will obtain your medical history and will perform a physical examination. Laboratory testing of blood and urine may also be done. Medical history questions documenting hand or foot spasms in detail may include the following: - Do the spasms appear to be involuntary or purposeless?
- Are they prolonged?
- At what age did the spasms first appear?
- Does the presence of spasms seem variable over weeks to months?
- Do spasms occur repeatedly (recurrent)?
- Do several spasms occur in a row (repetitive)?
- Are the spasms slow or rapid?
- Can the spasms be voluntarily suppressed?
- How long have you had spasms?
- Is it worse when you exercise?
- How much calcium-containing food do you eat (such as milk products)?
- What have you done to try to treat the spasms? How effective was it?
- What other symptoms are also present?
- Do you have numbness or a "pins-and-needles" feeling?
- Do you have muscle weakness?
- Do you have fatigue?
- Do you have muscle cramps elsewhere?
- Do you have seizures?
Diagnostic tests may include the following:
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