Hand or foot spasms

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.

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

If vitamin D deficiency is the cause, vitamin D supplements may be suggested by your 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.

If you notice recurrent spasms of your hands or feet, contact your provider.

Your 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 blood levels.
• Hormone levels.
• Kidney function tests.
• Vitamin D blood level (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.

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

De Luca GC, Griggs RC, Johnston SC. Approach to the patient with neurologic disease. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 366.

Wang LH, Lopate G. Muscle pain and cramps. 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 29.

Updated 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 C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.