One is said to experience a tremor, when an involuntary and oscillating movement of any part of the body occurs in isolation. When one's hands start shaking or trembling involuntarily, one is said to suffer from hand tremors. Though involuntary shaking movements could occur in some other body parts as well, tremors in hands are definitely more common. Tremors in hands could be caused due to a variety of reasons. Sometimes, the trembling is so severe, that one might not be able to write or even hold an object. At times, tremors might be experienced when one is faced with a stressful situation. A fear of public speaking or examinations might cause your hands to tremble. While heightened anxiety, stress or fatigue are believed to be common contributory factors for hand tremors, at times, these could be attributed to certain medical conditions. Here's some information about the common causes of shaky hands along with treatment options for the same.
Types of Tremors
Tremors are classified into static tremors, kinetic tremors and action tremors. Static tremors, as the name suggests, occur while the affected body part is not moving. Since these tremors occur while the muscles are at rest, these are also referred to as resting tremors. If the body part trembles while you move it for performing an act or an intended movement, one is said to experience a kinetic or intension tremor. For instance, tremors in hand may occur while one is reaching out for a pen or pressing a button. In case of kinetic tremors, the shaking movement ends as soon as the activity is over and the body part is at rest. Action tremor/postural tremor is another type of tremor wherein, the shaking movements begin when the body part stays in a particular position for some time. So, tremors could be task-specific as well, meaning these might occur when you perform particular tasks, such as writing.
What Causes Hand Tremors?
As mentioned earlier, one could experience tremors due to a wide range of reasons. People suffering from certain medical conditions such as Parkinson's disease, Wilson's disease, neuropathy or multiple sclerosis could experience shaking of hands. Tremors in hands might also be attributed to metabolic disorders such as hypoglycemia and thyrotoxicosis. Thyroid disorders could also cause shaky hands in children.
Stress and anxiety has been seen to cause involuntary shaking of hands. At times, use of certain medications or dietary habits might also be responsible for causing shaky hands. In case of people suffering from low blood sugar, an excessive intake of coffee and tea might also worsen the situation. Heavy drinkers might also experience tremors in hands. Tremors might not be associated with an underlying medical condition always. Some people might be genetically predisposed to having tremors. These are therefore, referred to as familial tremors. So, if anyone in the family suffers from uncontrollable shaking of hands, one is at an increased risk.
Treatment Options
Since tremors can sometimes be attributed to an underlying disease, the underlying cause of involuntary shaking of hands be ascertained soon. Besides pharmacologic therapy that involves use of medicines such as primidone and propranolol, deep brain stimulation methods might also prove beneficial. One can also follow some self-care measures as well. Since muscle fatigue can also trigger bouts of tremors in hands, one must not tire out the muscles and take ample rest.
Stress and anxiety, that are often seen as potential triggers, can be managed with the help of relaxation techniques. You can also try some natural remedies. Listen to soothing music and relax. Meditating and performing deep breathing exercises will also help in calming the frayed nerves. One must also refrain from smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol, tea and coffee. If you feel that you have been experiencing tremors since you started taking a particular medicine, it would be better to inform your doctor. You can also go for physical therapy sessions in order to improve muscle control.
Since uncontrollable shaking of hands can affect one's ability to perform daily activities, a person suffering from this condition must consult a doctor soon. Use of medicines combined with relaxation techniques and physical therapy will surely prove beneficial in the treatment of shaky hands.
Types of Tremors
Tremors are classified into static tremors, kinetic tremors and action tremors. Static tremors, as the name suggests, occur while the affected body part is not moving. Since these tremors occur while the muscles are at rest, these are also referred to as resting tremors. If the body part trembles while you move it for performing an act or an intended movement, one is said to experience a kinetic or intension tremor. For instance, tremors in hand may occur while one is reaching out for a pen or pressing a button. In case of kinetic tremors, the shaking movement ends as soon as the activity is over and the body part is at rest. Action tremor/postural tremor is another type of tremor wherein, the shaking movements begin when the body part stays in a particular position for some time. So, tremors could be task-specific as well, meaning these might occur when you perform particular tasks, such as writing.
What Causes Hand Tremors?
As mentioned earlier, one could experience tremors due to a wide range of reasons. People suffering from certain medical conditions such as Parkinson's disease, Wilson's disease, neuropathy or multiple sclerosis could experience shaking of hands. Tremors in hands might also be attributed to metabolic disorders such as hypoglycemia and thyrotoxicosis. Thyroid disorders could also cause shaky hands in children.
Stress and anxiety has been seen to cause involuntary shaking of hands. At times, use of certain medications or dietary habits might also be responsible for causing shaky hands. In case of people suffering from low blood sugar, an excessive intake of coffee and tea might also worsen the situation. Heavy drinkers might also experience tremors in hands. Tremors might not be associated with an underlying medical condition always. Some people might be genetically predisposed to having tremors. These are therefore, referred to as familial tremors. So, if anyone in the family suffers from uncontrollable shaking of hands, one is at an increased risk.
Treatment Options
Since tremors can sometimes be attributed to an underlying disease, the underlying cause of involuntary shaking of hands be ascertained soon. Besides pharmacologic therapy that involves use of medicines such as primidone and propranolol, deep brain stimulation methods might also prove beneficial. One can also follow some self-care measures as well. Since muscle fatigue can also trigger bouts of tremors in hands, one must not tire out the muscles and take ample rest.
Stress and anxiety, that are often seen as potential triggers, can be managed with the help of relaxation techniques. You can also try some natural remedies. Listen to soothing music and relax. Meditating and performing deep breathing exercises will also help in calming the frayed nerves. One must also refrain from smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol, tea and coffee. If you feel that you have been experiencing tremors since you started taking a particular medicine, it would be better to inform your doctor. You can also go for physical therapy sessions in order to improve muscle control.
Since uncontrollable shaking of hands can affect one's ability to perform daily activities, a person suffering from this condition must consult a doctor soon. Use of medicines combined with relaxation techniques and physical therapy will surely prove beneficial in the treatment of shaky hands.
