What Are Spasms?
Spasms of the hands or feet are 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 a lack of Vitamin D, lessened function of the parathyroid glands, alkalosis in the body, or the ingestion of alkaline salts.
Carpopedal spasms are usually accompanied by:
- Numbness
- Tingling, or a “pins-and-needles” feeling in the fingers, toes, and around the mouth
- Muscle weakness
- Fatigue
- Cramping
- Twitching
- Uncontrolled, purposeless, rapid motions
Common causes include:
- Hyperventilation (calcium becomes temporarily unavailable to the body during hyperventilation)
- Hypocalcemia
- Muscle cramps, usually caused by sports or occupational muscle injury
- Parkinson’s disease and other neuromuscular conditions
Treatments may include calcium and Vitamin D supplements (if you have a deficiency). Consult your physician before taking any medication.