What Are Spasms?

hand having spasms Hand or foot spasms are contractions of the hands, thumbs, feet, or toes and are sometimes seen with muscle cramps, twitching, and convulsions. These contractions of the muscles can be violent.

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.