{"id":13056,"date":"2020-07-23T19:31:19","date_gmt":"2020-07-23T23:31:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=13056"},"modified":"2023-02-26T13:04:13","modified_gmt":"2023-02-26T18:04:13","slug":"shaking-hands","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/shaking-hands\/","title":{"rendered":"Hand tremors: How to stop shaky hands"},"content":{"rendered":"

What causes tremors<\/a> | Types of hand tremors<\/a> | Diagnosis<\/a> | Medications that cause tremors<\/a> | Treatment<\/a> | Surgery<\/a> | Natural remedies<\/a> | When to see a doctor<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Tremors are involuntary muscle contractions that can occur in one or more areas of the body. Tremors are usually associated with the hands, but can also affect the head, vocal cords, arms, trunk, and legs. Living with hand tremors can be frustrating and make daily activities such as eating or dressing oneself difficult. Approximately <\/span>10 million people in the United States experience some form of hand tremors<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There are numerous types of tremors and reasons why they happen. Some are temporary and go away on their own, and others are linked to more severe health problems. Learn more about what causes hand tremors, how to stop shaky hands, and when to seek medical advice from a healthcare professional about hand tremors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What causes tremors?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Many things from diet and lifestyle changes to medications and health conditions can cause hand tremors. Shaky hands in the morning could be the result of fatigue or too much caffeine. Shaking in older adults could be due to a vitamin deficiency or a medication side effect. Tremors can also be a warning sign of alcohol withdrawal, stress, anxiety, blood pressure problems, and other health conditions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Types of hand tremors<\/span><\/h2>\n

Treatment options for tremors of the hands may also vary based on what type you have. A healthcare professional can help you determine which <\/span>type of hand tremor<\/span><\/a> you or a loved one has. Here are some common types of hand tremors.<\/span><\/p>\n

Physiologic tremor\/enhanced physiologic tremor<\/span><\/h3>\n

Everyone has physiologic tremor, which is a very fine shaking of the hands and fingers and is rarely visible. This is a normal human phenomenon and is not considered a disease or medical condition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Enhanced physiologic tremor is a more noticeable form of physiologic tremor. It is usually not associated with a neurologic disease, but by reaction to certain medications, going through alcohol withdrawal, or medical conditions like hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Usually, removing the cause\/treating the condition will reverse the tremor.<\/span><\/p>\n

Parkinson’s disease tremor<\/span><\/h3>\n

Many people often associate shaking hands and limbs with the neurological disorder, Parkinson’s disease. Nearly <\/span>80% of individuals with Parkinson’s<\/span><\/a> have tremors, which often occur in the resting state (called resting tremors) and often in the hand\/fingers but may also affect the chin, lips, face, and legs. These tremors may initially start in one area or one side of the body but may spread to both sides as the condition progresses. Patients with further developed Parkinson’s disease can have continuous and severe tremors, which seriously interfere with everyday tasks such as eating or tying their shoes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Essential tremor<\/span><\/h3>\n

Hands shake rhythmically and involuntarily with essential tremor, one of the most common movement disorders<\/span>. Although essential tremor is neurological, it is not in the same category as tremors associated with Parkinson’s disease. Although essential tremor is not curable, there are various treatments that may help symptoms. Extreme temperatures, stress, anxiety, smoking cigarettes, and caffeine can <\/span>trigger and worsen essential tremors<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Psychogenic tremor<\/span><\/h3>\n

Psychogenic tremor, also known as functional tremor, is often the result of a psychological condition such as stress, anxiety, trauma, or psychiatric disorder. Spasms and involuntary body movements can develop from a rapid increase in blood pressure and heart rate associated with stress.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cerebellar<\/span><\/h3>\n

A cerebellar tremor can occur when the cerebellum or pathways to the brain have been injured or damaged. Stroke patients can develop tremors if the cerebral arteries are damaged. A tumor is another example of damage to the cerebellum, causing hand or body tremors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Diagnosis of Tremor<\/span><\/h2>\n

Your healthcare provider will perform a physical exam and take a detailed medical history and family history. They will look at the type and location of tremors, look for causes, and rule out other conditions and causes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Your doctor may also order:<\/span><\/p>\n