| Subject | Contents |
| Definition | Hand or foot spasms are contractions of the hands, thumbs, feet, or toes that is sometimes seen with muscle cramps , twitching, and convulsions (tetany). These contractions of the muscles can be violent. |
| Alternative Names | Foot spasms; Carpopedal spasm; Spasms of the hands or feet |
| Considerations | 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 ( hypoparathyroidism ), 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; and uncontrolled, purposeless, rapid motions. |
| Common Causes | Muscle cramps , usually caused by sports or occupational muscle injury Parkinson's disease and other neuromuscular conditions Hypocalcemia Causes diffuse, recurrent, or severe muscle cramping Severe hypocalcemia can produce convulsionsHyperventilation (calcium becomes temporarily unavailable to the body during hyperventilation) |
| Home Care | If Vitamin D deficient, Vitamin D should be taken under the doctor's direction. Calcium supplements may help. |
| Call your health care provider if | If there are recurrent spasms of the hands or feet, call your health care provider. |
| What to expect at your health care provider's office | The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed. Medical history questions documenting hand or foot spasms in detail may include: Type Do the spasms appear to be involuntary or purposeless? Are they prolonged? Time pattern At what age did the spasms first appear? Does the presence of spasms seem variable over weeks to months? Do spasms occur repeatedly (recurrent)? Do several spasms occur in a row (repetitive)? Are the spasms slow or rapid? Can the spasms be voluntarily suppressed? How long have you had spasms? Aggravating factors Is it worse when you exercise ? Diet How much calcium-containing food do you eat (such as milk products)? Relieving factors What have you done to try to treat the spasms? How effective was it? Other What other symptoms are also present? Is there numbness or a "pins-and-needles" feeling? Is there muscle weakness ? Is there fatigue ? Are there muscle cramps elsewhere? Are there seizures ? Diagnostic tests may include: Calcium levels ( serum calcium ) Hormone levelsRenal function testsVitamin D levels ( 25-OH Vitamin D ) After seeing your health care provider: You may want to add a diagnosis related to hand or foot spasms to your personal medical record. |
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