Have you ever noticed your hands shaking a little when you're holding a cup of coffee or trying to write something or perhaps even at rest ? You're not alone.
This kind of involuntary movement or shaking is called a tremor, and while it can be harmless it can also give us clues to possible underlying causes or medical conditions. Tremors can also occur in the arm, legs, head, trunk or vocal cords. Interesting new research is demonstrating possible links between certain types of hand tremor & dementia enabling possible identification of those at risk before any cognitive or memory issues have appeared.
What Are Hand Tremors?
A tremor is an involuntary, rhythmic shaking of part of the body—in this case, the hands. Tremors can be mild or more noticeable, they can come & go or remain constant, they can affect one or both hands and may be present at rest or more when you are moving. Shaky hands, or hand tremor can result from various underlying conditions ranging from temporary issues like stress to chronic neurological disorders. Identifying the cause is essential for determining the most effective treatment. Some examples of common types of hand tremors include:
Essential tremor : the most common type.
It often runs in families and usually increases when you use or move your hands. Its key feature is a tremor in both hands and arms during action without other neurological signs. It also may affect a person’s head, voice, or legs. Although these tremors can start at any age, it most often first appears during adolescence or in middle age (between ages 40 and 50). It can be mild and stay mild, or may slowly increase over time. The exact cause of essential tremor is unknown & in 50-70% of cases are inherited.
Neurological based Tremors:
• Parkinson’s tremor – associated with Parkinson’s disease. It tends to happen when the hand is at rest & is sometimes described as a “pill rolling” tremor due to the characteristic pattern of finger/thumb movement. Tremor may also effect other areas of the body in Parkinson’s & may include other symptoms like stiffness and slow movements. It is often present in one hand more than the other.
• Cerebellar Tremor – caused by damage to the cerebellum, a part of the brain responsible for coordinating movement. typically a slow large tremor that effects arms, legs, hands or feet which increased with
• Dystonic Tremor – a movement disorder characterised by overactive muscle activity resulting in abnormal postures or unwanted movements. It can result from a wide range of causes & in the hand can be provoked when doing an activity over and over, such as writing or playing a musical instrument. These are known as writer's dystonia (writer’s cramp) and musician's dystonia.
Medication induced tremors:
Sometimes tremors can be a side effect of medications like asthma inhalers, antidepressants or anti-seizure drugs
Other:
Caffeine, fatigue & stress can also cause temporary tremors !
Although most hand tremors are harmless, if you're experiencing new or worsening tremors, it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor or discuss with a Hand therapist especially if:
- The tremors are getting worse or affecting your daily life.
- You notice other symptoms (like muscle weakness, difficulty walking, or stiffness).
- You’re worried or unsure about the cause.
Early diagnosis can help identify the cause and open the door to treatment options. Hand therapists can assist with assessment, onward referral if needed & appropriate exercises to assist with managing movement issues in the hand.
We have 3 Certified Hand Physiotherapists Jen Woodward - Accredited AHTA Fran Black - Accredited AHTA Adam Knapek - Certified Paul Tho - Undertaking Hand Accreditation process
