Hand Tremors (Shaking Hands) - Causes, Types & Treatments

Tremors are unintentional muscle spasms that create a shaking effect in different parts of the body. Hand tremors are frequently observed and often result from stress or fatigue. They can also signify various medical conditions.

For some individuals, having shaky hands might be a minor issue. For others, this symptom could make it challenging to perform routine activities.

This article explains what tremors are, highlights possible reasons for shaky hands, and explains how common this issue is. 

What are tremors?

Tremors are involuntary, rhythmic contractions of muscles that can make a body part shake or quiver. Everyone experiences slight tremors during movement or when maintaining a specific posture. Usually, these tremors are so subtle that a person may not perceive or notice them. Hand tremors may become more apparent when a person extends their hands in front or when they are feeling stressed or anxious. The hands are primarily affected by tremors. But it can also happen in other body areas, such as the following:

• the head
• the arms
• the legs
• the torso
• the vocal cords (larynx), which might produce a quivering voice

Several different types of tremors exist, but they mainly fall into two groups:

1. Resting tremors: These occur when muscles are at rest, including when hands are resting on the lap.

2. Action tremors: These arise when muscles are engaged due to voluntary movement. Most tremors are classified as action tremors.

In some cases, tremors might indicate an underlying health concern, particularly if they persist or are highly noticeable.

What causes shaky hands?

Tremors can be a normal occurrence or be caused by neurological conditions, other medical issues, or medications. Below are some potential factors contributing to hand tremors.

1. Enhanced physiological tremor

Enhanced physiological tremor (EPT) is likely the most frequently seen postural tremor. It typically affects both hands and fingers equally.

The following factors may exacerbate EPT in certain individuals:

• stress
• anxiety
• fatigue
• insufficient sleep
• high caffeine consumption
• intense exercise
• an overactive thyroid

Enhanced physiological tremor does not necessitate medical treatment unless fine motor skills are affected essential for a person's job or daily activities.

2. Neurological conditions

Tremors are mostly associated with problems in the deep brain regions responsible for controlling movement. Some neurological disorders linked to shaky hands include:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS): Many individuals with MS experience some level of tremor, often developing due to the disease damaging areas in the central nervous system pathways that manage movement.
• Parkinson's disease (PD): Approximately 75% of individuals with PD exhibit tremors, which can be resting, action, or mixed types. Tremors typically start on one side of the body and may eventually affect the other side. Shaking tends to become more intense during stress or strong emotional responses.
• Stroke: Following a stroke, a person may show various tremors based on the affected region of the brain. Damage to the basal ganglia results in resting tremors, while harm to the cerebellum leads to intentional tremors.
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI): Tremor resulting from TBI is recognised as post-traumatic tremor (PTT). A study in 2020 identified that PTT occurs due to injury to certain brain regions responsible for movement. These tremors are comparatively rare.
• Dystonia: Research from 2021 indicated a close relationship between dystonia and tremor. Tremors in individuals with dystonia can be either irregular and jerky, consistent and wave-like, or mixed varieties, with mixed types often impacting the hands.

How can you stop your hands from shaking? 

Here are some strategies individuals might consider to help reduce hand tremors. 

1. Lifestyle modifications: The following adjustments to one’s routine may assist in alleviating hand tremors in individuals with enhanced physiological tremor: 

• avoiding intense exercise 
• limiting alcohol consumption 
• steering clear of stimulants, like caffeine and amphetamines 

2. Addressing underlying issues: Hand tremors resulting from conditions such as hyperthyroidism or alcohol withdrawal commonly improve once the relevant condition is treated. 

3. Psychological methods: Individuals who suffer from tremors caused by anxiety or panic may find that practising relaxation techniques such as mindfulness and breathing exercises such as yoga is beneficial. 

4. Changing medications: If a person experiences tremors as a side effect of a medication, they should inform their doctor. The doctor could potentially adjust the dosage or prescribe an alternative medication. 

5. Physiotherapy: A physiotherapist can guide individuals through exercises aimed at enhancing: 

• muscle control, strength, and functionality 
• coordination 
• balance 

6. Occupational therapy: An occupational therapist can aid individuals dealing with tremors in maintaining their usual daily activities. 

What are some exercises for hand and wrist tremors?

Here are some simple hand and wrist exercises that may help mitigate hand tremors: 

1. Squeezing a stress ball for two to fifteen seconds, repeating this exercise around 15 times for each hand daily. 

2. Making slow, circular motions with the wrist at intervals throughout the day to prevent synovial fluid build-up, which can help alleviate tremors. 

3. Practicing relaxation methods such as meditation, and gentle yoga, and engaging in mindful tasks to reduce stress, thereby potentially lessening tremors. 

Hand tremor exercises for Parkinson's disease 

The following are some typical hand exercises for those with Parkinson's: 

1. Grasping a softball in the centre of your palm firmly for ten seconds and regularly repeat the action. 

2. Clenching and unclenching the fist multiple times at various intervals throughout the day. 

3. Tapping the index finger with the thumb at consistent intervals during the day. 

4. Bending the fingers down trying to touch the base of the palm. 

Physiotherapy for hand tremors 

Physiotherapy can aid in reducing tremor intensity. Proper care and a guided exercise routine by trained physiotherapists can provide relief. Some exercises include: 

1. Shoulder shrugs 

This exercise enhances the interaction frequency between the brain and arms. It amplifies synaptic chain interaction, improving muscle movement to help diminish tremors. 

2. Bicep curls 

Guided bicep curls can help strengthen the muscles in the arm, contributing to greater stability of hand movements, and thereby reducing tremors. 

3. Hydrotherapy 

Hydrotherapy can serve as a beneficial approach for managing tremors, particularly for those with limited mobility. The buoyancy of water allows for gentle movements that can progressively improve over time. 

When to consult a medical professional 

Anyone who unexpectedly experiences tremors in their hands or elsewhere should consult a doctor for assessment. The doctor will need to eliminate more severe underlying issues, some of which may necessitate immediate medical attention. 

Individuals who already have tremors should reach out to a doctor if the tremors intensify or start to disrupt their daily activities.

Conclusion

It is natural for most people to feel a minor tremor in their hands or other body parts when moving or holding a posture. Stress or anxiety, caffeine usage, and a lack of sleep can all exacerbate the tremor. Severe or persistent tremors may be the result of an underlying medical problem or a pharmaceutical adverse effect. Anyone who develops tremors unexpectedly should contact their doctor as soon as possible to get a diagnosis. Regain control over your hand tremors by including targeted workouts in your daily routine to improve stability and quality of life. Seek tailored advice from our experienced professionals. Start taking practical steps with TruePal today to regain your independence!

FAQs

1. What deficit causes trembling hands?

Researchers discovered that a vitamin B-12 deficit in adolescents might produce hand tremors or shaky hands.

2. Should trembling hands cause concern?

A small tremor now and then is natural. A person should consult a medical expert, nevertheless, if their hand tremor gets worse over time or begins to interfere with their everyday tasks.

3. What are the signs of trembling hands?

Multiple sclerosis (MS), dystonia, or Parkinson's disease (PD) can all cause hand tremors. Additionally, they may happen after a traumatic brain injury or stroke. One of the most frequent causes of hand tremors, however, is essential tremors, which can happen in the absence of any additional neurological symptoms.

4. How do you cure tremors in physiotherapy?

In addition to resistance training, behavioural relaxation therapy has been demonstrated to reduce tremor severity. Behavioural relaxation entails guiding the patient through a ten-step process of relaxation. This is done because stress has been proven to worsen the intensity of tremors.

5. Can unsteady hands be fixed?

While there is no permanent treatment for shaky hands or tremors, they can be managed by hand and wrist exercises, medication, relaxation techniques, hydrotherapy, and lifestyle modifications.