Hand or foot spasms

Alternative names:

carpopedal spasm; foot spasms; spasms of the hands or feet

Definition:

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 and painful.

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 convulsions

• hyperventilation (calcium becomes temporarily unavailable to the body during hyperventilation)

Note: There may be other causes of hand or foot spasms. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for hand or foot spasms, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.