Finger twitching is often a harmless symptom caused by stress, anxiety, or muscle strain. But sometimes, it can point to a serious nerve condition or movement disorder.

Finger twitching and muscle spasms may also be more prevalent now than ever because texting and gaming are such popular activities.

Read on to learn about the possible causes.

Finger twitching is a symptom spurred by a number of possibly factors or disorders. Common factors that may trigger involuntary finger spasms or twitching include:

  • Muscle fatigue. Overuse and muscle strain are common factors that may trigger finger twitching. If you work predominantly with your hands, type on a keyboard daily, play a lot of video games, or even spend time texting, you may experience muscle fatigue that can result in finger twitching.
  • Vitamin deficiency. Lack of some nutrients can affect how your muscles and nerves function. If you’re low in potassium, vitamin B, or calcium, you may experience finger and hand twitching.
  • Dehydration. Your body needs to remain properly hydrated to maintain optimum health. Water intake ensures your nerves respond correctly and that you maintain a normal balance of electrolytes. This can be a factor in preventing finger twitching and muscle spasms.
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome. This condition causes tingling, numbness, and muscle spasms in your fingers and hands. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when pressure is applied to the median nerve at the wrist.
  • Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects your movement. While tremors are common, this disease can also cause bodily stiffness, writing disabilities, and speech changes.
  • Lou Gehrig’s disease. Also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Lou Gehrig’s disease is a nervous disorder that destroys your nerve cells. While muscle twitching is one of the first signs, it can progress to weakness and full disability. There is no cure for this disease.
  • Hypoparathyroidism. This uncommon condition causes your body to secrete unusually low levels of the parathyroid hormone. This hormone is essential in maintaining your body’s balance of calcium and phosphorous. If diagnosed with hypoparathyroidism, you may experience muscle aches, twitching, and weakness, among other symptoms.
  • Tourette syndrome. Tourette is a tic disorder characterized by involuntary repetitive movements and vocalizations. Some of the common tics include twitching, grimacing, sniffing, and shoulder shrugging.

Finger twitching often resolves on its own. However, if your symptoms become persistent, it’s best to schedule a visit with your doctor to discuss a potential treatment plan.

Treatment ultimately depends on the underlying cause. Common treatment options include:

  • prescribed medication
  • physical therapy
  • psychotherapy
  • splinting or bracing
  • steroid or botox injections
  • deep brain stimulation
  • surgery

Finger twitching isn’t a life-threatening symptom, but it may be an indication of a more serious medical condition. Don’t self-diagnose.

If you begin to experience prolonged finger twitching accompanied by other irregular symptoms, schedule a visit with your doctor.

Early detection and a proper diagnosis will ensure that you receive the best treatment to improve your symptoms.