Twitching is common and often has no cause for concern. That being said, there is a chance that twitching may be an indication of a more serious disease or condition.
Involuntary muscle spasms or myoclonic twitching can happen at any time and occur anywhere in the body, including the hands. Though these spasms often occur for only a few moments, it’s not unusual for them to last minutes to hours.
Along with uncontrollable movements, hand twitching may also be accompanied by symptoms such as:
- pain
- burning or tingling in the fingers
- numbness
- shaking
1. Caffeine
Too much caffeine can cause bodily twitching, including in the hands. Caffeine contains stimulants that can cause muscle contractions.
If you notice your hands begin to twitch after having your morning coffee or drinking an energy drink, consider switching to a decaffeinated beverage.
2. Dehydration
Dehydration affects muscle function. Not drinking enough water can cause your muscles to cramp and can also cause your muscles to spasm and contract involuntarily. If dehydrated, you may also experience:
3. Muscle cramps
Muscle cramps are often caused by overexertion and strenuous activity. This can cause your muscles to tighten or contract, resulting in twitching and sometimes pain. Though they can affect any part of the body, muscle cramps are common in your:
- hands
- hamstrings
- quadriceps
- calves
- feet
- Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it passes into your hand. It can be triggered by a number of factors, including:
- use of repetitive hand motion
- pregnancy
- heredity
- diabetes
- rheumatoid arthritis
4. Carpal tunnel syndrome
Other than hand twitching, you may also experience symptoms including:
- numbness or tingling in the hand or fingers
- pain
- shooting pain traveling up your forearm
- weakness
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome will worsen over time without proper treatment. If diagnosed early, doctors will often recommend nonsurgical options such as using a hand brace or taking medication. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
5. Dystonia
Dystonia is a condition that causes repetitive and involuntary muscle contractions. It can affect the entire body or just one part, such as the hands. The spasms can range from mild to severe. They may cause complications including:
- pain
- fatigue
- difficulty swallowing
- difficulty speaking
- physical disabilities
- functional blindness
There is no cure for dystonia, but medical treatment and prescription drugs can improve symptoms and quality of life.
6. Huntington’s disease
Huntington’s disease causes progressive nerve cell degeneration in your brain. As a result, it may cause movement and cognitive disorders. Symptoms vary from one person to the next, but some of the more common symptoms include:
- muscle contractions
- involuntary jerking or twitching
- poor balance
- difficulty speaking
- limited flexibility
- uncontrollable outbursts
- learning disabilities
There is no known cure for Huntington’s disease. However, prescribed medical treatment and therapy can help to improve quality of life while movement disorder symptoms are treated.
If your twitching worsens, rule out serious medical issues by seeking immediate medical attention. This is especially important if your twitching is accompanied by other symptoms such as:
- hand weakness
- numbness or loss of feeling
- persistent pain
- swelling
- twitching spreading to your arms
Hand twitching is relatively common and often resolves without medical treatment. However, incessant twitching and pain may be an indication of a more serious issue.
If you begin to notice worsening symptoms, schedule a visit to your doctor to discuss a diagnosis as well as to ensure you receive the best treatment options, if needed.