Hand cramps are not uncommon. They can become more frequent with age or if your work involves constant movement of your hand and hand. Most cases of hand cramps can be easily dealt with at home, but in some cases, medical attention may be needed. Fortunately, seizures can be avoided!
Attention: the information in this article is for informational purposes only. Before using any methods, consult your doctor
Steps
Method 1 of 3: How to treat seizures at home
Step 1. Relax
Excessive brushwork is often the cause of seizures. Allow enough time for your hand to heal by giving up activities that often involve brushing or squeezing. If your hands are suddenly cramped, rest for a couple of minutes. If the cramp is very severe, try to minimize the movement of this hand for the next 1-2 days.
- Try to move your forearm less.
- If your condition does not improve, you should see your doctor.
Step 2. Stop doing what caused your arm to cramp
If the cramp is due to overexertion, then you are performing repetitive movements. Stop doing what you were doing (even for a short time) to relieve the cramp. Activities that can cause your hand to cramp include:
- letter;
- typing on the keyboard;
- playing a musical instrument;
- gardening;
- tennis;
- squeezing an object, such as a tool or phone;
- too much flexion of the hand;
- kneading fingers;
- lifting the elbow for a long time.
Step 3. Stretch your arm
Keep your hand straight and bring your fingers together. With your other hand, gently press down on your hand with your fingertips.
- Place your hand on a flat surface. Spread your fingers and apply a little pressure to the surface. Press for 30-60 seconds and then relax your hand.
- To stretch your hand, you can clench it into a fist. After 30-60 seconds, open your palm and spread your fingers.
Step 4. Massage your hand
Gently rub your hand in small circular motions. Pay special attention to muscles that are cramped or sore.
Apply massage oil to your brush if desired
Step 5. Apply a cold or warm compress to your hand
Both warmth and cold help relieve pain. Heat is best if you need to relieve cramps or relax tense muscles. Cold helps relieve swelling.
To protect your skin, place a piece of cloth between it and the compress
Step 6. If you are dehydrated, drink plenty of water
If you've been exercising, working in the heat, or taking drugs that act as diuretics, then dehydration is the likely cause of the seizures. Drink whenever you feel thirsty to stay hydrated.
Since electrolyte imbalances can lead to seizures, you should opt for sports drinks
Step 7. Take nutritional supplements if you are deficient in nutrients
Hand cramping can be caused by a lack of certain nutrients, such as sodium, calcium, magnesium, or potassium. In particular, this applies to people who exercise intensively, suffer from kidney disease, pregnant women, people with an eating disorder, or those undergoing treatment for various diseases such as cancer.
- Low vitamin B levels can also cause hand cramps.
- Be sure to check with your doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements, especially if you are already taking any medication. Your doctor will be able to advise on which supplement is best for you.
Method 2 of 3: Medical Assistance
Step 1. See your doctor if the cramp still persists after a couple of hours
The doctor will determine if the seizure is caused by an injury or ongoing illness. In addition, he will also give you treatment or advice on lifestyle changes that can help relieve your cramps.
Write down when the cramp is cramping your hand, as well as what it might have caused. You should also tell your doctor how long the pain lasts
Step 2. Get screened for rheumatoid arthritis symptoms if you experience chronic seizures
Rheumatoid arthritis can lead to frequent seizures, which can worsen over time. See your doctor if pain and swelling last for several weeks.
- Warming up and massaging can help relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, but you should still see your doctor and learn how to do them correctly so as not to aggravate the disease.
- If you are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, medications will be prescribed to treat it. In addition to NSAIDs, your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), or biological response modifiers to treat symptoms.
Step 3. Ask your doctor if you have carpal tunnel syndrome
In some cases, seizures can be caused by carpal tunnel syndrome. You may also experience tingling, numbness, and weakness in both arms and forearms. As a rule, pressure on the nerve leads to carpal tunnel syndrome.
The doctor can do a physical exam, as well as an x-ray and electromyogram to measure the electrical discharge inside the muscles
Step 4. Treat diabetes to prevent diabetic hand syndrome
If you have type 1 or 2 diabetes, then you are at risk for diabetic hand syndrome, which can make your hands cramp. Because of this disease, it is difficult for a person to move their fingers and bring them together. The best way to cure or prevent this condition is to bring your blood sugar back to normal and stretch your hands daily.
- Remember to do exercises to strengthen your arm muscles. To do this, you can do strength exercises or engage in sports that include working with a ball.
- Take your medications as directed by your doctor.
- Check with your dietitian to make sure you are eating the right diet.
Method 3 of 3: How to prevent seizures
Step 1. Strengthen the muscles of the arms and forearms
Do strength training 2-3 days a week. Hand strength is easily strengthened by squeezing a small ball, such as a stress ball. Squeeze the ball 10-15 times and then repeat with the other hand.
- Hand strength can also be strengthened by playing sports that involve throwing and catching the ball. Throw the ball with a friend, play basketball, or throw a tennis ball against the wall and catch it.
- You should also stretch your hand daily before and after work or hobby activities. Warm up more often if you are doing repetitive arm movements.
Step 2. Provide the body with water and nutrients
Eat a nutritious and balanced diet, getting enough calcium, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin B. Drink at least 8 glasses (2 liters) of water per day. If you exercise a lot or work in extreme heat, increase the amount of fluids you drink.
With your doctor's approval, start taking nutritional supplements to increase your nutrient intake
Step 3. Make sure the items fit your hand
Squeezing objects that are too large or too small for your hand can cause discomfort and cramping. While most people have nothing to worry about, people with large or small hands should test their grip on objects they often use. Make sure that tools, cutlery, work equipment, hobby and household items are the right size for your hand.
Step 4. Use a comfortable computer mouse
If you spend a lot of time at the computer, it means that working with the computer mouse may affect the cramp. Fortunately, there are many different computer mice available for sale, so you can easily find the right mouse for your hand. Make sure the mouse wheel can be moved with minimal effort.