AllRefer Health - Hand or Foot Spasms (Carpopedal Spasm, Foot Spasms, Spasms of the Hands or Feet)

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You are here : AllRefer.com > Health > Medical Symptoms Guide > Hand or Foot Spasms

Hand or Foot Spasms


•	Definition
•	Overview & Considerations
•	Common Causes
•	Home Care & Treatment
•	Call your Health Care Provider if
•	What to Expect at your Health Care Provider's Office
•	Pictures & Images
•	Go To Main Page

Alternate Names : Carpopedal Spasm, Foot Spasms, Spasms of the Hands or Feet

Definition

Spasms are contractions of the hands, thumbs, feet, or toes that are sometimes seen with muscle cramps, twitching, and convulsions (tetany). They can be severe and painful.

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Muscular Atrophy

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Overview & Considerations

Spasms of the hands or feet may be 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 the following:

Lack of vitamin D
Lessened function of the parathyroid glands (hypoparathyroidism)
Alkalosis in the body
Ingestion of alkaline salts

These spasms are usually accompanied by the following symptoms:

Numbness
Tingling or a "pins-and-needles" feeling
Muscle weakness
Fatigue
Cramping
Twitching
Uncontrolled, purposeless, rapid motions

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• Definition
• Hand or Foot Spasms: Overview & Considerations
• Hand or Foot Spasms: Common Causes
• Hand or Foot Spasms: Home Care & Treatment
• Call your Health Care Provider if
• What to Expect at your Health Care Provider's Office
• Pictures & Images

Review Date : 11/14/2002
Reviewed By : Elaine T. Kiriakopoulos, M.D., M.Sc., Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard University, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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